• Forum/Server Upgrade If you are reading this you have made it to the upgraded forum. Posts made on the old forum after 26th October 2023 have not been transfered. Everything else should be here. If you find any issues please let us know.
  • 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.

Update Doughnut has arthritis of the spine - laser treatment

cpayne

Warren Veteran
Doughnut has been unwell again, not eating and rushed her to the emergency vets a few weeks ago and then was admitted to my specialist for the day as after another dental she was soaking wet and not eating. Since then she's been happy but not eating any hay. The last few days I've noticed she doesn't relax when sleeping just sleeps in a standing position, hardly at all in the loaf position and never stretched out. Do you know what this is a sign off? Maybe arthritis?

She was really unwell this morning, all digestion issues come back so put all meds in and taking her to the vets today, but unfortunately can't get to my specialist as he's off and they are shutting early, so just my local vets. Really worried but had to come into work but leaving early to take her so they can at least give her metaclopramide injection and anything else necessary.
 
Last edited:
Oh no I'm sorry to hear that beautiful Doughnut is unwell, I've no suggestions about the sleeping position, but really hope you can some answers from the vets. Lots of vibes for your lovely girl xx
 
I'm sorry that Doughnut is unwell again. I hope that she gets on OK at the vets. Regarding her change of sleeping position, I would agree with you that it would seem likely that this is due to her being uncomfortable, which could be Arthritis.
 
Been to my local vets, they have no tramadol! She got an injection and I've given her all her other meds. I washed and dried her and 5 mins later she's wet again. She's eaten but taking her to the specialist tomorrow to find out what is going on.
 
Been to my local vets, they have no tramadol! She got an injection and I've given her all her other meds. I washed and dried her and 5 mins later she's wet again. She's eaten but taking her to the specialist tomorrow to find out what is going on.

Oh poor Doughnut, bless her. I hope you get on better at the specialist vets, and they can find out what's happening. Lots of vibes for your beautiful girl, will be thinking of you both tomorrow xxx
 
Aww...poor Doughnut. :( I'm sorry she's not well again. Thinking of you both and sending healing vibes your way. xxxxx
 
Oh no, I'm really sorry to read that Doughnut is having issues again [emoji17] I really hope your specialist is able to find out what is going on.

Sent from my SM-T585 using Tapatalk
 
I’m sorry to read about doughnut. I’ve just been through something similar with my Lillian and she was diagnosed with urine infection which my vets have been treating for the past day. If she is wet, not eating and sitting upright, she may be uncomfortable underneath? Definitely get doughnut to the vet and ask them to check for urinary infection. They can take a urine sample which may show any abnormalities, possibly bloods and maybe even an X-ray to see if there is anything showing.
Sending millions of vibes for doughnut and hope you can get to the cause of this. Xx
 
Doughnut has been diagnosed. They have done bloods and said she's unwell and needs intensive care. If she doesn't respond then that's it.
I'm hoping for the best and wanted general advice on how to help her with spinal arthritis. I know warmth and low litter tray. She will be on gabapentin for life. Just wanted hopeful stories I guess
 
I really hope your brave wee fighter responds well to her treatment. Mousey has arthritis of the lower spine. I think her daily metacam helps & having lots of soft floor coverings to bumble about on. She is definitely brighter since having treatment. She also really likes warmth, particularly lying by the log burner.

Millions of vibes for your girl & you - I know you'll be worried sick xx
 
I'm so sorry to hear this, but at least you know what you are dealing with now. I really hope that the vets can make Doughnut comfy, and get her stabilized as soon as possible. I've no experience of this condition, so apart from what you've already mentioned, I wouldn't know what else to suggest, but I'm sure others will. Sending loads of vibes for Doughnut, I hope she's home soon xxxx
 
I'm really sorry to read this diagnosis - there is never an easy diagnosis for any condition but on the positive, it is a diagnosis and you and Doughnut can move forward.
My Henry had gabapentin earlier this year for an undiagnosed lame front paw condition that we still don't know what or how it happened. Our vet prescribed a very small dose of gabapentin and within a week, Henry had improved immeasurably - and after a few weeks, the mysterious lameness had gone and has never returned.
My mother also used gabapentin to manage her severe arthritis until the GP stopped prescribing it (long story). So as much as I know, gabapentin's impact can and does work.
Heat and making access to areas easier will also aid Doughnut.
I know how much you will feel worry and concern - it's unfortunately natural for people who love their pets. But that is also a positive because it shows how much you care and love Doughnut.
I'm sending you millions of vibes from all us here for Doughnut and I hope that the medication starts to ease Doughnuts symptons quickly for you and her. xx
 
:cry: I don’t have any experience of this but I’m sending lots of vibes and hugs xx
 
Thanks everyone. The vertebrates are pushing on her nerves so it will only get worse. Hopefully the medicine will help this but I'm not hopefully I'll have her with me much longer. The vet said it could get a lot worse within a month as it will get more inverted. At least she will be comfortable tonight but I'm missing her
 
I am sorry to hear this and I am sending lots of vibes for your girly. Your vets sound very good xxx

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
 
Mimzy had an arthritic spine (he was diagnosed with early onset at 3 years) and I think Fiver did too. With Fiver it was worse because he was a mini rex and much more delicate bone wise than Mimzy, a mini lop. Mimzy did well with pain relief for his remaining 7 years. I wouldn't write her off yet, she is always full of surprises. We know she's a terrific fighter. :thumb:

Many many successful treatment vibes and hopes that this is yet just another bump in the road and that Doughnut will be traveling with you many more comfortable years. :love:

((((((((((((((((Huge hugs))))))))))))))))))) xxxxxxx
 
Back
Top