How to give oral medication

[Jess]

My bunny had surgery a few days ago and I have to give her three types of oral medication every day in addition to eye drops. I’m not sure what is the best way to go about giving her the oral medication with the syringe. She has a pretty big cage so it is difficult to catch her. I’ve tried reaching in her cage to give it to her, trying the bunny burrito, giving her treats, trying to corner her to one part of the cage… Nothing works. I’m having a very hard time. Does anyone have any advice as to what to do about this?

[Bam]

It’s best if you are 2 people, so one can hold bunny in his/her lap while the other handles the syringe. Insert syringe in the gap just besides the front teeth, there are no teeth there so the bunny can’t bite down on the syringe. She can and probably will spit though.
Don’t push the meds into her mouth too quickly, make sure she swallows it.
With a little practice you’ll be able to give her the meds on your own.
Another way of getting meds into a bunny is by mixing it with sth delicious or drop it onto a slice of banana. This doesn’t always fool all bunnies, some will still stubbornly refuse.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’ve had some success just holding like a baby and sticking the syringe into the corner of the mouth -and go!

The other way I’ve done is sitting on my knees, legs in a V, and hands under their front paws, leaning over them-they are kind of trapped by your body but also feel secure as they are mostly on the floor. Then you can get the syringe in the corner of their mouth.

Watch some youtube videos and see what you think might work for your bunny. A partner is excellent as rabbits are fast. If you are losing medication with your struggles, why not try some syringes of watery apple juice so you can practice and then give the meds once you find what works.

[JenandLudwig]

When my bun was neutered I had to give him some pain killers orally, and I just gave him his favorite treat and when he opened his mouth for it, I just stuck the syringe in the corner of his mouth and got it in that way!

[BolingbrookMom]

My bun thinks meds are a life or death situation so I totally understand your frustration! First of all we would put him in a smaller enclosure where he didn’t have as much room to run around and that is when you can grab him. When my husband was home we would have him kneel down on both of his knees with his feet crossed underneath him so that our bun couldn’t just back up and get away. Then he would grab him with one hand holding the top of his head and one hand around his shoulders/back holding him still until he calmed down a bit. I would then kneel down by his head and put the syringe in the side of his mouth using my hands if I needed to adjust his head in case he tried to pull away. When it was just me I would just make sure the syringe was ready and within reach and do what my husband would but then when he calmed I would grab the syringe and put it in the side of his mouth. It’s a little more difficult to maneuver his mouth when it’s just one person but we got it done.

[ergodic]

For me I bunny burrito them an place them on a table so their butt is runs into my body so i they cannot back off. I use a table because my bunnies will fly if they are on the ground, If they are on the ground you can try to hold them in the burrito with your legs. Then I use my left hand to catch under the chin and over the mouth to prevent most of the head movement. Then I take the right hand with the syringe and bend over enough so I can see their mouth I do this to make sure I get the syringe in there mouth. Then using my right hand I insert the syringe in the side of their mouth then empty the syrine slowly. I find using my left hand control their head movement really helps.I know with George the bunny burrito alone is not enough because he moves his head all around.

For catching you can try using a towel for a reverse burrito. I generally use a carrier if I move them to table because they like to squirm even in the burrito.

[RosiePosie]

We are approaching the end of our first week of oral meds and Rosie thinks anytime I come near her now I am going to give her meds. She’s SO fiesty that I have to wrap her in a blanket and cradle her while I cover her face till I am ready to give her the meds. Its getting easier, but she’s for sure doesn’t like it.

[Talindra]

When I had my Jack neutered, I came home to find out I am no good at giving medication. Jack is my first rabbit and I was afraid, and so was he. And when ever i’d go near he’d scream! You ever hear a rabbit scream?? It’s horrible.
So after long hours of youtube video and forum searchs.. I concluded my rabbit does not like bananas..so mashing banana and adding the medication didn’t work. he won’t tollerate the bunny burrito, and I live alone so I had no help.
What worked for me were raisins. I’d find the fattest raisin and just inject it with medication. took about 3 raisins per dosage. I know it’s a lot of sugar…But that was my only option. It also got him to stop screaming when ever i got near the cage, Jack was all Ooooo treat time!

[Dee]

The raisin idea is great- wonder if it would work on my Nelli? I hate the fact that they get so frightened of us- the guilt is terrible although its for theor own good.

My BunBun used to accept certain meds mixed with baby food and a dab of honey- he would hop right over and drink from the syringe without ever being picked up ?. Nelli also demanded baby food in a syringe, since she was very jealous. Of course now that she needs meds she won’t go near it ?.

I hold Nell sideways on my lap facing left, put my left leg over her over her back legs to secure them (gently!), the put my right arm around her, slip my right hand under her front legs and lift her upper body into sitting up position, then use my left hand to slip the syringe into the side of her mouth. I also lean to the left while giving the meds so she is in a more normal position and less likely to aspirate. I can also use my left arm to keep her still and then use my right hand to pry the side of her mouth open- Nelli is a kicker, clencher, head shaker and a biter. Lots of fun ?.

It will get easier, I promise. When the buns first came along, I was too afraid to pick them up. I had to have someone come to the house to trim their nails cuz I couldn’t get them in the carrier! Now I can wrangle meds into the wild woolly mammoth, Nelli ?.

Good luck!

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