Not eating 3x in 4 weeks

[MiniC]

Billy has gone off his food a few times recently.

First time was 3 weeks ago, Friday. Belly tight but not bloated, some slowed gut sounds. He had cisaprid (7 days), emeprid (8 days) paracetamol (8.5 days) and arthrocam (metacam) (9 days). He got worse before getting better.

Second bout was 5 days after stopping all medication. Stomach bloated that time. Repeated the medications as above, with inpatient vet care Fri-Mon. Last dose Cisaprid 3 days ago (Thu), last dose Emeprid 2 days ago (Fri), continuing arthrocam and paracetamol long term.

He's off his food again today. Have given emeprid and Cisaprid.

Tests: blood test for liver/kidney function is fine. Blood sugar slightly elevated (but could have been stress related). Currently awaiting results of E cuniculi test (vet observed slight swaying when he was in at the weekend). Physical examination found no teeth issues, but suspects arthritis. He was also down to 1.6kg. Usual weight is 2.1kg, he was 1.86kg at first appointment.

I'm not sure what our next steps should be. I think he'll be getting x-rays, assuming it's not EC, but he's 12, so we're worrying this is simply what rabbits do when they're nearing the end of their lives?

 

[tonibun]

Aw bless him! He's not as young as he used to be. Sending him lots of love. xx

 

[InspectorMorse]

Any history of bladder sludge ?
Was a urinalysis done as well as blood test?

What is his fecal poop like?
When prokinetics are stopped is analgesia stopped too ?

Was his WBC count normal ?

Was blood calcium level normal?

 

[MiniC]

Any history of bladder sludge ? None, urine seemed fine (a little dark maybe)
Was a urinalysis done as well as blood test? I don't think so, so will ask the vet if we should do something.

What is his fecal poop like? Passing regularly, but a little small & dark still - hay intake could be better.
When prokinetics are stopped is analgesia stopped too? Analgesia stopped 2-3 days after prokinetics first time around, this time they hadn't stopped. I skipped paracetamol last night, but he got the arthrocam.

Was his WBC count normal ? I believe so.

Was blood calcium level normal? I don't know if that was tested, so I will check with the vet tomorrow.

(Sorry I'd try to make the questions and answers more distinguishable, but I can't seem to format)

 

[MiniC]

He has taken a treat from us, so he's doing a little better, about 4 hours after medication.

With each "turn" he's been quite snatchy if I offer him mint/basil (often one but not the other, but switching between the two), and I don't know if that's relevant. I know mint is good for wind.

 

[MiniC]

Does anyone know much about ordering medication online? With Billy being on long term medication, I'm wondering about ordering full-size bottles online, rather than the decanted amounts the vet gives us. Does it need a prescription still?

 

[Shimmer]

Yes, you still need a prescription for any V-POM meds. Just ask your vet to write one and you basically pay an admin charge, then you can order online from whichever supplier you choose, as long as they stock it. They need a copy of the prescription at the time of the order, and possibly need the original (paper one) posting to them. It's similar to asking your GP for a prescription and taking it to your pharmacy.

It's worth checking how much the prescription costs and the cost of the meds for, say, 6 months. Some meds don't keep for very long once opened, or are only available in certain size packs - so you may get a repeat prescription allowing eg a monthly deliveries from the one bit of paper. You need to factor in the cost of a vet checkup every 6 months as well. Allow some extra time for the admin and delivery as well, so don't leave it too late to reorder.

Not all meds need a prescription (eg Panacur). Websites will tell you if you need one.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Yes, you still need a prescription for any V-POM meds. Just ask your vet to write one and you basically pay an admin charge, then you can order online from whichever supplier you choose, as long as they stock it. They need a copy of the prescription at the time of the order, and possibly need the original (paper one) posting to them. It's similar to asking your GP for a prescription and taking it to your pharmacy.

It's worth checking how much the prescription costs and the cost of the meds for, say, 6 months. Some meds don't keep for very long once opened, or are only available in certain size packs - so you may get a repeat prescription allowing eg a monthly deliveries from the one bit of paper. You need to factor in the cost of a vet checkup every 6 months as well. Allow some extra time for the admin and delivery as well, so don't leave it too late to reorder.

Not all meds need a prescription (eg Panacur). Websites will tell you if you need one.

This ^^^^^^^^

Plus the Vet can put up to 3 repeats on the one prescription. So you can get 4 x what’s being prescribed ( not all at the same time) and just pay the Vet one prescription fee. For example the Vet can prescribe Dog Metacam Suspension 1.5mg/ml 180 ml x 3 repeats. The online company you buy the medication from holds the prescription on record so you don’t have to submit a copy of it for the three repeats, just the initial purchase. In most cases I still find it to be MUCH cheaper to buy POM online. Especially since my Vet sold her practice to a corporate. Prescription fee used to be £10. It’s £35 now.

 

[MiniC]

Thank-you, I'll speak to them about getting something lined up.

On the websites I've looked at, I can't see paracetamol, so is that maybe a children's over the counter one they've given? I does smell like Calpol...

 

[InspectorMorse]

Thank-you, I'll speak to them about getting something lined up.

On the websites I've looked at, I can't see paracetamol, so is that maybe a children's over the counter one they've given? I does smell like Calpol...

Pardale-V is veterinary paracetamol. It only comes in tablet or injectable form though

My Vet has said that I can use Calpol instead.

 

[Zoobec]

Sending lots of vibes for him xx

 

[MiniC]

Pardale-V is veterinary paracetamol. It only comes in tablet or injectable form though

My Vet has said that I can use Calpol instead.

Thank-you, I'll get some of that. It's syringe fed stuff he needs.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Thank-you, I'll get some of that. It's syringe fed stuff he needs.

Make sure you get the Vet to inform you of the correct dose in ML. Calpol 6+ is 250mg/5ml

 

[Tiggertime]

We had this with Tigger, and we finally narrowed it down to a urinary infection. He had been struggling to pass anything and would have episodes where he'd be in a lot of pain. Once he was able to go, he was almost back to normal appetite-wise.