rabbit arthritis

Question
Hi Doctor Krempel,

Last year I wrote to you about my mini lop, Shadow, who seemed to lose her balance and fall periodically.  You were a great help with your thoughts and recommendations.

She does have arthritis, the vet did x-rays twice actually, first last year when he said the arthritis wasnt too bad, then this year I took her to another vet and she did x-rays as well and said Shadow has arthritis in both hips.

The second Doctor recommended that I try baby aspirin nightly (St Joseph)which I tried but it was a fight every night, Shadow wouldnt eat it so it was basically cramming it down her throat.  Mashing it into her favorite treat, bananas, didnt work, she just stopped eating the treat altogether.  Also, with the aspirin I really couldnt tell that there was improvement anyway so I stopped.

My question to you is, what would you recommend?  I cant afford a huge expense though I certainly want to help her if she is in discomfort. She seems to sometimes favor a leg, not limping but I can tell she lifts it differently (hard to explain).

I noticed on your last letter to me you mentioned glucosamine which is what a vet friend of a friend recommended I try.  How is that administered.  If it is orally do you have any recommendations on ways to get her to take it without giving her a panic attack every time?

Thanks so much for your help.

Terri

Answer
Dear Terri,

If the aspirin wasn't working, then there's little point in trying it again.  But there are other alternatives that seem to work well.  Some people swear by glucosamine, which is given orally.  Other very good NSAIDs include metacam (which tastes like honey!  They love it!) or Rimadyl, which can be suspended in tasty liquid (we use diluted grenadine).

Any oral medication is much easier to administer if compounded in a tasty liquid that bunnies like.  There are various flavors, and you can ask your vet about a pharmacy that might compound some medication for your bunny so it won't be such a trauma to administer.

Don't forget the possibility that balance problems may be due to Encephalitozoon cuniculi, as can difficulties in walking.  If this were my bunny, I would ask the vet about putting her on a four week course of fenbendazole (Panacur).  Can't hurt, but might help.

I hope that helps.  Please write back if you have more questions.

Dana