Meloxicam and liver problems

[thebunnydad]

My 3 year old Lionhead cross Indy has now got a root abscess Poor girl can’t catch a break, what with her recent diagnoses of E Cuniculi. We’ve started her on Baytril and the vet has also prescribed Meloxicam. My only concern is she has liver problems (enzymes are over 200 so it’s not like they’re slightly raised) and I’m sure you all know this drug shouldn’t be used in animals with impaired liver/kidney function, considering Meloxicam is removed from the body by the liver. I’m researching and researching and I’m getting basically nowhere. I know I should weigh up the pros and cons and consider quality of life but Indy is doing well despite her problems and the risk with Meloxicam is wayyyyy too high. Am I being selfish for not giving her this pain relief? Potentially. I don’t want her to be in pain but how am I supposed to give her a drug that is meant to help with pain but could most likely cause even more pain and she could potentially loose her life over?

My real question is: has anyone else owned/got a rabbit with existing liver and/or kidney problems that are on pain relief? I’m fully aware all medication comes with a risk but surely there’s got to be something out there that might be a little bit safer for her. Any answers are greatly appreciated!

 

[bunny momma]

Have you discussed this with your vet so a different pain med could be prescribed?
Rabbits are prey species and hide their pain.
Sending positive vibes for your bunny.

 

[thebunnydad]

Have you discussed this with your vet so a different pain med could be prescribed?
Rabbits are prey species and hide their pain.
Sending positive vibes for your bunny.

I did mention to her yesterday at the appointment about the risk of meloxicam with her liver problems. All the vet really said was that it is a major concern but she wants Indy to have some sort of pain relief. I could just ring them and ask if there are any safer alternatives and see if they can offer any.

 

[bunny momma]

My bunnies do not have liver disease, yet some have been elderly and had it. The dosage and duration impact the level of risk. Since prescribing vet knew she had kiver problem, vet probably considered that when calculating the dose.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Without analgesic cover she will have a very poor QOL. The Vet will weigh up risks v benefits when choosing the most appropriate analgesic drug to prescribe and use the lowest dose possible to give adequate pain relief. Untreated pain in Rabbits can cause them to stop eating and this then leads to gut stasis.

Personally I could not withhold analgesia for a Rabbit with a tooth root abscess

Complimentary treatments that can support liver function would be something worth discussing with your Vet eg Milk Thistle

Natures Answer Milkthistle Alcohol Free Fluid Extract 30ml

Tested & Verified Identified for Authenticity Holistically Balanced Gluten Free

www.baldwins.co.uk

 

[thebunnydad]

My bunnies do not have liver disease, yet some have been elderly and had it. The dosage and duration impact the level of risk. Since prescribing vet knew she had kiver problem, vet probably considered that when calculating the dose.

She’s been prescribed it for 10 days, 0.13ml twice daily. From what I understand that is on the more lower end of the dosage’s. The vet never said she calculated the dose in accordance with her liver problems but I’ll double check with them tomorrow. Thank you for the advice!

 

[thebunnydad]

Without analgesic cover she will have a very poor QOL. The Vet will weigh up risks v benefits when choosing the most appropriate analgesic drug to prescribe and use the lowest dose possible to give adequate pain relief. Untreated pain in Rabbits can cause them to stop eating and this then leads to gut stasis.

Personally I could not withhold analgesia for a Rabbit with a tooth root abscess

Complimentary treatments that can support liver function would be something worth discussing with your Vet eg Milk Thistle

Natures Answer Milkthistle Alcohol Free Fluid Extract 30ml

Tested & Verified Identified for Authenticity Holistically Balanced Gluten Free

www.baldwins.co.uk

I have looked into Milk Thistle. The website I found that sell the natural plant for rabbits as foraging have still got it out of stock I‘ve looked at the link you gave me, but isn’t it made for humans? I’ve been told by another exotics vet I went to with Indy as a referral not to use Milk Thistle that isn’t made for rabbits. I’m regards to her dosage, will be double checking with my vets tomorrow if they calculated it around her liver problems.

 

[InspectorMorse]

I have looked into Milk Thistle. The website I found that sell the natural plant for rabbits as foraging have still got it out of stock I‘ve looked at the link you gave me, but isn’t it made for humans? I’ve been told by another exotics vet I went to with Indy as a referral not to use Milk Thistle that isn’t made for rabbits. I’m regards to her dosage, will be double checking with my vets tomorrow if they calculated it around her liver problems.

It is perfectly safe for use in Rabbits. I was recommended to use it by an Exotics specialist Vet.

Milk Thistle forage available here

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