Rabbit With Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Question
Hi Elizabeth. Thanks so much for responding so quickly. Yes, I have been getting increasingly alarmed, while reading reports and accounts on the internet by others with rabbits in similar conditions. I understand Metacam is a much better alternative. Should I consider that?

I am thinking about taking him to see the vet I used to take my guinea-pigs to. The problem is, where I live, vets know dogs and cats better than any other creatures. This vet is considered a guinea-pig expert and I liked the way he handled my g-pigs. My rabbit seems fairly happy, I understand I cannot take him off Pred suddenly anyway. If that vet has Metacam, should I consider it?

1/4 Baby Aspirin - I've read it as an option as well. What would the side-effects be? And does it help both arthritis and osteoporosis?

I'm sorry for bombarding you with all this, but I really want to help my bun. Thanks again.

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have a close-to-nine-year-old rabbit with arthritis and osteoporosis (vet did an x-ray) and the vet has had him on prednisolone with this pattern of dosage: courses of three; once every day to begin with, then once every two days, then now once every three days (on the third course now). The vet said to reduce it in that manner as long as he seemed to be managing ok.

He basically has a problem with his left hind leg and unless he moves around very slowly, he falls over and spends most his time lying on his left with his front paws on his left and his head leaning towards his right.

He is eating fine (fresh broccoli, carrots and celery, with timothy pellets), except that his hay intake has gone down quite a lot. We offer him his bottle every so often and he drinks fine.

My question is whether there is a problem with prednisolone. I understand it brings up infections and actually can increase osteoporosis although it does help arthritis. If that is the case, I will have to go and seek a second opinion. Finding vets who know rabbits in this part of the world is difficult.

I would appreciate a quick reply. Thanks very much.
-----Answer-----
Hi Jacquiline,
 to be honest,I really don't agree with vets putting such small animals on any type of medication unless the case is a bacterial infection,or viral,and the animlal is in danger of dying from it.  Your rabbit is old,obviously you've taken great care of him his whole long life...good for you!  I would let nature take it's course,and keep him comfy and fed well, sometimes giving medication at this stage can cause alot more damage that anything.  
 If you see that he's in pain, you can give him 1/4 of a baby asprin,which will help arthritis.  At this point I really wouldn't worry about osteoporosis,he's old and these things occur naturally. It's great to see a rabbit live a good long life,he's luckier than most.
 good luck,and take care...Elizabeth

Answer
Hi again,
no problem,I would love to help out any way I can..The asprin has no side affects,as for the osteoporosis...doesn't really do anything.  Just helps with the pain.  You can give liquid glucosamine to help absorb calcium..(put it in his water)this works great too..If you can avoid the vets, all the better for you and your little bun. I always hate to have to bring a rabbit toi the vet cause the get so stressed out,which isn;t good.  
    anyways,hope I helped ...take care...Elizabeth