Considering the age, I agree discussions around pain/joint-relief medications is beneficial. Even without a surgical hx, an 11yo rabbit is bound to have relatively normative, age-related arthritic and joint discomfort.
I have two senior rabbits– one is a 3lb netherland dwarf, and the other is a 7-8lb mix of -generic rabbit who knows-. The netherland dwarf has no mobility issues, likely due to his size not really putting as much stress on his bones/joints. My other rabbit however really shows her age. She did have an x-ray two years ago that suggested back leg arthritis. Fast foward to the present, she definitely is not her “baseline” young self in terms of movement, but she is remarkably more comfortable moving on a regimen of joint tabs (Sherwood is what we use), gabapentin, meloxicam, and Adequan injections, as needed. To my understanding, this is sort of the “last tier” of palliative medications for rabbits her age impacted by arthritis-related conditions, but she is clearly comfortable moving and doing things are on her own, in addition to settling down for snuggles.
The prompting for Galaxy starting on a regimen was her suddenly going a day where she’d go to get up and walk, then fall over immediately. I was convinced it had to be something neurological, but it ended up being spine/pain related, and starting her on meds worked a charm.
We did also complete a course of laser treatment for her back, but again, this is all “last tier” of what is available and, in my opinion, realistic towards what owners can provide when balancing end of life and quality of life. As soon as I see the current regimen no longer sustains Galaxy in a comfortable way, it is what it is.
The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
