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.
I've read a couple of articles in the last few weeks which say that Pfiezer (they were veterinary papers) recommends a minimum 5 days gap between the use of different NSAIDs with the exception of Aspirin which is 10-14 days. Does this apply to all methods of administration? :?
I've read a couple of articles in the last few weeks which say that Pfiezer (they were veterinary papers) recommends a minimum 5 days gap between the use of different NSAIDs with the exception of Aspirin which is 10-14 days. Does this apply to all methods of administration? :?
Norocarp is carprofen (same as rimadyl) and is a very similar category of drug as metacam. Metacam tends to be the preferred choice for bunnies as it is available in an oral, reasonably palatable form, whereas norocarp is only available as injectable and most owners do prefer oral meds. There is no evidence in rabbits suggesting any difference in side effects as far as I know but would be very interested if anyone has any links. When I used to do cat/dog work I did notice that some arthritic dogs would not improve on a particular NSAID but change the NSAID to another in the same group, but different active ingredient it can have dramatic improvement. There may be similar variation in individual rabbits, but again no data I wouldn't change the drug used without a 7-10day break due to the potential for more severe side effects if two different NSAIDs are present in the system at one time. This does apply whether it is given orally or injected.
I prefer to use any NSAID with ranitidine (Zantac) especially if used for more than 4-5 days or there are any GI problems to start with as ranitidine has a protective effect on the stomach lining. Any non-steroidal will decrease the bicarbonate and mucus protection, particularly if there is reduced motility/intake and can increase the chances of gastric ulceration. Ranitidine also enhances gut motility so is very useful in any sick bun. It can be given orally or injected. He could be switched to all injectable meds but there still remains the problem of supportive feeding if he isn't eating well, sadly there is no way to bypass syringe feeding as yet! Is there anyone who can help you? I find with awkward rabbits the least stressful way for all involved is to have a designated holder who wraps them up in a towel to prevent wriggling and firmly holds the back legs and body while the other person holds the head and gives the medication.
metacam injection is a very commonly used formulation and I'm surprised they don't use it at all. If you would like to try injectable metacam if concerned that the oral form is either not being given successfully or worried about motility/absorption then you could ask for a prescription to get the injectable form from a registered pharmacist or another vet practice.
It would be worth having his teeth rechecked, preferably with Xrays done as they seem to be causing him discomfort. Even if he needs regular dental work under anaesthetic to keep it in check this may be preferable to trying to control the secondary signs on a daily basis when he gets so stressed out.
There is no evidence in rabbits suggesting any difference in side effects as far as I know but would be very interested if anyone has any links.