Elder Bun Not Using Paw

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hellochicago

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Chicago, Illinois, USA
My (approx.) 13-year old Polish is not putting weight on his front left paw.

The last 2 years, he's been the one who pees and poos outside of the litter box. We got him a second box, one with stairs, one with low sides, and even a large storage container with low sides. He still pees where he wants. (He is neutered.)

This past week has had more bathroom spots than normal. I assumed he was being picky since they were a day behind on their pen cleaning.

I called Blue Pearl in Chicago (emergency vet, but limited with exotics). After explaining this, the nurse said this could simply be extreme arthritis, which would explain the bathroom issues. And that it could be largely in one paw.

He is still eating and going to the bathroom.

Blue Pearl said I can bring him in so they can give him some pain killers, but that he will need to see his exotic vet ASAP. And that waiting until tomorrow is an option since, again, the best they can likely do is give him pain killers.

Has anyone dealt with a rabbit with "severe" arthritis? Or does this sound like a larger issue?

I gave him some banana as a treat, some additional greens, and he has lots of fresh water and timothy hay. He's in his favorite box with an added towel for comfort.

Being on a budget, waiting to see his main vet in the morning is certainly better than $120 for the emergency vet PLUS any treatment. But I DO NOT want to worsen his condition with an assumption that he can wait until tomorrow.

Any advice is very much appreciated.
 
Arthritis is certainly a possibility at that age. I have a 10 yr old bun that is arthritic. She also has a hard time making it to the litter box and is a bit stiff and slower to hop around. It could also possibly be an injury. So good you are getting it checked.

If your bun does have arthritis, the vet may also suggest putting your bun on some daily metacam to help with the pain(tip: usually much cheaper to order online than get from the vet). As long as there are no kidney issues, this is a common med to give arthritic buns. Some other things that can sometimes help with arthritis are glucosamine supplements, and adequan injections.
http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Osteoarthritis_rabbits.htm
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Bone_diseases/Osteo/arthritis.htm
 
Probably too late for the advice now, but if he's eating and drinking and seems comfortable it sounds like something that can wait for the regular vet tomorrow. If you suspected the leg might be broken or something else more acutely painful, I'd encourage you to bring him to the emergency vet for an exam and x-rays at a minimum.
 

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