Corticosteroids

[LittlePuffyTail]

I thought I would start a new thread for this. With regards to Bindi’s sore hocks (actually hock, just the left is a concern) my vet prescribed Theraderm which is a corticosteroid. Upon doing some research on the internet I read that corticosteroids are not reccommended for use in rabbits as small amounts can harm them, orally or topically. 

I have confidence in my vet, she knows rabbits, but I e-mailed her anyways with my concerns. She had mentioned after I put the cream on his foot to give him a treat so he’s less likely to lick it off, but she said it wouldn’t hurt him if he did. I discovered last night though, he loves the taste of the stuff. I had him on the table and had just put the cream on and he licked the cream off the Q-tip that I had laid on the table!  I’ll obviously be more careful from now on with the cream.

Why are corticosteroids not reccommended for rabbits? I’m putting the cream on, just a small amount 2x day and now I’m all concerned.

 

 

 

[Sarita]

I have not asked about topical steroids but I have asked about oral steroids and this was her response:

Steroids can cause severe immune suppression in rabbits leading to really bad stuff like hepatitis, encephalitis, bleeding stomach ulcers, bone problems, and even death. I typically reserve steroid use as a “last ditch effort” drug prior to considering euthanasia. Though I see vets use them in bunnies, it is generally a bad idea in the opinion of most vets who treat rabbits routinely.

This is a list from the disabled rabbits web page that they recommend for urine scald (but I think would work for blisters too) – I use the Silvadene quite often for urine scald and red skin areas around my rabbits anal areas when they get sore from washing from poopy butt:

Bunny Safe Creams for Urine Scald:
Silvadene Cream [known as Flamazine in Canada]
CEH Ointment (Calendula/Echinacea/Hypericum)
Rescue Remedy Cream
Neosporin (but not Neosporin Plus)
Panalog
Bactoderm (mupirocin) ointment
Calendula Gel/Cream
A + D Original (not with added zinc)
Oxyfresh PetGel
Bag Balm
Aloe Vera Gel

[Sarita]

Actually I did ask another vet about a topical steroid once too and she did not want to give it to me either (and didn’t) for another one of my rabbits. I think she’s the one that started me on Silvadene.

[LittlePuffyTail]

hmmm, so what would you suggest. Should I stop using it? I have some bag balm, I could try that.

That really bothers me that my vet would prescribe this then considering what you just posted.

Should I be worried about his health now? I’ve been using it since Friday x2 day?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Do you have an e-collar from previous spay/neuters? As much trouble as it is-that would keep him from licking it off and you could at least get a few goods days use of it.

I’ll let Sarita answer on whether you should keep using it-I’ve no experience with them.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I e-mailed my vet, she said it is only to be used in very small amounts and she didn’t intend for the cream to be used long term. I made it very clear I was not questionning her advice, just that I was wondering why they said that on the internet.

She said I could stop it if I was worried and if it gets worse, we could try bandaging (bandaging his feet…I foresee a lot of bunny bites/bruises!!!) I’m gonna stop it for a few days and apply Bag Balm twice a day and see if it gets worse/better and then go from there. Several sites recommended Bag Balm for sore hocks. His whole cage is a rug made of short pile carpet.

[Sarita]

My vet doesn’t have a problem with my questions either. I think vets like an educated or trying to be educated client.

I’m with you – I don’t think I would want to bandage his feet – I think that would be stressful. Hopefully the bag balm with help soothe the callouses.

[Rebel&Me]

Could you please send me a pic of the silvadene cream and bag balm you use? I want to add it to my Bun first aid kit and want to be sure I’m getting the right stuff. ?

[LittlePuffyTail]

Hi, Rebel. Welcome to Binky Bunny. We ask that members please not respond to old threads (this one is from 2009). Please start a new thread with your questions. I’m going to include a pic of bag balm that I have used in the past and then lock the thread so it doesn’t cause confusion.

[Author]

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