Rabbit Refusing Medication

[Captain Jackie]

Hello, I am absolutely stuck and have no idea what to do. I have two unspayed does who I have recently found out are carrying pinworms. I am at a total loss as to how to administer their medication. It’s through a syringe. I’ve tried various burrito methods (between the legs, under the arm, two people, etc) and none of them have worked. They jerk their heads fast and hard at the same speed rabbits fight and dash away. I am trying to be soothing and gentle as possible and give them small doses at a time. Nothing has worked. The second the syringe touches their mouth they freak out. I’ve tried smearing it on food, mixing it with food, with pellets, even making a banana mash which is supposedly the most addictive natural food you can give a rabbit and they still won’t eat it. I don’t know what to do anymore. They’ve wasted a week’s worth of medicine they were supposed to be taking twice a day. I called the vet and all they suggested were different burrito methods and to watch their YouTube video. Would be nice if they had a video of the squirmiest rabbits imaginable instead of the most complacent rabbit I’ve ever seen. I’ve read about medications that only require a twice a week dosage, worms going away on their own, meds that can be mixed with food or water… What’s your experience been? Is there an easier way to do this or are we just screwed?

[Sirius&Luna]

Do you have anyone else who can help you? Sometimes with very determined rabbits, two people can make the process a lot easier. One person can hold the rabbit still in their arms (do this over a table if you fear you might lose control of them), while the second person holds their head still and squirts the medicine into the side of their mouth. The side is normally easier than the front. If a bit dribbles down then you don’t need to worry too much as they’ll clean it off.

This might feel harsh, but its much less stressful for the rabbit to have it over with, than be chased around with a syringe for ages.

As far as I know, worms will not go away by themselves and need medication.

Personally I had success mashing worming medication into banana, but I know you’ve said that didn’t work for you.

[Captain Jackie]

@Sirius&Luna

Thanks for the response, we tried with two people but it was with the bunny on one person’s lap and the other administering the meds. I like the idea of using a table, you think if we hold them down more (As opposed to only a wrap) they won’t squirm as much? We had the buns in a burrito under the arm, but I’m thinking maybe we can use my boyfriend’s giant hands to secure them better..? Haha

[DanaNM]

@Wick has some really good tips on giving medication (or syringe feeding), they describe it pretty well in this thread: https://binkybunny.com/forums/topic/how-to-syringe-feed-healthyish-bunae/

The “C-grip” is the important part. I usually like to give meds with the bun on my lap or on a towel on a table. Have the bun facing away from you, so your body blocks them from backing up. The “C-grip” will prevent the bun from jerking her head away.

This video shows clearly where to aim the syringe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmlx_K9RS0A

Her bunny is cooperative, but she does use the C-grip. For a squirmier bun, you have to hold the jaw pretty firmly.

In my experience, the more firm you are, the less they try to wiggle away.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Captain Jackie]

@dananm Thank you so much! That C grip was exactly what we were missing. 🙂

[Wick & Fable]

The beloved C-grip. Saved me much stress with Wick, haha. Thanks for linking everything Dana!

Here’s a video I made with Wick on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N12eJ5vdo4w

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[DanaNM]

Awesome! Glad it worked! @Wick I’m going to bookmark that vid for the future!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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