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Broken pelvis

22 10:39:36

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dana,  just found out that my bunny has a broken pelvis!  The vet said she would need to make some calls to specialists to see what they will recommend.  He is still hopping aruond (holding his leg up), still eats, drinks, poops and pees and is on pain medication.  I'm really worried about him.  The vet said that when this happens with cats they keep them in a carrier for 6 wks and then heal.  God, I hope thats going to be the way for him.  Do you know of any body that has had a similar problem and gotten through it ok??
Ellen & family

ANSWER: Dear Ellen,

I'm sorry about your rabbit's injury!  :(

The good news is that if he's able to walk, is eating, urinating normally, and pooping, his prognosis is probably good.  Bed rest and stabilization of the area (if possible) will help with pain, but pain medication is very important for rabbits with injuries like this.  We've found that a combination of metacam and tramadol are excellent for this.

It's good that your vet is checking with specialists, but if she would like to contact an experienced rabbit vet who has dealt with broken pelvis and many other rabbit problems, I'd suggest she try to contact Dr. Kelleher:

http://www.exoticanimalcare.com/

for advice.  I hope this helps.

Dana

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

QUESTION: Sorry, one more question.  How often can he have pain medication?  The vet did give him Metacam but told us to give it to him once a day only.  Is that enough?

Answer
Dear Ellen,

Yes, metacam should be given only once every 24 hours.  But if that doesn't seem to be giving him enough relief, please ask about adding tramadol.  This is a synthetic opioid, and is *excellent* in combination with an NSAID such as metacam.  We have seen fantastic results with this combo in rabbits.

Dana