Giving medicine

[Steve Parker]

Buddy has a soft tissue injury according to the vet. He basically sprained his ankle while trying to dig a hole in the carpet.

 

His vet gave me some liquid medicine to give him and a syringe like tool to measure and feed it to him. I tried this morning to give it to him. He cooperated yesterday when the vet gave the first dose and even seemed to like the taste. But this morning, he didn’t want it from me.

 

What is the best way to give medicine to a rabbit?

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[Sarita]

Oh he’s so cute! Have you tried wrapping him in a towel in the bunny burritto?

[Steve Parker]

I didn’t try that this morning. Running late and also didn’t want to take a chance of hurting his foot further, but I may have to Burrito him. He just didn’t want to work with me at all today.

The picture was of him cooling off on an AC vent. He loves that spot.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Awww he’s so cute! You’ll want to poke the syringe in his cheek to give him the meds, not down the throat. The burrito method is good-take him to the bathroom or a counter if you can-so he’s out of his element-he’ll likely cooperate better for you Good luck!

[Steve Parker]

Thanks for the info. So, I should kind of aim the syringe at the side of his mouth?

I’ve never done the burrito wrap. I saw the vet do it, but I’m not too sure about how to do it. With the burrito, I just place him on a towel and fold the towel over him, right?

[bunnytowne]

Oh isn’t your bun darling.  Looks so prissy in that picture with the front feet together.

Towel wrapping helps.  I have sat he bunny up in my arm like a baby but his hind quarters are at my forearm and his head like at my elbow sitting up somewhat.   worked out good. 

Some bunny’s can be so squirmy when it comes to meds.

[Sarita]

My rabbits never actually open their mouth to take medication – I can usually handle my rabbits fairly easily – yes, they get stressed but it must be done – I usually put the syringe on the side (they won’t open up anyway) and kind of wiggle it past the teeth and squirt quickly.

Some people also put the rabbit between their knees facing outward and bend over and squirt the syringe in the side of their mouth – this does not work for me with my big rabbits. I can usually manage to hold them in the crook of my arm like a baby and give it from there but I sometimes have to wrap some of my in a towel this way because they will kick me.

[Steve Parker]

I’ll try all your suggestions. Let’s hope Buddy will work with me tomorrow morning. I’m going to kmart this afternoon to buy him his own burrito towel.

[kralspace]

ah, he’s so pretty, and I get that same look when it’s time for Simba’s medicine…lol

I ditto the ‘side of the mouth’ angle. Last night I was holding while my son tried to give it to him straight on and Simba sucked it all out of the dropper and spit it right back in Mike’s face. Maybe mom’s not so dumb afterall.

[Steve Parker]

That’s too funny.

I’ll try the side angle in the morning. We miss Buddy running through the house.

[Steve Parker]

3/5/09–We got Buddy to take the medicine! It was a struggle, but the burrito worked. That is one strong willed rabbit!

[wendyzski]

I smush it in a tsp or so of either applesauce or canned pumpkin and let them lap up the treat. Works every time for Pepper!

[Steve Parker]

I may try the applesauce. It was a real struggle this morning getting it in him. It took one person holding him in the burrito and me with one hand over his eyes and the other with the syringe. Not a good experience for any of us. Everyone, thanks for all the info!

[Steve Parker]

Here is a picture of Buddy with his stuffed bear. He loves to snuggle with his bear.

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[Scarlet_Rose]

Hi Parkers57!  It depends on how diffcult the patient is, what method I use.  With my two, I burrito them, pin them with my knees, kneeling, ankles crossed so if they go in reverse, they are blocked by my ankles and have to face the syringe going in the side of the mouth. They absolutely HATE taking meds whether it is compounded (flavored) or not.

Here is more info: that might be helpful:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/medicating.html

[Steve Parker]

Thanks for the info. I’ll check out the web page you pointed out. Buddy worked with me a bit this morning. I’m going to try the apple sauce method tomorrow when I have a bit more time.

[Sarita]

The only problem with the applesauce method may be that he is not getting the whole dosage that is needed.

[Steve Parker]

I read the link at rabbit.org. I think it might be worth a try. I’m going to try apple sauce w/o med tonight to see if he will eat it first. Then tomorrow morning mix in half a dose of med and an hour or so later mix in remaining meds. I think it would be less stressful for all.

[Sarita]

That sounds like a good plan – let us know how that works for you and Buddy (he’s just so handsome).

[Steve Parker]

I’ll let you know.

I really appreciate all the advice. This forum is the best!

[wendyzski]

Posted By Sarita on 03/06/2009 5:39 AM
The only problem with the applesauce method may be that he is not getting the whole dosage that is needed.

Heh – not with Pepper.  She’d eat the plate if she could!

[MimzMum]

Aw! Your bun is so cute with his bear! ^_^
I think the key to medicine administration-besides the previous suggestions which are all excellent-is that if possible, try to make the dosing as minimal a part of the whole procedure. Mimzy is just about to finish a round of antibiotics and I find that it’s usually the same struggle each day, but if I can take some time before or afterward to cuddle, pet, play, treat or just in general snuggle with him, he still hates the meds, but he looks forward to the ‘personal’ time.
I have never been good at the burrito. Mimzy is an accomplished escape artist.

[Steve Parker]

I had more time this morning to play with Buddy before giving him his medicine. It went a lot better today. He seems to feel much better, so we let him out of his pen for the first time since Tuesday. He played on the deck for a while with his protective dad watching the whole time. He wanted to come back in, so I let him in. I didn’t get a chance to block the stairs and he took off to the bonus room. He flew up the stairs like he had wings. He ran and played as if he felt wonderful. We’ll continue his medicine for 2 more days, but I think the restricted movement is a thing of the past. I’m going to try to keep him from jumping on and off the furniture. That can’t be good for his foot.

Thanks again for all the advice. You all have been WONDERFUL!

[Scarlet_Rose]

You’re welcome Parkers57! I’m glad to hear the dosing is going better and Buddy is getting back to normal!

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