Introduction:
Osteoarthritis is defined as a chronic, degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. This degenerative disease worsens over time resulting in chronic pain. While many patients may have a history of a previous injury, this is not always the case. Osteoarthritis is more common in older, obese, and large-breed rabbits.
Rabbits with osteoarthritis are reluctant to move and may have a hunched-over posture and difficulty rising. Patients may lay in urine or droppings due to lack of willingness to get up resulting in urine scalding or fecal soiling of the fur in the groin. You may notice decreased or absent night feces and patients may develop secondary GI stasis secondary to pain.
Conditions that have similar symptoms to osteoarthritis include septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, bone tumors, limb deformities, bone infection, pododermatitis, central or peripheral trauma, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and conditions resulting in muscle weakness.
Your veterinarian will start with a thorough musculoskeletal exam evaluating your pet’s gait along with the range of motion of all the joints and testing each joint for instability, swelling, thickening, or fluid. Radiographs may also be recommended, however, changes may only be present when the disease is advanced and no changes on radiographic evaluation do not rule it out. A complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel may be recommended to evaluate other causes and to look for underlying kidney problems which might negate treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
The hallmarks of treatment for osteoarthritis is to alleviate pain and limit progression. Your veterinarian may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications with or without additional pain medications. Alternative or ancillary treatments may include laser therapy and acupuncture. Joint support supplements may also be recommended. Obese patients should be encouraged to loose weight and any other necessary lifestyle changes will be discussed by your veterinarian.
The prognosis is fair if pain can be brought under control and lifestyle modifications are successful.
Patients with osteoarthritis should have a physical exam every 6 months if pain is well controlled. If a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed it is important to monitor kidney values.
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