Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis can affect rabbits as they get older, in fact recent studies have shown that rabbits may be affected by spondylosis from as young as 2 years of age. Sadly skeletal changes are often missed. Any joint in the body can be affected by the inflammation that arthritis causes. This can be progressive and cause considerable pain.

There are a number of types of arthritis and various causes: 

- the risk of your rabbit developing arthritis is higher in those that are a large breed, are overweight or have had a limb amputated due to extra wear and tear on the joints. 

- if the rabbit has had an injury to a joint when younger this can also cause osteoarthritis later in life.  

- when your rabbit has had an injury where bacterial are introduced into a joint via a penetrating injury or has dental disease or an upper respiratory infection where bacteria can migrate to a joint, septic arthritis can eventuate. 

- another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system is faulty which results in joint inflammation.  

Symptoms

Elderbuns (5yrs+) naturally slow down, becoming less active as they age and this can make the onset of arthritis difficult to pick up on. Signs to look out for include:

- Having trouble entering or leaving the litterbox, especially if it has high sides.

- Having trouble hopping, moving more slowly, altered gait.

- Stiffness on rising after sitting in one position whilst sleeping/resting.

- Difficulty grooming or reaching the butt to eat cecotrophes. This can result in poopy butt or an un-kept coat and a build up of earwax.

- If your rabbit can’t elevate their bottom too pee they may develop urine scald.

- Behavioural changes such as aggression when handled or becoming withdrawn.

- Loss of appetite.

- Loose of muscle mass especially over the rump.

Diagnosis

A full examination by your vet including X-Rays - which will need to be done under anaesthesia, will help confirm an arthritis diagnosis. The X-Rays will show the affected joints to be fuzzy or hazy looking. Other tests to a full diagnostic picture may include blood tests, urine tests and a sample of joint fluid.

Treatment

Arthritis can’t be cured but your vet can offer treatment including:

- pain relief such as Metacam, to make your rabbit more comfortable. Your vet should monitor your rabbit’s liver and kidney function if long term use is advised. 

- antibiotic therapy will resolve septic arthritis if it is started early enough. 

- supplements such as glucosamine are not proven, but may help. 

- massage may help, see links below. Always discuss with your vet first. 

- acupuncture can improve quality of life.

- Hemp Seed Oil / Pellets as a Joint Health / Anti Inflammatory Supplement

The above measures work well for me. However for elderly rabbits, I do find Hemp Seed Oil and/or Pellets can be really helpful. If you do decide to try this please let me know how you go. I would suggest mixing the oil into chaff, mixing with Critical Care or incorporating into low sugar dried treats. Or, you can source (pure) Hemp Seed Pellets (they are usually pretty large) and give one or two a day.

How to Help Your Rabbit

- Keep your rabbit’s weight in an optimal range and provide lots of opportunity  for your rabbit to exercise regularly so they can maintain good muscle mass.  

- If you think your rabbit may be developing arthritis (symptoms can be attributed to other conditions), then take your rabbit to see your vet as soon as possible.

- If your rabbit has arthritis then help them stay clean & assist with grooming by giving them regular ‘hygiene’ trims around the butt and use a barrier cream if urine scald is a problem. Groom them more regularly to help keep their coat in good condition.

- Your rabbit may not be able to reach their cecos any more so you may need to collect them (this will also help prevent them causing poopy butt) and give them to your rabbit to eat. Make sure they are as fresh as possible. 

- Ensure their bedding is soft and absorbent to reduce pressure sores and reduce soiling. VetBed is especially useful for this.

- Your rabbit may need an altered litter tray especially one with a low front entrance. 

- If your set up includes ramps and steps your rabbit may not be able to use these easily any more so changes to accomodate this may need to be made.

- You may need to provide additional heating for your rabbit due to their lack of mobility and pain. Heat pads such as Snuggle Safes are a safe option and can really help.

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