Medication for stiff joints

[skibunny8503]

When I went to visit Jen at the shelter I was telling her that Gracie was having peeing issues (again)…we had to give her 2 baths last week because she had just sat in her pee and got all dirty (I think she peed on the second floor).  I also told her that sometimes she will sit for a long time and when she goes to run towards me her back feet look like they’re asleep.  My mom kept saying maybe she has arthritis since she’s older and I’ve thought about it and asked Jen about it too.  She said she might possibily have stiff joints and she ends up peeing on herself since she can get up in time to go to the bathroom.  We put a second litter box on the 2nd floor and so far she’s been good (not sure if she’s used it or not though).  I was going to call my vet up next week and ask if there’s any meds to give her for stiff joints to maybe help her.  Does anyone have any experience with this or know of the medication to give her?

[KatnipCrzy]

Here is a link about using Cosequin for cats and how it can help with arthritis AND bladder issues……http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/vet/products/Cosequin-for-cats.aspx

It is pretty important to stick to the low molecular weight chondroitin- so the Cosequin brand to get that possible side effect for bladder wall comfort.  You DO NOT want to use the cat formula though as it is flavored for cats.  I only posted that link for the info.  There are many other ways to get proper tasting Cosequin for your cats- a) use the small pet (dog /cat) unflavored capsule.  or what I find to be cheaper yet- the human version called Cosamin- sold at most grocery stores/pharmacies.  I talked to Sarita about this before so might be able to give you some tips. Or they make a horse version which is flavored- but the container is HUGE.  If I had a horse that was on Cosequin I would probably try the horse version on the bunny- but not worth the $100 per container for a bunny when you can get it cheaper in smaller amounts.

But dosing is usually as for a cat- so half a human capsule.  You can sprinkle on greens- mix with with a bit of juice and give with a syringe, etc.  There are NO KNOWN side effects to this medication- so it is fine if your other bunnies get some too.  It just helps produce joint fluid-which helps “cushion” the joint and make movement easier.  And the other possible benefit about bladder wall as listed in the link above.

Walgreen’s often has Buy one Get one free on Cosamin. 

The other option would be to use an NSAID like Metacam- which might not be the best way to go if there are some possible urinary issues- as if this is a long term issue- your vet will probably recommend bloodwork every 6-12 months as it can affect the kidneys or other organs if used on a long term basis.

Other option is usually more “drastic” and is using Buprinex (a controlled substance/narcotic) to try to relieve pain associated with joints.  This is usually a last resort and would tend to be costly I would imagine.

Personally if it were my bunny I would the the Cosamin/Cosequin.  It is NOT a prescription.  I know that Sarita’s bunny had some severe health/arthritis issues- but I am sure she would be willing to give her experience with using Cosequin/Cosamin.  It takes a couple of weeks at a higher dose for there to be any possible sign of arthritis improvement.

[RabbitPam]

My first bunny Spockie was just over 7 years old when he started to lose use of his back legs, one in particular, and urinated outside the box because he could not pull himself into it in time. This lasted for about 9 months. First, my vet had me crush and sprinkle glucosamine on his food. She also prescribed Metacam, a small dose once a day. (I have this vague memory of a drop of liquid vitamin, E I think, as the final part of his morning ritual.) He would eat the sprinkled glucosamine on his lettuce and take the metacam by syringe in the mouth. I hid the drop of vitamin in a little piece of apple.

I bought machine washable carpet pieces from Palace Ped Beds, so he could be comfortable, have his urine absorbed by these rugs that are designed for incontinent pets, and allowed me to change them out frequently and wash/dry them so I just swapped them out daily. He learned to scoot and push himself around. It was clear that the daily meds made him sleepy for about a half hour, then perk up (I assume the pain was subsiding) for the rest of the day. You can also try the litter pans they sell with a dip in the front so it’s not as high to jump into.
It’s a hard lifestyle change for both of you, but I was never as close to him as I was during that time. I held him a lot.

[skibunny8503]

Thanks guys! I’m going to call the vet up this week too just to see if that’s what she thinks might be wrong. She doesn’t have it that bad, just when she sits for a long time and she just takes a minute to get her legs to really get going. I’m not exactly sure her age, the shelter guessed 4 or 5 when we got her in 09; but who knows. She hasn’t peed anymore…just me luck too the little stinker

[jerseygirl]

Great info Katnip. And welcome back!

[skibunny8503]

Our vet was on vacation (thank goodness nothing went wrong with the buns!), but she’s back now and I got an email today from the vet assistant saying that the dr. recommends Dasuquin and it’s $42 (yikes!). They’re on lunch break right now but I’m going to give a call and ask what the difference would be between that and the other kind or if it would affect Archie. This year is getting so expensive

[Sarita]

I think the Dasuquin is what my vet liked as well – it has a soybean/avocado supplement that my vet thought was more beneficial – don’t ask me why though because it’s been awhile since I used it. I think all these supplements are pricey.

[Beka27]

I thought Binkybunny said Jack was on something for joints… (or maybe I’m thinking of someone else…?)

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