metacam - post surgery

Question
QUESTION: My bun had a cheek abscess removed this morning, and as the vet found a slightly loose upper molar, he removed it, in case it was a root abscess. He gave no pain killer, but I have some metacam for my arthritic bun - it's 0.5 mg/ml strength (for cats) and I give her the 2.5 kg cat dose.
What would you recommend for my post surgery bun?
Also, would the dog version, 1.5 mg/ml, be better, or is it too strong?
Thank you so much.
Dinah

ANSWER: Dear Dinah,

I would not use the metacam without consulting the vet.  Many NSAIDs can promote bleeding, and the vet may have been concerned about this in your bunny's case.  However, it would be kind to give the poor bun something else, such as tramadol.

Please contact the vet and ask about getting some pain relief for your bunny.  I can't imagine him not getting analgesia after such a painful surgery!

The dog solution of metacam is what we use, with the rabbit dose ranging from 0.1 - 0.3mg/kg once every 24 hours.

Hope that helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I asked the vet - all the vets at this practice give a 'long lasting' injection at the time of the surgery (20 ml Norocarp in Bunny's case) - and they believe rabbits do fine without any further pain relief.  But I did stop the metacam (he'd had it on the first two mornings after surgery) as soon as I read your email.  Luckily he's recovering well from the surgery itself.

Answer
Dear Dinah,

Our rabbit vets provide analgesia for at least a week post op for a molar root abscess, since there's a lot of pain usually associated with this surgery.  Keep an eye on your bunny's behavior and see if he seems to be in inordinate pain.  

It could be that your vets are very dexterous, and able to do this surgery with a minimum of trauma.  That would mean less pain meds necessary afterwards.  But let your bunny's behavior do the talking:  if he's inappetent and lethargic, then he may need more pain medication.

Hope all resolves well without further incident.  Sending healing vibes!

Dana