Rabbit arthritis and urine issue

Question
My rabbit is almost 8 years old. She is having trouble with urine scalding and not using the litter box anymore. The vet now has her on metacam .34 once daily. Can you suggest any creative litter ideas so she can use something. Last night she peed on the paper towel from her treats. It worked, but I am not sure that is the best plan. Are there any other supplements I can give her for pain?

Answer
Dear Amanda,

Have other urinary tract problems, such as infection, bladder sludge, or bladder stone, been ruled out as contributing to this problem?  If not, please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/urinary.html

If she has an infection, then she will need antibiotics to get over this problem.  And if it's sludge or stones, then other approaches will be necessary.  If it really is just arthritis and stiffness, then supplements such as glucosamine might help her regain some flexibility.    Some bunny caregivers with older buns suffering from arthritis swear by this stuff:

http://www.cetylmyristoleate.com/

If you're not sure your current vet is well-versed enough in rabbit medicine to deal with this problem, you might wish to check the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find another vet for a second opinion.

I hope this helps get your girl hopping and healthy again soon!

Dana