Any way to make medication process less terrible?

[Dragon Li]

I recently adopted a new bonded pair, and one has an inner ear infection requiring a month of a daily dose of Baytril. This bun is of course the little guy who fights against any medicating (not the one that would eat anything and everything if available). Long story short, despite trying to add the baytril in applesauce and the whatnot, he just will NOT take it willingly. So I’m having to do a whole process of bringing him into another room in his carrier, towel wrapping, squirting the nasty stuff in, etc. I hate that our brand new bun has to have that gruesome stuff squirted down every day for a month, but after days of searching, all I can find are dozens of mixed messages about what to use to make it more palatable. Some suggest juice, others say it has to be no sugar or it messes with their digestive system. At this point I know he won’t taking it willingly, but if there’s something I can suck up into the oral syringe to make it less terrible, I’m willing to do it. Any suggestions?

 

PS: I do give him a treat afterward, but yesterday he just held it in his mouth and looked at me like “I just hate you so much right now, you have no idea.” 

[LBJ10]

I have tried everything with Wooly, including some “bad” things. He just refuses to take anything orally. I always have to force it. That’s why I was so relieved this last time when the vet suggested we try ear wash laced with Baytril. Note: you have to make sure the eardrum isn’t ruptured first.

[sunshinesocks]

We couldn’t even get critical care which is meant to be tasty down Oz. Briefly blending it with raspberry or banana worked. But yes totally agree it’s always the stubborn one that gets sick.

[ergodic]

I recently found with Dusty, sticking the tip in Maple flavored Laxatone works because he really likes and it is very stick so he has a tough time getting it off. My other rabbit George will take it as long as he has some fresh hay or a treat to wash the nasty flavor out, but he take it everyday.

Good luck

[Love4Bunny]

I had to do the same thing with Thor for 2 or so weeks when I first got him. He hated it and bit me a few times, because it was within the first week of us living together, and he didn’t trust me at all. I also did the bunny burrito, and while I don’t have tips on making meds palatable (because bunnies learn the drill quickly), I would just suggest keeping the whole experience brief. As long as I am quick, firm, and offer positive reinforcement, Thor forgives easier, and it is way less stressful for both of us. Anything long and drawn out leaves a bad memory for Thor, even if it is for his benefit. Also, I find it helpful to offer treats on ground level after you put them down, as I feel it reassures them that treats don’t always equal being picked up. I know it’s not supposed to be funny, but Thor did a similar thing with treats when he was upset. I’d gently insert the treat into his mouth, and he’d hold it in his cheek, like a chipmunk storing chestnuts.

Hope your bun gets better soon.

[Dragon Li]

Thanks everyone! We’ve gotten into a process that at least is less than 10 minutes if cumbersome. He still fights and bucks a few times, but eventually he just accepts his fate. I still try to flavor the syringe at least a little just to be kind. At least it’s thus far only 2 1/2 more weeks. If he has to continue, OMG I don’t know what I’m going to do besides lose my mind.

[drwil]

I notice you said “our” meaning more than one person. When my wife and I dose our bunny I hold her (the rabbit not my wife) wrapped in a towel and press my cheek tightly on her head so she cannot move it around to avoid the medicine.

So if there is someone to help you may try this. If the medicine tastes bad it is very hard to mask especially for animals with a very good sense of smell like rabbits.

[Author]

Messages