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Metacam/Tramadol/Steroid Jaw Arthritis and Liver damage

G

GrunBunMum

Warren Scout
Florrie (11 year old) has been for a blood test and dental today and we have been told she has liver damage. She's had blood test before and it has shown up liver issues but nothing to be too concerned about.

She's been on metacam for jaw arthritis for 3 years and we were in the process of putting her on tramadol alongside as she seems to be struggling with the pain recently.

Our vet wants to take her off the metacam because of the effect it could be having on her liver and put her on steroid injections instead along side tramadol.
Everywhere I read steroid injections do not sound good at all and can also effect the liver?
I'm confused with why too. Is the steroid injection to help the liver and tramadol for pain?

I really want what is best for my old girl and do not want her in pain, any idea's?
 
Poor Florrie :cry: sending lots of vibes for her. I don’t have any experience of this so I can’t advise. is your vet rabbit savvy? Hopefully someone will be able to offer some advice to you.
 
I too am rather confused about the suggestion of using a corticosteroid. As you have noted, corticosteroids can cause liver damage. But I am not a Vet so I am not qualified to offer any useful advice other than to seek a second opinion or to have a more in depth discussion with your current Vet as to why he/she feels that it is appropriate to use a corticosteroid instead of Metacam.

Also, if Tramadol is given to a Rabbit (or human) with Liver disease then the dose needs to be much lower than may otherwise be prescribed.

I think what analgesia may be safest and at what dose would depend on the exact nature of the liver damage. I believe it is a lot more complicated if the liver is cirrhotic (scared from longterm damage)

Sorry not to be of much help, I hope that Florrie can remain as comfortable as possible x
 
GrunBunMum said:
Florrie (11 year old) has been for a blood test and dental today and we have been told she has liver damage. She's had blood test before and it has shown up liver issues but nothing to be too concerned about.

She's been on metacam for jaw arthritis for 3 years and we were in the process of putting her on tramadol alongside as she seems to be struggling with the pain recently.

Our vet wants to take her off the metacam because of the effect it could be having on her liver and put her on steroid injections instead along side tramadol.
Everywhere I read steroid injections do not sound good at all and can also effect the liver?
I'm confused with why too. Is the steroid injection to help the liver and tramadol for pain?

I really want what is best for my old girl and do not want her in pain, any idea's?
Click to expand...


I'm sorry to hear about your lovely Florrie - but what a great age to get to!

When I had this situation, I was told that Tramadol would also be indicated in liver damage. It's a balancing act between controlling the pain and also trying not to affect any organs.

You could ask your vet to consider putting her on some Milk Thistle, which is a proven liver support and regenerator, and you might also think about a second opinion of those blood tests and the pain relief?

I hope you can find a way forward for Florrie x
 
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