• Forum/Server Upgrade If you are reading this you have made it to the upgraded forum. Posts made on the old forum after 26th October 2023 have not been transfered. Everything else should be here. If you find any issues please let us know.
  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

    You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.

    We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.

    Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.

George the conti's spinal problems

Kavanne

Mama Doe
So, George had his X-rays today. He has a deformed 5th lumbar vertebra which is the cause of his problems. At the moment this just means he is a bit lumpy getting around and very heavy on his back feet. He doesn't move in the smooth way a healthy rabbit would.

Vet has presented two options. 1) long term pain relief (metacam), I would also consider trying acupuncture for him if I can find someone willing to work on him.

2) referral to specialist now for further investigation. It is very unlikely that a surgical option will be available and I am unsure as to what a specialist could do for him?

The only certain thing now is that George and sapphire will be becoming house bunnies as the summer draws to a close.

As he ages he will become more dependent on humans for care and cleaning. But that's not to say we cannot give him a good quality of life for as long as he wants it.

I'd really appreciate advice from anyone who wants to stick their oar in.
 
Do they know the reason for the deformity? My Daisy has spondylosis affecting two of her vertebrae, it is causing them to fuse. She is on daily metacam and monthly Cartrophen injections. The cartrophen helps with joint health and protects the cartilage.
 
Do they know the reason for the deformity? My Daisy has spondylosis affecting two of her vertebrae, it is causing them to fuse. She is on daily metacam and monthly Cartrophen injections. The cartrophen helps with joint health and protects the cartilage.

I've heard cartrophen mentioned before. Does your normal vet administer it or did you have to go via a specialist referral?

It is likely a birth defect because as far as we know he's never had an accident, certainly not recently.
 
I've heard cartrophen mentioned before. Does your normal vet administer it or did you have to go via a specialist referral?

It is likely a birth defect because as far as we know he's never had an accident, certainly not recently.

My normal vet gives it. Daisy goes once a month for a check up and her injection. The initial course was once a week for 4 weeks and then monthly thereafter.
 
My normal vet gives it. Daisy goes once a month for a check up and her injection. The initial course was once a week for 4 weeks and then monthly thereafter.

Thank you so much for your reply, tracy. I think I will talk to the vet about that tomorrow. I said I'd call once I'd decided whether I wanted the referral or not.

Also I need to ask what they charge for a 100ml bottle of metacam to see if it will be cheaper to get the prescription from them (£14) and then buy online
 
Back
Top