Metacam

[Brooke.03x]

Hi all , I have been given metacam for my rabbit for 3-5 days twice a day for pain due to having a trip to the vets earlier due to lumps of hard and soft poo being stuck at the bottom of him and unable to get it off due to it being so close to his tail. The vets managed to get it off him but said he appeared to be in a bit of pain. I myself have not noticed him acting strangely or in pain. I’m wary of medication and not sure if it’s worth the risk or not giving him something he might not need. Are there any side affects? Long term or short term as this is only for 3-5 days or should I not give him it.

 

[Shimmer]

If your rabbit can't reach to clean his bum, he could have eg arthritis (so problems reaching the area), or maybe a dental issue (making it harder to groom properly). There could also be dietary issues (making the poo stickier). A short course of metacam shouldn't have any unwanted side effects, and you may notice a real difference quite quickly. Most vets don't pick up the signs of pain in a rabbit. As prey animals, rabbits tend to hide their symptoms.

You have sought professional advice - I would take it. You can always ring up to ask for more details, such as the possible source of the pain, and how to manage a mucky bum. Did you get any other advice or a follow up appointment?

He needs a bum check twice daily to make sure he stays clean. Daily grooming with a comb will help to remove the poo / stop it sticking. If that doesn't help, them he may need bum baths (in shallow warm soapy water, or with a wet cloth) and then drying thoroughly to avoid sore skin. This time of year isn't so bad, but it does put him at risk of flystrike - which is life threatening. So it pays to be vigilant and get it sorted now.

Info on the use of Metacam:

Drug Focus: Meloxicam

Read Richard Saunders' Meloxicam Focus Piece today. Explore Dosage, Uses, Risks and more.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

 

[Brooke.03x]

If your rabbit can't reach to clean his bum, he could have eg arthritis (so problems reaching the area), or maybe a dental issue (making it harder to groom properly). There could also be dietary issues (making the poo stickier). A short course of metacam shouldn't have any unwanted side effects, and you may notice a real difference quite quickly. Most vets don't pick up the signs of pain in a rabbit. As prey animals, rabbits tend to hide their symptoms.

You have sought professional advice - I would take it. You can always ring up to ask for more details, such as the possible source of the pain, and how to manage a mucky bum. Did you get any other advice or a follow up appointment?

He needs a bum check twice daily to make sure he stays clean. Daily grooming with a comb will help to remove the poo / stop it sticking. If that doesn't help, them he may need bum baths (in shallow warm soapy water, or with a wet cloth) and then drying thoroughly to avoid sore skin. This time of year isn't so bad, but it does put him at risk of flystrike - which is life threatening. So it pays to be vigilant and get it sorted now.

Info on the use of Metacam:

Drug Focus: Meloxicam

Read Richard Saunders' Meloxicam Focus Piece today. Explore Dosage, Uses, Risks and more.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Hi shimmer, thank you so much. At first I did try to soak it to get it off but it was stuck to him and I didn’t want to hurt him to left it to the professionals. They said to take him back in a couple months and to keep an eye on it twice a day aswell as give him metcan once every 12 hours for 3-5 days. Thank you again this was very helpful!