Hind end weakness in senior bun?

[bunnnnnnie!]

Hi everyone,

Zeusbunny is 8 (more like 8.5!) years old now.    He’s doing great for his age, and still loves to do all his favorite things.  Sometimes I do notice his hind end seems a little weak.  When he runs and takes a corner too fast, tries to groom a funny/certain way, or tries to pivot too fast in one spot.  It’s like his hind feet can’t keep up, and sometimes he ends up stumbling/rolling.  It doesn’t seem to bother him – he just gets back up and keeps on going like nothing happened.

Is this common for senior citizen buns?  He is on 0.6ml Metacam daily for his arthritis, and it helps immensely.  He still loves to run around the house, beg for treats, dig blankets, throw around boxes, basically do all his favorite things!

[Deleted User]

My boy Gareth ended up this way, I first noticed he was falling over when trying to groom his back, then he would start to lose balance whilst hopping/ stretching too far etc. He was put on Metacam which helped initially

This is one of the vids I took when I first noticed it https://youtu.be/3W6lhiefZFY

[jerseygirl]

It doesn’t seem to bother him – he just gets back up and keeps on going like nothing happened.

Oh Zeus! Im glad to read he seems well in himself.

Do you think there has been a progression of the arthritis? You could chat to the vet about increasing his dose for a while to monitor if there is a change. That may tell you if some of his symotoms are due to increased inflammation. How much does he weigh? Around 10lbs?

Have you had any xrays done? I recently learnt that it is possible for some xrays to be done conscious, which is such a relief. If he’s a pretty chilled out bunny, they may be able to do that.
Sarita mentioned laser therapy making some difference for her senior rabbits. Theres also things like accupuncture, accupressure, osteopathy, hydrothereapy, and supplements like glucosamine chondriton and tumeric. Your’e probably familiar with Myristol also, being a horse person?

[bunnnnnnie!]

Posted By jerseygirl on 8/19/2016 12:28 AM

It doesn’t seem to bother him – he just gets back up and keeps on going like nothing happened.

Oh Zeus! Im glad to read he seems well in himself.

Do you think there has been a progression of the arthritis? You could chat to the vet about increasing his dose for a while to monitor if there is a change. That may tell you if some of his symotoms are due to increased inflammation. How much does he weigh? Around 10lbs?

Have you had any xrays done? I recently learnt that it is possible for some xrays to be done conscious, which is such a relief. If he’s a pretty chilled out bunny, they may be able to do that.
Sarita mentioned laser therapy making some difference for her senior rabbits. Theres also things like accupuncture, accupressure, osteopathy, hydrothereapy, and supplements like glucosamine chondriton and tumeric. Your’e probably familiar with Myristol also, being a horse person?

I think a progression in his arthritis is certainly a possibility.  We just recently upped his dosage from 0.4 to 0.6 – I hate to increase it again so quickly.  He’s been on the higher dose for about a month.  It’s made a big difference in his activity level, and his visible comfort.  But the wobbliness is about the same.

I haven’t had x-rays done, he’s actually had x-rays done while awake in the past.  The vet’s office general rule was they don’t do that – but he’s a long-time client and super laid back.  Such a good boy.    I’m not sure if x-rays would really prove helpful though, the vet said at his age arthritis and degeneration in the legs/back are going to be expected.  Especially with his size.  Yes, he’s just south of 10lbs.

I may have to look up some acupressure tips.  No one around here will do the other therapies on a rabbit.  I did have him on a joint supplement for awhile, but it was causing a weird hair loss on his chin.  Discontinued the supplement, the hair loss stopped.  Very strange!

[LBJ10]

Hiya!!!! *waves*

It sounds like his arthritis could be progressing to his hips, which isn’t unusual in older buns. Especially biggies like Zeus.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I don’t have anything helpful but just want to say hi!!!!!!! Good to see you back! Although I’m sorry to hear Zeus is having some problems.

[Author]

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