Poorly Bunny :o(

[Rubyrose]

My rabbit wasn't eating so I took her to the vets and she has a lump in her abdomen but the vet said it isn't a tumor as she is too young. She was given antibiotics and I have to syringe them into her mouth which she does fine but I also have to syringe some recovery food into her mouth too but she is refusing to eat it. I syringe it in and it just seeps back out as she doesn't want it. Has anyone else had to do this and if so did it work and how?

[daisydilly]

Wrap the rabbits body in a towel with only the head poking out and hold the rabbit securely on its back, like a baby - This way the animal cannot kick out or wriggle. Also you will not get scratched.

Hold the mouth open with your thumb and forefinger and squirt the liquid in and hold the animals mouth shut and tilt the head back slightly. The bunny should swallow. Dont mess about though, the quicker you do it the less chance bunny has to protest. You need to get the syringe far in enough otherwise she will just let it dribble out.

[Kimmiebear]

Hiya
I haven't medicated a rabbit before (exept injectable) but in general: Make sure that you are getting the food far enough back in the mouth that the bunny doesn't really have a choice but to swallow. It sounds cruel, but it is important the she eats. Also you could try tapping her nose once you have the food in her mouth as that will encourage her to swallow. Rubbing her throat should also encourage swallowing. If you are uncomfortable tapping her nose while holding her mouth closed, you can try blowing gently on her face instead. I have found that this works really well with cats, but it should also work with your rabbit. Grit your teeth and just keep trying... she may not like it but it is in her best intrest. If you are concerned at all call your vet for advice. They may even have a hand-out or info package applicable for you.
Cheers
Kim

[Rubyrose]

Thanks Kimmie. I will have to keep trying but she has started eating loads of hay which is definately a good sign. I have distressed her quite abit with all this feeding as now she doesn't come and see me when I open the hutch door, she runs away instead. Poor little thing.