Tips for syringe feeding medication?

[Shan&Chibi]

So my boy was given some antibiotics that I need to give him twice a day with a syringe. 

The first ever time Chibi needed medication orally he did it absolutely perfectly and there was no issue. The next time he needed oral meds I don’t know if it tasted super bad or something but since then he fights me all the way to be syringe fed.

Today I was given some antibiotics that smell/taste like banana (if you’re from the UK at least you may of had this as a kid too. Tastes super yummy!) so I was hopeful that he’d be fine having this lot of meds as he loves a nice bit of banana. 
Yet again though he is fighting me all the way and I don’t want to stress him out and make him choke or something, y’know?

I’ve tried swaddling him several times and he just escapes. I’ve tried putting him between my legs on the floor and kinda blocking him in with my legs but again, he escapes. I do it like my vet told me the first time and kinda stand behind them with their butt against you and tilt their head back ever so slightly and get the syringe in the corner of the mouth, and I think I’m doing that correctly. 

Is it me doing it wrong that’s making him fight me or is he just extra determined to fight me?

I’m just paranoid I’m going to super stress him out and I don’t want that!

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!!! 

[sarahthegemini]

Although the technique the vet uses is great, I know it would never work for me and my buns. I recently had to medicate Pea 2x daily for two weeks. Are you able to pick Chibi up at all? I would place a towel on a table, scoop him up and place him on the table and then wrap the towel around him (burrito style)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnCWHivAUkp/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ls3w9iuby4ja

If you’ve not seen the burrito wrap before, I’ve linked a photo of Pea all wrapped up.

I found that Peanut didn’t move much on the table but I wrapped him anyway because I didn’t want to risk him pulling a fast one when syringing him. To give him the meds, place the syringe in the side of his mouth (there’s a gap there) and just depress the syringe slowly so he doesn’t aspirate and make sure he’s swallowing. Stop regularly so there’s not too much in his mouth at once.

I hope this is of some help! Speedy recovery vibes Chibi xxx

[Wick & Fable]

Every rabbit is different, so don’t feel like you’re doing something wrong! There are times it is owner technique, but other times it’s the rabbit’s perception. For example, I can’t really imagine using the bunny burrito for Wick’s nails and medical interventions. The little guy has the ability to huddle into the tiniest ball and disappear in a towel haha.

For Wick, I use the following technique:
http://youtu.be/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.

[Shan&Chibi]

Posted By Wick on 10/15/2018 3:51 PM
Every rabbit is different, so don’t feel like you’re doing something wrong! There are times it is owner technique, but other times it’s the rabbit’s perception. For example, I can’t really imagine using the bunny burrito for Wick’s nails and medical interventions. The little guy has the ability to huddle into the tiniest ball and disappear in a towel haha.

For Wick, I use the following technique:
http://youtu.be/N12eJ5vdo4w

That’s super helpful, thank you!
How Wick is acting is exactly how Chibi is too. I’ll definitely give that a try tonight!

Thank you!

[Shan&Chibi]

Posted By sarahthegemini on 10/15/2018 1:33 PM
Although the technique the vet uses is great, I know it would never work for me and my buns. I recently had to medicate Pea 2x daily for two weeks. Are you able to pick Chibi up at all? I would place a towel on a table, scoop him up and place him on the table and then wrap the towel around him (burrito style)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnCWHivAUkp/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ls3w9iuby4ja

If you’ve not seen the burrito wrap before, I’ve linked a photo of Pea all wrapped up.

I found that Peanut didn’t move much on the table but I wrapped him anyway because I didn’t want to risk him pulling a fast one when syringing him. To give him the meds, place the syringe in the side of his mouth (there’s a gap there) and just depress the syringe slowly so he doesn’t aspirate and make sure he’s swallowing. Stop regularly so there’s not too much in his mouth at once.

I hope this is of some help! Speedy recovery vibes Chibi xxx

Ah thank you, I’ll try that as well if all else fails.
I manage to pick him up and put him on my kitchen table as that’s a good height for me to reach him without it being uncomfortable.

Maybe I haven’t been wrapping him in a towel/blanket tight enough and that’s why he’s been escaping. I’m just scared I’ll hurt him but as it’s only for a minute or so I’ll try wrapping him up tighter and see if that’s less stressful for him.

Thank you, I really appreciate your suggestion!

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