Arthritis update/Other health issues

[MoonHare]

Little guy on Metacam and Gabapentin now, as well as Milk Thistle for liver. Had check up today and he’s lost quite a bit of weight this month, so waiting for results of blood tests to know whether that’s “just” muscle loss or something else. He’s happy in himself, if a little unstable, and eating well. Blood results probably next week now; will update when I hear. It’s hard seeing them getting old, but hopefully can help him age gracefully.

 

[Omi]

Thanks for updating. I hope that the weight loss is just muscle wastage and also that the blood test results show no concerns. Do you think the Metacam and Gabapentin are helping with his mobility?

Yes, helping them to age gracefully is a very good aim.

 

[bunny momma]

Sending vibes for your happy little guy. May he remain comfortable and happy for a long time

 

[MoonHare]

Thanks both

Yes, Metacam and Gabapentin definitely helping - he was just on Metacam but we added Gabapentin a while ago. It's hard seeing him slowing down but he seems well in himself and yes, just want to keep him comforable.

Paws crossed for blood results on Monday.

 

[MoonHare]

Bloods show liver and kidney issues, plus he’s anaemic. Booked in for ultrasound on Thursday. I’ve been weighing him every day since we came back and it’s not dropped further which is good at least.

 

[Zigzag]

Hi my bunny had similar issues- he’s on gabapentin, tralieve and metacam. He lost a load of weight, and had a few tests too. He’s got an ongoing respiratory issue

I’ve found Emeraid is useful for keeping weight up x

 

[InspectorMorse]

Bloods show liver and kidney issues, plus he’s anaemic. Booked in for ultrasound on Thursday. I’ve been weighing him every day since we came back and it’s not dropped further which is good at least.

I am sorry to hear that the blood test results are worrying. I hope the U/S sheds some light on what the problem is. Did the Vet advise stopping Metacam or reducing the dosage given the blood test results ? Metacam is very harsh on the Liver.

 

[Omi]

I'm sorry about the blood test results. Hopefully, the scan will identify what the problem is. Sending him vibes for Thursday.

 

[joey&boo]

I'm so sorry his blood results aren't good lots of vibes for him, I hope the vets goes well

 

[MoonHare]

Hi my bunny had similar issues- he’s on gabapentin, tralieve and metacam. He lost a load of weight, and had a few tests too. He’s got an ongoing respiratory issue

I’ve found Emeraid is useful for keeping weight up x

That's interesting, thank you. Hope your bunny is doing well.

I am sorry to hear that the blood test results are worrying. I hope the U/S sheds some light on what the problem is. Did the Vet advise stopping Metacam or reducing the dosage given the blood test results ? Metacam is very harsh on the Liver.

Thank you. No, she's not mentioned that. He's been on Milk Thistle long-term for quite a while, though, and had some liver issues even before starting Metacam. The Metacam definitely hugely helps his spinal pain/stiffness. As you say, hopefully the U/S can shed some light on what's going on in there. They're very rabbit-savvy vets so I know he's in good hands.


Thank you all for the vibes

 

[MoonHare]

Surprisingly, scan showed liver has not got worse. Bladder also good (no sludge returned), but mineralisation in one kidney. So, we add Fortekor to his daily meds and go back in a couple of weeks for a check up (if no change before). Definitely about ensuring a high quality of life now and he’s still eating very well which is good.

 

[joey&boo]

Surprisingly, scan showed liver has not got worse. Bladder also good (no sludge returned), but mineralisation in one kidney. So, we add Fortekor to his daily meds and go back in a couple of weeks for a check up (if no change before). Definitely about ensuring a high quality of life now and he’s still eating very well which is good.

I'm glad the scan didn't show anything worse & only one kidney calcified. Keep on eating well little man Do you forage for him?

 

[Omi]

Pleased that the scan results were not too bad. and it's great that he's still eating well. Hope that the Fortekor helps his kidney.

 

[MoonHare]

I'm glad the scan didn't show anything worse & only one kidney calcified. Keep on eating well little man Do you forage for him?

Thanks J&B No, don’t forage as he’s on a low calcium diet so not sure what he could have (suggestions welcome!)

Pleased that the scan results were not too bad. and it's great that he's still eating well. Hope that the Fortekor helps his kidney.

Thanks Omi

 

[joey&boo]

Thanks J&B No, don’t forage as he’s on a low calcium diet so not sure what he could have (suggestions welcome!)



Thanks Omi

When Frances Harcourt-Brown was our vet she told me in consult dandelions are high in calcium but most foraged plants you'd feed are balanced rather than low or high, Please run it by your vet though. I recently googled the reputed medicinal benefits of stuff I forage and put into categories. This is only stuff I regularly get, I know Milk thistle is good and you've already got him on that. Check out eatweeds.co.uk I'd be inclined to try and get some herb robert, ash leaves, sticky bud / cleavers and hawthorn

 

[bunny momma]

Wonderful news!
I recall reading fresh greens that have some calcium are not as much of a concern as dried forage because the water content will help to flush the calcium from the body.
Others may be able to quote the source, perhaps FHB?

 

[InspectorMorse]

Hope the Fortekor helps his renal function. I have had numerous Rabbits who have been prescribed it

 

[MoonHare]

When Frances Harcourt-Brown was our vet she told me in consult dandelions are high in calcium but most foraged plants you'd feed are balanced rather than low or high, Please run it by your vet though. I recently googled the reputed medicinal benefits of stuff I forage and put into categories. This is only stuff I regularly get, I know Milk thistle is good and you've already got him on that. Check out eatweeds.co.uk I'd be inclined to try and get some herb robert, ash leaves, sticky bud / cleavers and hawthorn

Thanks J&B Will see what vet says at next appt.

Wonderful news!
I recall reading fresh greens that have some calcium are not as much of a concern as dried forage because the water content will help to flush the calcium from the body.
Others may be able to quote the source, perhaps FHB?

Thank you bunny momma! Will look into it.

...and thanks IM; only seem to be able to quote two people. Amazed he likes the taste of Fortekor as it doesn't smell very nice!