Arthritis in senior rabbit

[Lulu-Bobby]

My rabbit Lulu was diiagnosed with arthritis in january. She is a senior bunny but we are not too sure how old she truly is as she is a rescue. There was some general weakness in her back legs that we noticed over christmas but it didn't seem to be impacting her quality of life too much, and giving her her anti-inflammatory really helped. In the last week though, her legs seem to have become a lot weaker and more wobbly and she has a harder time getting about. We're taking her back to the vet this week but I was wondering what else at home we could do in conjucntion with medical treatment. (she still seems to be happy, eating and keeping herself clean, happy to see people when they come in, and excited about food. At this stage her quality of life is still reasonably good, and she is still able to enjoy the things she's always enjoyed the most; cuddling with Bobby, our other rabbit, eating and being stroked)



I have already moved everything a lot closer to where she spends most of her time, so that she doesn't have to move far for hay, water, litter e.c.t. Her litter box is also now low profile so she doesn't need to jump to get in and out of it. I have also been brushing her more regularly as she can find it hard to reach some areas on her back.



I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how i could do more to help her. I have seen some stuff on red light therapy and cold laser therapy? Does anyone have any experience with any of these? are they at all effective?



Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!!

 

[InspectorMorse]

I recently had to say farewell to my elderly Rabbit Endeavour who had severe arthritis. As well as conventional medication he did benefit from Laser Therapy. Not only did it seem to give him some relief from pain it also relaxed him and helped him psychologically. He would sit gazing out of the window or fall asleep during his treatments.

So whilst I have now had to let him go I do believe that LaservTherapy can be beneficial. I have a serious degenerative spinal condition myself. I use the Laser Therapy too.

Some arthritic Rabbits benefit from Acupuncture. But not all Rabbits will tolerate it, Endeavour didn’t.

He did enjoy massage though

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/massage.html


There are some tips about how to support arthritic Rabbits here

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/arthritis.html

https://azeah.com/rabbits/osteoarthritis-and-senior-rabbit-care


https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/arthritis-in-rabbits/

 

[bunny momma]

All I can add are positive vibes for your Lulu.

 

[a reader of books]

Aw, it sounds like Lulu is still really enjoying life even with the worsening wobbliness, and it sounds like you're taking really good care of her. My Sophie has cold laser therapy at the vets for her arthritis and it really helps her. There are also supplements with glucosamine that can help. Oxbow Joint Support, for example. It really helps some bunnies. It's also important that she keeps moving, as much as she can with her weakness. If she doesn't move much, her muscles will get weaker and the arthritis will be harder to deal with for her, so try to encourage some gentle movement if that's possible. Let's see, what else... Oh, I recently got Sophie a memory foam bed that she really loves. It offers a lot of support and a nice warm place to lie down, so it's good for arthritic bunnies. A lot of arthritic bunnies like to stay warm, too, so she might enjoy an Snugglesafe or a heat pad.

I hope the vet can help Lulu be more comfortable when you have your appointment. Sending her lots of vibes.

 

[joey&boo]

LuLu is lucky to have you. great advice already received so i'll just send well wishes for her, i hope some of the above helps

 

[olices]

Aww, bless her. No advice but following as our Daisy is exactly the same with her back legs, anti inflamatries seem to be really helping and keeping the house nice and warm seems to help too. She is 12 in a few months