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  • 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.

advice please.. U/D 10/12 :(

binkyCodie

binkyCodie

Mama Doe
I feel a bit guilty for leaving at months at a time and only coming back in to ask questions...

long story short, Luna's mobility isn't so great. she can still move, groom etc and so far no toileting issues. however, she is not as active as usual. she doesn't come out immediately, hesitant walking down the stairs, her treat ball (filled with her daily pellet) is completely ignored, no zoomies, no binkies, no jumping on the bed. she's been extremely over affectionate too. this has slowly been getting worse over the past month.

I took her to the vets on the 25th, the vet gave Luna a check over and her left hind leg is extremely sore, along with her lower spine being painful. she got very upset at having her leg stretched out or touched. the vet did some acupuncture, and prescribed 0.8ml metacam once a day. we have another appointment on the 8th December.

when the metacam wears off Luna reverts back to how she was. I was maybe hoping for a little bit of improvement by now overall, as we were all hoping it was a few pulled muscles. instead she is only her happy self when the metacam is in her system.

its very hard to diagnose what is going on, it could be hundreds of things. the next step would be x-rays.... that's £200 :(

we also think that her pelvis, hips or legs are a bit wonky as her feet turn out. so this could also cause issues with pain or early arthritis.

I'm not really sure what to do. I can just about scrape together enough to pay for the x-rays. there's obviously something going on down there.. and it would be nice to know to prepare for the future or start treatment now. but I'm also worried about spending £200 and then finding nothing. if she hasn't improved very much or none at all the vet said we would need x-rays to help diagnose.

also, is there anything I could possibly do to help her be a bit more comfortable?

I just want to know...what would you do in my situation?

feeling a bit stuck and stressed :cry:

(Luna is a 2.9 year old spayed Rex)
 
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binkyCodie said:
I feel a bit guilty for leaving at months at a time and only coming back in to ask questions...

long story short, Luna's mobility isn't so great. she can still move, groom etc and so far no toileting issues. however, she is not as active as usual. she doesn't come out immediately, hesitant walking down the stairs, her treat ball (filled with her daily pellet) is completely ignored, no zoomies, no binkies, no jumping on the bed. she's been extremely over affectionate too. this has slowly been getting worse over the past month.

I took her to the vets on the 25th, the vet gave Luna a check over and her left hind leg is extremely sore, along with her lower spine being painful. she got very upset at having her leg stretched out or touched. the vet did some acupuncture, and prescribed 0.8ml metacam once a day. we have another appointment on the 8th December.

when the metacam wears off Luna reverts back to how she was. I was maybe hoping for a little bit of improvement by now overall, as we were all hoping it was a few pulled muscles. instead she is only her happy self when the metacam is in her system.

its very hard to diagnose what is going on, it could be hundreds of things. the next step would be x-rays.... that's £200 :(

we also think that her pelvis, hips or legs are a bit wonky as her feet turn out. so this could also cause issues with pain or early arthritis.

I'm not really sure what to do. I can just about scrape together enough to pay for the x-rays. there's obviously something going on down there.. and it would be nice to know to prepare for the future or start treatment now. but I'm also worried about spending £200 and then finding nothing. if she hasn't improved very much or none at all the vet said we would need x-rays to help diagnose.

also, is there anything I could possibly do to help her be a bit more comfortable?

I just want to know...what would you do in my situation?

feeling a bit stuck and stressed :cry:

(Luna is a 2.9 year old spayed Rex)
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Poor Luna :cry:

I expect her hocks are very sore too as a result of what sounds to be severe arthritis ? Is there any signs of active infection at the moment ?

It may be that the dose of Metacam she is on is not high enough and in Rabbits it has been found that giving 12 hourly doses rather than one daily dose can be more beneficial. Rabbits excrete the active ingredient in Metacam (Meloxicam) much more quickly than other species. So the analgesic benefits may wear off significantly in much less time than 24 hours.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16521861

Many Specialist Vets are now prescribing doses of 0.6mg/kg every 12 hours in certain situations. Please note that it is essential that you consult your Vet before changing the dose/frequency of Luna's medication.

Ongoing Acupuncture can be useful if this were to be something you could afford. My Vet offers both Acupuncture and Cold Laser Therapy

https://www.twickenhamvets.com/acupuncture/

https://www.twickenhamvets.com/laser-therapy-amazing/

There are also other types of analgesia which may help pain control, eg Tramadol. Perhaps your Vet could have some telephone Contact with an Exotics Specialist about Luna's condition and what options there may be for her when there are understandable financial constraints to consider ?

Physiotherapy could help Luna retain some muscle mass and this would help her mobility a bit

http://www.helpinghandsvetphysio.co.uk/rabbits/

A few more links related to arthritis, for information :

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Bone_diseases/Osteo/arthritis.htm

http://www.medirabbit.com/Safe_medication/Neurolpetic/gabapent_effects.pdf

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/rabbit-arthritis/

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

http://www.goddardvetgroup.co.uk/pet-factsheets/Factsheets/Otherpets/24_290501.shtml

I hope that there will be something more that the Vet can do to help Luna feel more comfortable x
 
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thankfully, her sore hocks are actually almost completely healed now - the fur hasn't 100% grown back but that was expected. the vet didn't think they were going to grow back at all and instead she'd have little bald bunny feet. but the two week antibiotic and metacam course seemed to "fix" that issue.........for now..... that is another concern that with this now playing out, her sore hocks are going to return and there isn't going to be much I can do.

I did wonder if it was arthritis. there are so many possibilities though and she seems so young in a respect. I'd just like to find out what it is. if it is arthritis I can prepare for the future with litter trays and caging etc. right now its just so many question marks with no answers. its all so unknown.

I personally think that the metacam is wearing off like you said. I have heard of having two doses, or the dose being split in half so 0.4 in the morning and 0.4 in the evening. I have no idea if that will work.

I'll look into more frequent acupuncture if it would be of any help, it just depends on if my mom would be happy to drive me 20 miles (there and back) to the vets on a regular basis I'm guessing? it also depends on cost but it didn't seem to be that expensive this time around so as long as its not too much I could manage to do it.

I'll check out all of those links, thank you! you're always such a big help with information.

I'm waiting for the vets to call me back as both the rabbit savvy vets are in consult right now. so either the receptionist will call me back or one of the vets will to discuss. I hate phone calls and waiting for them..........
 
binkyCodie said:
thankfully, her sore hocks are actually almost completely healed now - the fur hasn't 100% grown back but that was expected. the vet didn't think they were going to grow back at all and instead she'd have little bald bunny feet. but the two week antibiotic and metacam course seemed to "fix" that issue.........for now..... that is another concern that with this now playing out, her sore hocks are going to return and there isn't going to be much I can do.

I did wonder if it was arthritis. there are so many possibilities though and she seems so young in a respect. I'd just like to find out what it is. if it is arthritis I can prepare for the future with litter trays and caging etc. right now its just so many question marks with no answers. its all so unknown.

I personally think that the metacam is wearing off like you said. I have heard of having two doses, or the dose being split in half so 0.4 in the morning and 0.4 in the evening. I have no idea if that will work.

I'll look into more frequent acupuncture if it would be of any help, it just depends on if my mom would be happy to drive me 20 miles (there and back) to the vets on a regular basis I'm guessing? it also depends on cost but it didn't seem to be that expensive this time around so as long as its not too much I could manage to do it.

I'll check out all of those links, thank you! you're always such a big help with information.

I'm waiting for the vets to call me back as both the rabbit savvy vets are in consult right now. so either the receptionist will call me back or one of the vets will to discuss. I hate phone calls and waiting for them..........
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I dont know how much Luna weighs ? Metacam doses are calculated according to weight. So your Vet may agree to you both increasing the daily amount given and giving it in 2 12 hourly doses. It is often the case that the higher dosing is only needed for a short time. The doses given can be titrated downwards until a suitable maintenance dose is achieved.

Whilst Luna is young it is not impossible for arthritis to be an issue. I have a Rex who developed early onset arthritis at the age of 2.
 
binkyCodie said:
thankfully, her sore hocks are actually almost completely healed now - the fur hasn't 100% grown back but that was expected. the vet didn't think they were going to grow back at all and instead she'd have little bald bunny feet. but the two week antibiotic and metacam course seemed to "fix" that issue.........for now..... that is another concern that with this now playing out, her sore hocks are going to return and there isn't going to be much I can do.

I did wonder if it was arthritis. there are so many possibilities though and she seems so young in a respect. I'd just like to find out what it is. if it is arthritis I can prepare for the future with litter trays and caging etc. right now its just so many question marks with no answers. its all so unknown.

I personally think that the metacam is wearing off like you said. I have heard of having two doses, or the dose being split in half so 0.4 in the morning and 0.4 in the evening. I have no idea if that will work.

I'll look into more frequent acupuncture if it would be of any help, it just depends on if my mom would be happy to drive me 20 miles (there and back) to the vets on a regular basis I'm guessing? it also depends on cost but it didn't seem to be that expensive this time around so as long as its not too much I could manage to do it.

I'll check out all of those links, thank you! you're always such a big help with information.

I'm waiting for the vets to call me back as both the rabbit savvy vets are in consult right now. so either the receptionist will call me back or one of the vets will to discuss. I hate phone calls and waiting for them..........
Click to expand...


So sorry to hear about Luna. It must be worrying for you :(

I have found that in some cases Tramadol alongside Metacam works incredibly well. Both drugs are not without their side effects and that should be weighed up carefully by you and the vet. But wth careful management I found it can work wonders.

So glad to hear her hocks are healed up!

I've found acupuncture to be of benefit, and my vet uses cold laser therapy as well, which is good :)


https://www.twickenhamvets.com/laser-therapy-amazing/

But as you say, cost and the distance is something to factor in.

Good luck with Luna :)
 
Sorry to hear about Luna :(

My older rabbit Betty is similar in that she might over do it playing in the garden one day binkying and then she will go off food, have little interest and is quite grumpy. She can’t jump on the bed either but never had done since we adopted her. I asked our vet about the possibility of arthritis as she does seem more upbeat after metacam but he said he is happy with her atm to just keep an eye.

I have however found an Oxbow biscuit that you feed once a day for rabbits with sore joints. The reviews looked good on the websites I saw it on so I bought it. Betty doesn’t seem to like them atm but im happy to send you some if you like to see if Luna likes them? Otherwise have a look yourself if you’d rather. Not sure what people would say about them on here but a few of the reviews I read mentioned arthritis.
 
well that didn't go as hoped :(

the receptionist called me back and they are adamant that 0.8 once a day is fine, that splitting the dose wouldn't work and that it could take a week to work. the thing is, the issue is the medication wearing off too quickly. of an evening she goes back to being utterly miserable and it breaks my heart.

I spoke to a nurse, Jo Hinde. she's a trained rabbit nurse and is up to date on all the RWAF news and latest rabbit medicine. she really thinks Luna should be on a twice a day dose as they go through the metacam in 12 hours, which is what is causing the issue of an evening. she also did the math and basing on the current medicine, Luna should be having 0.5ml x2 a day. also if it was a muscle we should see improvement by now..

the vet we see isn't on the RWAF page either, the only person they have listed down is a vet nurse.

I've been advised to call them back tomorrow and ask to speak to the registered nurse.. whereas this was me to the receptionist, receptionist to vet, receptionist to me. so the urgency, issue, what was said could have been lost or bended. I hate phone calls and today was hard enough.

Luna weighs 2.6/7kg for interest.

I guess arthritis has no age then Jane.. I didn't expect it but I own a rabbit so I should expect anything! I just never thought a 3 year old would be this way I suppose.

MM - its very worrying :( I've had sleepless nights and a few breakdowns with all of this. its so stressful and I don't know what to do. I'll make sure to note down the medication you suggested. I guess I'm going to have to go forward with x-rays and all of that anyhow as something is clearly wrong.

I am also very happy they've healed up too. the pain of cleaning her every feet every day paid off lol.

sadly I didn't see any improvement from acupuncture, just her sleeping. but I guess I would maybe need a few more sessions to see anything along knowing what is really going on.

I'm sorry to hear about Betty, Sarah. I don't know if this is Luna overdoing it but its been a slowdown and suddenly got worse. I thought the slowdown was just it being cold and dark outside. I guess not. I hope she continues to stay on a steady beat however!

if you wouldn't mind, I would love a couple to try! I'd be happy to give you some money towards it if you'd like? I'll PM you the address in the morning as I'm tired and will probably mess up!!
 
binkyCodie said:
well that didn't go as hoped :(

the receptionist called me back and they are adamant that 0.8 once a day is fine, that splitting the dose wouldn't work and that it could take a week to work. the thing is, the issue is the medication wearing off too quickly. of an evening she goes back to being utterly miserable and it breaks my heart.

I spoke to a nurse, Jo Hinde. she's a trained rabbit nurse and is up to date on all the RWAF news and latest rabbit medicine. she really thinks Luna should be on a twice a day dose as they go through the metacam in 12 hours, which is what is causing the issue of an evening. she also did the math and basing on the current medicine, Luna should be having 0.5ml x2 a day. also if it was a muscle we should see improvement by now..

the vet we see isn't on the RWAF page either, the only person they have listed down is a vet nurse.

I've been advised to call them back tomorrow and ask to speak to the registered nurse.. whereas this was me to the receptionist, receptionist to vet, receptionist to me. so the urgency, issue, what was said could have been lost or bended. I hate phone calls and today was hard enough.

Luna weighs 2.6/7kg for interest.

I guess arthritis has no age then Jane.. I didn't expect it but I own a rabbit so I should expect anything! I just never thought a 3 year old would be this way I suppose.

MM - its very worrying :( I've had sleepless nights and a few breakdowns with all of this. its so stressful and I don't know what to do. I'll make sure to note down the medication you suggested. I guess I'm going to have to go forward with x-rays and all of that anyhow as something is clearly wrong.

I am also very happy they've healed up too. the pain of cleaning her every feet every day paid off lol.

sadly I didn't see any improvement from acupuncture, just her sleeping. but I guess I would maybe need a few more sessions to see anything along knowing what is really going on.

I'm sorry to hear about Betty, Sarah. I don't know if this is Luna overdoing it but its been a slowdown and suddenly got worse. I thought the slowdown was just it being cold and dark outside. I guess not. I hope she continues to stay on a steady beat however!

if you wouldn't mind, I would love a couple to try! I'd be happy to give you some money towards it if you'd like? I'll PM you the address in the morning as I'm tired and will probably mess up!!
Click to expand...



Can you get a vet to call you back? Then you can voice your concerns. I know all vets dish out Metacam differently, but Luna's dose seems to me a little on the low side. I also don't understand why it can't be given twice daily.

Has she been diagnosed with arthritis? Yes it's definitely unusual to have it that young!

I'm so sorry this is causing you stress. It would be good to have the support of a good vet behind you for all this ..
 
binkyCodie said:
well that didn't go as hoped :(

the receptionist called me back and they are adamant that 0.8 once a day is fine, that splitting the dose wouldn't work and that it could take a week to work. the thing is, the issue is the medication wearing off too quickly. of an evening she goes back to being utterly miserable and it breaks my heart.

I spoke to a nurse, Jo Hinde. she's a trained rabbit nurse and is up to date on all the RWAF news and latest rabbit medicine. she really thinks Luna should be on a twice a day dose as they go through the metacam in 12 hours, which is what is causing the issue of an evening. she also did the math and basing on the current medicine, Luna should be having 0.5ml x2 a day. also if it was a muscle we should see improvement by now..

the vet we see isn't on the RWAF page either, the only person they have listed down is a vet nurse.

I've been advised to call them back tomorrow and ask to speak to the registered nurse.. whereas this was me to the receptionist, receptionist to vet, receptionist to me. so the urgency, issue, what was said could have been lost or bended. I hate phone calls and today was hard enough.

Luna weighs 2.6/7kg for interest.

I guess arthritis has no age then Jane.. I didn't expect it but I own a rabbit so I should expect anything! I just never thought a 3 year old would be this way I suppose.

MM - its very worrying :( I've had sleepless nights and a few breakdowns with all of this. its so stressful and I don't know what to do. I'll make sure to note down the medication you suggested. I guess I'm going to have to go forward with x-rays and all of that anyhow as something is clearly wrong.

I am also very happy they've healed up too. the pain of cleaning her every feet every day paid off lol.

sadly I didn't see any improvement from acupuncture, just her sleeping. but I guess I would maybe need a few more sessions to see anything along knowing what is really going on.

I'm sorry to hear about Betty, Sarah. I don't know if this is Luna overdoing it but its been a slowdown and suddenly got worse. I thought the slowdown was just it being cold and dark outside. I guess not. I hope she continues to stay on a steady beat however!

if you wouldn't mind, I would love a couple to try! I'd be happy to give you some money towards it if you'd like? I'll PM you the address in the morning as I'm tired and will probably mess up!!
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How far is Maidstone from you ? Would it be possible to get to an excellent Specialist Vet located there, Mark Rowland at Trinity Vets

http://trinityvetcentre.com/

He is an Exotics Specialist and absolutely brilliant. A one off consultation with him may save you a lot of money in the long run. Also, Trinity's Fees are not extortionate. Mark will need to ask your Vet for Luna's records so if you were to make an appointment you'll need to be up front about the fact that you have already consulted another Vet and give their contact details to Trinity.

Does Jo know of any other Vet Practices near you who may be more Rabbit Savvy ?
 
I did manage to sleep some last night, thank you MM x woke up a few times in a panic, every time I do I check on Luna and she just stared at me like I was insane!

I'll try and call in a moment and ask the vet to call me back. either I'll ask to speak to my vet or the registered bunny nurse.

Luna hasn't yet been diagnosed with arthritis, but its what I think I am leaning too right now. a muscle would show improvement by now whereas Luna is very reliant on the metacam to feel better. she fits a lot of the ticks and I know she hasn't been diagnosed, but doing some research and maybe knowing what it is makes me a bit happier and calm at the moment.

I think they're still a good vet.. they do know what they're doing. but perhaps something is being lost in communicating since I only got to speak to the receptionist yesterday. I'm going to try today and I guess the response I get will determine how things go or my feelings about them..

sadly Jane, its way to far :( 35 miles roughly away from me.

there really isn't another vet close enough by.. the nearest one listed via the RWAF is 16 miles away, then the rest are in london so you're looking at 20+ miles. its all a bit frustrating. I'll see if I can find another if this all does fail but, I don't know if my mom would be happy with driving me further out.

Jo doesn't know of any others either since she relies on the RWAF to advise others for vets.

I guess we'll see how this goes..
 
I called them, and they told me that they can not give a double dose as there is not conclusive evidence that it is safe to advise.

I spoke to Jo again and she advised me to contact the RWAF as they should be referring to the latest BSAVA rabbit text book. that advises on that a double dose and the dose a rabbit should be given. a dose should be 0.3-0.6/kg of body weight. Luna should be receiving 0.5ml twice a day which would be safe. so that's what I've done.

I've booked Luna in for x-rays tomorrow. I'm already worrying about it. I'm worried that I'll go through this, pay £200, and find nothing. they might not need to sedate her if she'll sit in between sand bags. if she moves a little they'll give a tiny sedation (more like a sleepy drug) and if that doesn't work she'll require a full GA. that's terrifying as her body does not react well.

I just want this to go smoothly, I can't see to reliable vet.
 
Hope all goes well with the x-rays tomorrow. Hopefully she'll be a good girl and sit still - that would be so much better. But from what I've heard it's a very light type of sedation as you say so hopefully if she does need it it won't cause her too much trouble.
I completely understand where you're coming from about the cost, it can be a very difficult call to make, especially if you're on a low income or just can't afford it. But even if they find nothing it's not actually a waste as it means that you know for certain that there's nothing more worrying to find. So it's just as valuable as if they do find something. It will give you some peace of mind as you will hopefully have a better idea about what's going on with her and help you and your vet to decided if any other type of treatment is needed. So regardless of the find it will be valuable.
Poor little thing :( She looks like such a stunning girl. I've got a particular soft spot for rexes and love black rabbits anyway so I'm in love with her little face in your avatar :love:
 
binkyCodie said:
I called them, and they told me that they can not give a double dose as there is not conclusive evidence that it is safe to advise.

I spoke to Jo again and she advised me to contact the RWAF as they should be referring to the latest BSAVA rabbit text book. that advises on that a double dose and the dose a rabbit should be given. a dose should be 0.3-0.6/kg of body weight. Luna should be receiving 0.5ml twice a day which would be safe. so that's what I've done.

I've booked Luna in for x-rays tomorrow. I'm already worrying about it. I'm worried that I'll go through this, pay £200, and find nothing. they might not need to sedate her if she'll sit in between sand bags. if she moves a little they'll give a tiny sedation (more like a sleepy drug) and if that doesn't work she'll require a full GA. that's terrifying as her body does not react well.

I just want this to go smoothly, I can't see to reliable vet.
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I am sorry that you do not seem to be making much headway re the metacam dose. Will the Vet doing the Xray etc tomorrow be the most 'Rabbit Savvy' one or the one who seems to be unaware of the more recent information re Metacam doses ?
 
binkyCodie said:
I called them, and they told me that they can not give a double dose as there is not conclusive evidence that it is safe to advise.

I spoke to Jo again and she advised me to contact the RWAF as they should be referring to the latest BSAVA rabbit text book. that advises on that a double dose and the dose a rabbit should be given. a dose should be 0.3-0.6/kg of body weight. Luna should be receiving 0.5ml twice a day which would be safe. so that's what I've done.

I've booked Luna in for x-rays tomorrow. I'm already worrying about it. I'm worried that I'll go through this, pay £200, and find nothing. they might not need to sedate her if she'll sit in between sand bags. if she moves a little they'll give a tiny sedation (more like a sleepy drug) and if that doesn't work she'll require a full GA. that's terrifying as her body does not react well.

I just want this to go smoothly, I can't see to reliable vet.
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Metacam dosage is a contentious issue. Like with some other drugs, vets cannot agree always on a protocol going forward.

This doesn't help you though. I would ask about the Tramadol, which can be given at the same time, or replace the Metacam.

I will be thinking of you both. I do understand the reluctance to do a GA. I hope you have a very good vet who can 'pull her through' if anything untoward happens xx
 
thank you ILoveMyBunny, that helps a bit. I'm hoping she doesn't need a GA. I mean, shes in pain and doesn't move much already so maybe Luna will behave.

I guess true looking on the bright side of things, it would clear out any possibility of being a spine or leg issue. but then its back to square one of what is wrong - and I hate not having answers. its also a lot of money to not find the answer. don't get me wrong, I don't want her to be unwell, but I want the answers as to why.

she is a little beauty, I do love her. I love black and white animals so she fits perfectly!

Jane - tomorrow I believe it will be my vet and the one listed as the rabbit savvy one doing the procedure. the one listed as the rabbit savvy vet is actually only a nurse. so she'll be monitoring Luna and the vet taking the x-ray type of thing. the one good thing is that they won't let her go home until she has started eating, and as soon as its over, they will syringe feed her. I can tell you that didn't happen during her spay, I was left to hand feed her and they let her out without eating anything first - nor pooping.

I think they're perhaps just a bit behind on knowledge I suppose.

MM - it does really seem to be the case. but then if there some evidence and clearly a bunny is needing that kick in the afternoon, then I personally would give it a shot. I get that's not really how it works but I wish it did. I'll make sure to ask about tramadol tomorrow. could it be given 12 hours later when the metacam is wearing off? just a thought.

thank you, its much appreciated. I'll make sure to update tomorrow as soon as I know anything. have a feeling I won't get much sleep.

Luna is deteriorating too, so doing this now is really for the best. she's never fought her metacam when I've given her it, and she's not eating as much. her teeth are fine (checked last visit) so its a case of being in pain is throwing her off. her poops are getting smaller also, no longer are they big and round, they're smaller and some look like peas. there are also slowly but surely more poops outside of the litter tray too. she's still peeing there but not caring so much about pooping.

I gave her some critical care, and she didn't fight that either. I was expecting to burrito but she just sat on my lap and actually took "a hold" of the syringe when she realised what it was. that's not normal :( she was looking for more too but I don't want her stuffed up on critical care so I've left her and hope she'll eat some hay. I'll give some more in a few hours.

she's even more reluctant to come out. I'm having to pick her out and after she heads right for the cage. if I bring her down she just sits under the table, come out for some hay, back under the table.

I feel so sorry for her.
 
binkyCodie said:
thank you ILoveMyBunny, that helps a bit. I'm hoping she doesn't need a GA. I mean, shes in pain and doesn't move much already so maybe Luna will behave.

I guess true looking on the bright side of things, it would clear out any possibility of being a spine or leg issue. but then its back to square one of what is wrong - and I hate not having answers. its also a lot of money to not find the answer. don't get me wrong, I don't want her to be unwell, but I want the answers as to why.

she is a little beauty, I do love her. I love black and white animals so she fits perfectly!

Jane - tomorrow I believe it will be my vet and the one listed as the rabbit savvy one doing the procedure. the one listed as the rabbit savvy vet is actually only a nurse. so she'll be monitoring Luna and the vet taking the x-ray type of thing. the one good thing is that they won't let her go home until she has started eating, and as soon as its over, they will syringe feed her. I can tell you that didn't happen during her spay, I was left to hand feed her and they let her out without eating anything first - nor pooping.

I think they're perhaps just a bit behind on knowledge I suppose.

MM - it does really seem to be the case. but then if there some evidence and clearly a bunny is needing that kick in the afternoon, then I personally would give it a shot. I get that's not really how it works but I wish it did. I'll make sure to ask about tramadol tomorrow. could it be given 12 hours later when the metacam is wearing off? just a thought.

thank you, its much appreciated. I'll make sure to update tomorrow as soon as I know anything. have a feeling I won't get much sleep.

Luna is deteriorating too, so doing this now is really for the best. she's never fought her metacam when I've given her it, and she's not eating as much. her teeth are fine (checked last visit) so its a case of being in pain is throwing her off. her poops are getting smaller also, no longer are they big and round, they're smaller and some look like peas. there are also slowly but surely more poops outside of the litter tray too. she's still peeing there but not caring so much about pooping.

I gave her some critical care, and she didn't fight that either. I was expecting to burrito but she just sat on my lap and actually took "a hold" of the syringe when she realised what it was. that's not normal :( she was looking for more too but I don't want her stuffed up on critical care so I've left her and hope she'll eat some hay. I'll give some more in a few hours.

she's even more reluctant to come out. I'm having to pick her out and after she heads right for the cage. if I bring her down she just sits under the table, come out for some hay, back under the table.

I feel so sorry for her.
Click to expand...

Poor girl, I do hope that the procedure goes smoothly tomorrow and that the Xrays provide some answers.

Just a thought, but is Luna as 'flat' all the time or is it only when the Metacam dose has worn off ?

Re her reduced gut motility, does the Vet know and has she prescribed any Ranitidine/Metoclopramide to start her on today in preparation for tomorrow's procedure ?
If Luna does require sedation/a GA tomorrow then it would be beneficial for her already reduced gut motility to be addressed prior to the procedure as sedation/GA can slow gut motility even more.
 
binkyCodie said:
thank you ILoveMyBunny, that helps a bit. I'm hoping she doesn't need a GA. I mean, shes in pain and doesn't move much already so maybe Luna will behave.

I guess true looking on the bright side of things, it would clear out any possibility of being a spine or leg issue. but then its back to square one of what is wrong - and I hate not having answers. its also a lot of money to not find the answer. don't get me wrong, I don't want her to be unwell, but I want the answers as to why.

she is a little beauty, I do love her. I love black and white animals so she fits perfectly!

Jane - tomorrow I believe it will be my vet and the one listed as the rabbit savvy one doing the procedure. the one listed as the rabbit savvy vet is actually only a nurse. so she'll be monitoring Luna and the vet taking the x-ray type of thing. the one good thing is that they won't let her go home until she has started eating, and as soon as its over, they will syringe feed her. I can tell you that didn't happen during her spay, I was left to hand feed her and they let her out without eating anything first - nor pooping.

I think they're perhaps just a bit behind on knowledge I suppose.

MM - it does really seem to be the case. but then if there some evidence and clearly a bunny is needing that kick in the afternoon, then I personally would give it a shot. I get that's not really how it works but I wish it did. I'll make sure to ask about tramadol tomorrow. could it be given 12 hours later when the metacam is wearing off? just a thought.

thank you, its much appreciated. I'll make sure to update tomorrow as soon as I know anything. have a feeling I won't get much sleep.

Luna is deteriorating too, so doing this now is really for the best. she's never fought her metacam when I've given her it, and she's not eating as much. her teeth are fine (checked last visit) so its a case of being in pain is throwing her off. her poops are getting smaller also, no longer are they big and round, they're smaller and some look like peas. there are also slowly but surely more poops outside of the litter tray too. she's still peeing there but not caring so much about pooping.

I gave her some critical care, and she didn't fight that either. I was expecting to burrito but she just sat on my lap and actually took "a hold" of the syringe when she realised what it was. that's not normal :( she was looking for more too but I don't want her stuffed up on critical care so I've left her and hope she'll eat some hay. I'll give some more in a few hours.

she's even more reluctant to come out. I'm having to pick her out and after she heads right for the cage. if I bring her down she just sits under the table, come out for some hay, back under the table.

I feel so sorry for her.
Click to expand...


You can give Metacam and Tramadol together, at the same time :)

What I found was most helpful with my little one that was on it earlier this year, was to also give Ranitidine / Zantac, to protect the lining of the stomach. Not all rabbits will need it, but it's a precaution, as you wouldn't want her to stop eating altogether.

I'm rooting for you both, and hoping that the X-rays will show something that you can get to work on, to improve her quality of life!
 
@Binkycodie

Sorry I’m only just replying. Im happy to send some out to you, no need for any money :). If you send me your address il get them in the post for you. I hope they help poor Luna
 
thank you Jane! fingers crossed.

she really goes flat when the dose has worn off - literally! once she's in pain Luna just gives up with life, and lays down. she honestly look like somebody went over her with a rolling pin. however, she hasn't been her normal self even on the metacam. I don't think its a strong enough dose. Luna still hasn't been interested in her usual activities. its helping some, I got a binky for the first time in a week yesterday, but its still not her.. if that makes sense.

the vet doesn't know but I'll make sure to tell them tomorrow, I only noticed it this afternoon. I didn't think to call to be honest about it so that's my bad :( she seems to have perked back up after some more critical care so perhaps it brought her appetite back. downstairs in the living room I have a set up for her (litter tray, hay, toys) and she's tucking in right now. I am wondering if its because she's finding it too hard to get out of her hay rack and toy. downstairs she just has an upturned cardboard house with hay in. I'll dump a pile in and see, and make a better solution tomorrow. I have a wooden box I could put some in but who knows where that is! it didn't cross my mind until now.

MM - I was just thinking if the metacam is wearing off in 12 hours, if the tramadol could be given when the metacam is wearing off? I didn't really explain too well and I don't even know if that makes sense!!

I forgot about metacam upsetting the tummy, perhaps that's it. I know Snoopy always had randitine and metacam as we discovered that metacam alone didn't help him much. I'll make sure to note that down too!

thank you also!

in some ways, I want there to be an issue so we can start improving her and helping her. somewhat a double edged sword.

than you Sarah! I sent you a PM x
 
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