Dew claws and arthritis

Saffron, our Flemish Giant, is about 4-5 years old. She lives with a very active younger Conti Giant. Recently she has been less active but otherwise fine. At the weekend she started limping quite badly but we couldn't find anything wrong with the affected leg or paw - front left. We gave her some metacam until she could see Iain Cope yesterday and today she had an x ray of both front legs. It seems as if she has a problem with her dew claws - probably arthritic changes. She is on rest and metacam for a week plus an opiate then will be reviewed.

Has anyone else any experience of this? She has not shown any other signs of arthritis though as a big rabbit it is always a risk especially as she gets older.

elizabethH said:

Saffron, our Flemish Giant, is about 4-5 years old. She lives with a very active younger Conti Giant. Recently she has been less active but otherwise fine. At the weekend she started limping quite badly but we couldn't find anything wrong with the affected leg or paw - front left. We gave her some metacam until she could see Iain Cope yesterday and today she had an x ray of both front legs. It seems as if she has a problem with her dew claws - probably arthritic changes. She is on rest and metacam for a week plus an opiate then will be reviewed.

Has anyone else any experience of this? She has not shown any other signs of arthritis though as a big rabbit it is always a risk especially as she gets older.

Click to expand...

Yes, I have had a few Rabbits who have had arthritis which effected their toes. The first sign was that they showed extreme reaction to having their toe nails clipped. Their condition was managed with longterm use of Meloxicam, the dose being titrated up/down according to need. A few went on to develop other arthritic conditions (spine/hips) and in some cases Tramadol, Acupuncture and massage were added to their treatment protocol. One Doe, a Frenchie, developed an infected arthritis in two toes on her front foot which lead to her having to have them amputated. She came through the op' well and coped OK without the diseased toes. Her name was Victoria Meldrew

Thank you Jane. When we looked at the xrays with the vet (not Iain though he had ordered them but wasn't there when we went back yesterday) it seemed to be mainly the carpal area with some degeneration but then specifically affecting the top of the dew claw rather than the toes themselves. I wouldn't say there has been a problem with toe nail cutting though generally Saffron is quite nervous and hates being picked up. The opiate is Burrenorphine (temgesic) to be crushed then added to water and put in her mouth but not to swallow if possible.
We reluctantly decided to separate her from Rafael as he was upsetting her by leaping around and wanting to chase her. Will have to see how that goes but she seems quite settled this morning and is eating, drinking and pooing OK.

Jack's-Jane said:

Yes, I have had a few Rabbits who have had arthritis which effected their toes. The first sign was that they showed extreme reaction to having their toe nails clipped. Their condition was managed with longterm use of Meloxicam, the dose being titrated up/down according to need. A few went on to develop other arthritic conditions (spine/hips) and in some cases Tramadol, Acupuncture and massage were added to their treatment protocol. One Doe, a Frenchie, developed an infected arthritis in two toes on her front foot which lead to her having to have them amputated. She came through the op' well and coped OK without the diseased toes. Her name was Victoria Meldrew

Click to expand...

Also meant to say Jane- what a lovely photo. We have had many French Lops over the years from various rescues - white, black, butterfly's of various combinations, grey, lilac, fawn - but only one very handsome agouti male. We do though have an agouti German Lop (Raggy), an agouti Flemish Giant (Saffron) and an agouti Flemish Cross (Oacar) at the momemt so agoutis are in!

elizabethH said:

Also meant to say Jane- what a lovely photo. We have had many French Lops over the years from various rescues - white, black, butterfly's of various combinations, grey, lilac, fawn - but only one very handsome agouti male. We do though have an agouti German Lop (Raggy), an agouti Flemish Giant (Saffron) and an agouti Flemish Cross (Oacar) at the momemt so agoutis are in!

Click to expand...

I love Agoutis