Good online bunny physiotherapy resources?

[katbun]

I'm concerned Joey has a bit of arthritis in his back legs, although the vet didn't see any evidence on the x-rays, I'm sure he's lost some muscle, and his hopping seems cautious to me. He still does zoomies/ occasional binkies but he hasn't flopped/stretched out in ages.

I'm seeing the vet for a post dental check-up tonight, and I'm going to ask him about it. I'd rather Joey wasn't on painkillers long term so I've been looking into early intervention stuff to avoid that, at least for a while if possible. I'm going to ask about supplements (Oxbow or Sherwood seem good to me?) and I've been wondering if I could start some exercises/physical therapy at home with Joey. Does anyone have a good resource for that? I know there are places that provide professional physiotherapy for pets but there aren't any close to me and also I don't have pet insurance that would cover sessions.

Any other recommendations, or things I should inquire about with the vet would be very welcome.

 

[InspectorMorse]

How Rabbit Savvy is your Vet? I ask as interpretation of X-ray films is obviously important.

Apart from the X-rays has he had any other diagnostics such as blood tests ?

What type of physiotherapy exercises are used will depend on the specific problem.So a definitive diagnosis is important. If physio was to be appropriate I would want at least 1 consultation with a Veterinary Physiotherapist. After assessing the Rabbits specific needs the Physio could suggest appropriate exercises that the care giver could help the Rabbit with on a day to day basis.

Acupuncture and Low level laser therapy are also beneficial if the Rabbit has arthritis.

Loss of muscle mass can be a symptom of a metabolic problem rather than arthritis. Hence my question about blood tests


EDIT- just realised you have two threads running and that Joey had blood tests. Did the Vet mention giving a 28 course of Panacur given the EC titres ?

 

[katbun]

Sorry if having separate threads is confusing, I'm still figuring out the right way to format things here. I thought the arthritis was separate from the excessive drinking and weight loss (which were caused by dental problems), so I should start a new thread.

My vet is rabbit savvy and recommended on the RWAF list. Part of this evening's appointment is going through the x rays and test results in more detail than over the phone. I'll ask about blood test results pointing to arthritis. I'm just going off of Joey's behaviour at the moment but there must be some clinical signs of arthritis to find too.

I somehow didn't think about seeing a physio to prescribe exercises, that's a good point. I'll ask the vet if he recommends one in the area.

On the EC: from what he said on the phone, he doesn't think Joey has an active EC infection, since the results put us in a grey area and the symptoms aren't present, so he's not going to treat for one. I don't know the side effects of Panacur, do you think it's a better safe than sorry situation and I should just insist on him getting treated? If I do, should I be treating Piper (Joey's partner rabbit) as well given it's contagious?

 

[InspectorMorse]

Sorry if having separate threads is confusing, I'm still figuring out the right way to format things here. I thought the arthritis was separate from the excessive drinking and weight loss (which were caused by dental problems), so I should start a new thread.

My vet is rabbit savvy and recommended on the RWAF list. Part of this evening's appointment is going through the x rays and test results in more detail than over the phone. I'll ask about blood test results pointing to arthritis. I'm just going off of Joey's behaviour at the moment but there must be some clinical signs of arthritis to find too.

I somehow didn't think about seeing a physio to prescribe exercises, that's a good point. I'll ask the vet if he recommends one in the area.

On the EC: from what he said on the phone, he doesn't think Joey has an active EC infection, since the results put us in a grey area and the symptoms aren't present, so he's not going to treat for one. I don't know the side effects of Panacur, do you think it's a better safe than sorry situation and I should just insist on him getting treated? If I do, should I be treating Piper (Joey's partner rabbit) as well given it's contagious?

I can’t tell you to go against the advice of your Vet, I would ask him if a 28 day course of Panacur would be a good idea. As with all medications there are always some risks. With Panacur it has been suggested that when used repeatedly or for long courses it *might* lead to bone marrow suppression. But in my unqualified opinion the risks would be microscopic if just a one off 28 day course is given. And yes, Piper would need to be treated too.