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Dennis is acting off today

loobers25

loobers25

Warren Veteran
Was a happy boy this morning, came back to feed him at lunch and he was very slow for food. Then he stopped eating (which is weird he is usually bottomless pit). This evening OH phoned my work to say Dennis has eaten but again was still acting weird. He is not venturing out of the train carriage and we saw him come out to do a wee by the skirting board (extremely odd.)

He is stuffing his face with hay right now which is why I haven't taken him straight to the vets and also have poop.

My mum said all the animals are acting odd todsy because of the wind and rain. Which I agree as my dog didn't greet me this evening and was acting weird. I hope he is just feeling a bit stressed and will be ok. He doesn't seem very mobile on his feet either. We have prepared overnight bag and the car just incase :( Thoughts?

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Its cold today - maybes he is having an off day with his arthritis? has he had metacam today? The errant wee might suggest he is a bit uncomfortable perhaps. I'd see how he goes for now & if you're still feeling all is not well by tomorrow get him seen? Loads of vibes for our lovely Denny xx
 
joey&boo said:
Its cold today - maybes he is having an off day with his arthritis? has he had metacam today? The errant wee might suggest he is a bit uncomfortable perhaps. I'd see how he goes for now & if you're still feeling all is not well by tomorrow get him seen? Loads of vibes for our lovely Denny xx
Click to expand...
We have given him some metacam not long ago. I think it is his athritis to be honest as the weather has drastically changed. Going forward I don't know what to ask for to make him more comfortable?

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Oh Dennis :(

Snowy's really scatty today (and over the past couple of days) so I'm wondering if it also might be a weather thing as they are such sensitive little creatures.
I think good to be prepared but try not to worry too much and just keep an eye for now. If he's eating that's a good sign xx
 
Sending lots of vibes for Denny. I hope he's OK. From your description I wouldn't be too concerned, but I would definitely observe him closely.
 
loobers25 said:
We have given him some metacam not long ago. I think it is his athritis to be honest as the weather has drastically changed. Going forward I don't know what to ask for to make him more comfortable?

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Click to expand...

This - in my opinion. It has been settled for some time now - warm and sunny. I know the change in weather does have an effect on some arthritis sufferers and perhaps barimetric pressure has changed? Animals can be very perceptive to changes and this might be the driver here? If Dennis is eating (and sounds like he is) and there's output, then it would be difficult to assess statis because there seems to be none?
Hillian have been behaving subdued for a few weeks now. Henry seems to spend more time just laid out next to her ladyship Lillian who tries to lie as flat as she can.
It sounds as though you have all the best preparations in hand, and I know that you will take Dennis to the vet the moment you feel things are not right.
I would just monitor and maintain and do as you are doing.
Lillian and Henry send nose bumps to Dennis and we're sending vibes for Dennis too. xx
 
So many poops over night, he's shot out for food and has eaten willow, apple leaf, plantain, echinacea, dill and a bit of parsley for a treat. He also eaten biccie fine but is stumbley. I am going to try giving him the metacam daily and see how it goes. Unfortunately I have to put some on his paw as he will not eat anything with metacam on. Maples eyes pop out with excitement when she sees the syringe. I definitely dont want to syringe feed him and want it in his food :(

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Pleased to hear that Dennis is pooping and eating well bless him. Hope the metacam will keep him comfy xxx
 
loobers25 said:
So many poops over night, he's shot out for food and has eaten willow, apple leaf, plantain, echinacea, dill and a bit of parsley for a treat. He also eaten biccie fine but is stumbley. I am going to try giving him the metacam daily and see how it goes. Unfortunately I have to put some on his paw as he will not eat anything with metacam on. Maples eyes pop out with excitement when she sees the syringe. I definitely dont want to syringe feed him and want it in his food :(

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Click to expand...

Does he like mashed banana? Or veg baby food is also handy for hiding metacam in. Frosty loves this one https://www.aldi.co.uk/apples,-carrots-&-parsnip-pouch--s1/p/083346212765900 and thinks it’s a real treat to have metacam mixed in to a small amount, I usually use about a tablespoon maximum.
 
loobers25 said:
Jane, can i give Dennis plain porridge oats mixed with metacam? If so, how much do you reckon is a safe amount?

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Click to expand...

If he will eat some of the fruit or veg baby food, as suggested by Zoobec then I'd try that first. For a start it'd be more likely to disguise the taste of Metacam. But if he is more likely to eat a dried food then a teaspoon full of dry whole oats would be OK. I have also used a Malted Shreddie or a 'Bite Size' Shredded wheat to disguise oral meds. Having said that I think I have been really lucky in that almost all of my current and previous Rabbits who have needed either short or long term medication have been fine taking it from a syringe. Lord H takes his daily meds as if they are the best treat in the world !! I fear he may be a bit of a junkie :lol:

There are lots of things that can be done to help a Bunny with arthritis, apart from giving a NSAID such as metacam. These links may be useful for future reference

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

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

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Osteoarthritis_rabbits.htm

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

https://cambridgevetgroup.co.uk/k-laser/

https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/services/rehabilitation/veterinary-acupuncture/

My Endeavour was diagnosed with early onset arthritis at the age of about 2. He is 6 and a half now. So if I can be of any help in the future re tips for helping Dennis through a 'bad patch' feel free to PM me x
 
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I'm pleased Denny is brighter this morning. Beautiful boy. I second a malted shreddie for hiding metacam, I use these when I've run out of those treats I spike
 
Jack's-Jane said:
If he will eat some of the fruit or veg baby food, as suggested by Zoobec then I'd try that first. For a start it'd be more likely to disguise the taste of Metacam. But if he is more likely to eat a dried food then a teaspoon full of dry whole oats would be OK. I have also used a Malted Shreddie or a 'Bite Size' Shredded wheat to disguise oral meds. Having said that I think I have been really lucky in that almost all of my current and previous Rabbits who have needed either short or long term medication have been fine taking it from a syringe. Lord H takes his daily meds as if they are the best treat in the world !! I fear he may be a bit of a junkie [emoji38]

There are lots of things that can be done to help a Bunny with arthritis, apart from giving a NSAID such as metacam. These links may be useful for future reference

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

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

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Osteoarthritis_rabbits.htm

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

https://cambridgevetgroup.co.uk/k-laser/

https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/services/rehabilitation/veterinary-acupuncture/

My Endeavour was diagnosed with early onset arthritis at the age of about 2. He is 6 and a half now. So if I can be of any help in the future re tips for helping Dennis through a 'bad patch' feel free to PM me x
Click to expand...
I think he doesn't like sweet squishy foods but i will give it a go thank you. He's not tempted by banana or any fruit. We will see!

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