I need opinions, please

[pamnock]

gypsy wrote:

I have a questionconcerning Raph , Pam can you answer it ,I know this is a deformity BUTcan possibly heat , either moistor dry help in reducingthe stiffness and make thejoint plyable enough to moveback into a semi normal position ,followed up with a cold pack torelieve inflamation ?

Iknow when my back desides to slip off myhips moist heat, followed byice will relieve theswelling and help it sometimesgo back into place with out daysor weeks worth of suffering ? Couldthis be something that wouldbenifitRaph ?

Anti-inflammatories and pain meds would be ofvalueas well as limiting his activity. I found these types oftherapies to be very helpful in treating horses, which can be prone tohock problems.

Vet wrap could be applied for support as long as he's not chewing itoff. However, it would be extremely dangerous towrap the hocks too tight, as this would cut off circulation.I would leave them unwrapped at night and check a couple times a day tobe certain they are not too tight.

Because of the expense and risks of surgery -- I wouldn't even consider it at this point.

"Well, I guess that is something I will have to put behind me, becauseat this point it doesn't change the fact that Raph is here and doeshave this condition."

So true. Immense handicaps can be overcome and dealtwith. This will serve as a learning experience for othersdealing with this problem.

Pam

 

Anti Inflamatories , okI haev to ask becuause there are so manyout there that are so harsh onHuman stomachs, kidneys andsuch Which ones would beRabbit safe ? Can an over thecounter be of use orwould it only be Vet prescribed?

I know Baby Asprin can be usedon Rabbits in smallenough doses , butwould that serve asan Inflamation reducer ?

 

[Jenniblu]

The vet wrap ideal sounds good, Pam.Do they make it in a smaller size though? I've only seen thelarge rolls for horses around here. Can it be cut to berabbit sized?

ETA - Would massage also help his condition?

http://www.catsandrabbitsandmore.com/disabled_rabbits

 

[Bassetluv]

Vet wrap could be applied for support aslong as he's not chewing it off. However, it wouldbe extremely dangerous to wrap the hocks too tight, as this would cutoff circulation. I would leave them unwrapped at night andcheck a couple times a day to be certain they are not too tight.

Pam, is it possible to wrap the 'knee' portion of a rabbit's hind leg?That is where the initial problem is...Raph's hocks are splayed out abit, but according to the vet it is the upper part of the leg...thekneecap area...that goes out of joint. I'd like to be able to dosomething to give his legs some further support. Yet I also wonder ifgiving them that support would further stress the joint. Of course Iwouldn't know until I tried it whether he'd chew it, but I would tryanything to help him out if I'd think it would help. He is prettymobile, but does lose his balance easily, especially if he is trying toturn around. Oh, and for a rabbit with this condition, is wire flooringsafe? I was going to be constructing an outdoor cage for him as well ashis indoor one, with the hutch part a solid floor and the run having awire floor...perhaps with a couple of mats on top of part of thewire...the plastic type designed to save bunnies from sore hocks.