According to Westley’s World (botanical section) Don’t feed Willow, Birch, Poplar, Alder or the herb Meadowsweet if your rabbit is on Metacam.

So, did a bit of digging:

These plants contain salicin which is a precursor to Aspirin. In medical literature it is well documented that Aspirin interacts with NSAIDS including Meloxicam, altering its action and effectiveness.

Willow trees especally, produce pure salicylic acid directly for their own defense, but the main source of the medicinal compound that leads to aspirin is the salicin precursor found in the leaves and bark.

Trees that are over-harvested, have a higher incidence of salicin.

While some say it takes quite a bit of willow to have a negative effect, it can also let people think that huge amounts of willow is OK to give, but it is not.

“This school of thought can also lead to people thinking that feeding unlimited amounts of these plants is absolutely safe and carries no risk – but interactions aside, a high intake of salicin can actually be toxic, damaging kidneys, causing stomach ulcers, diarrhoea, bleeding or digestive discomfort, hence our cautions.” States Westley’s World.

However, every rabbit’ssystem differs, and a low dose of asperin can be extremely harmful to some rabbits.

But let’s look at this:

We do not know if the treea harvested for leaves and sticks were over plucked, and what levels of SALICIN is in the wreath or sticks you give.

Salicin and NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti – inflamatory drugs, which includes Meloxicam, Ibuprofen etc,) clashes by causing extreme blood thining, which can lead to severe complications when your rabbit needs surgery. It can even lead to such thin blood that your rabbit can bleed to death.

Other factors include pressure on the heart, etc.

So, keep to not overfeeding willow, or the other plants me tioned, and do not give willow when your rabbit is on meloxicam, to just help that bit in making it easier for their systems.

We do NOT want to overload their systems with too much medications, rabbits are so sensitive.

Hibiscus is a very safe treat to give when your bunny is feeling off, but in need of sticks and leaves, instead of willow.

Sources:

https://www.westleysworld.com/thefiles/trees-amp-shrubs-safe-to-feed

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-955/willow-bark

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322793

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