Giving meds

dbowes · Sep 19, 2012

Hi,

Jasper was diagnosed with a middle ear infection a week ago. The vet has sent a sample off to be cultured and im hoping to find out the results very soon. In the meantime he was perscribed some metacam and some antibioticss until the best antibiotics could be found. He has perked up and is eating ok but not quite his normal self.

Giving him in meds has been stressfull, he just wont accept it, we've tried various tactics i.e wrapping him in a towel but its proving very difficult. A solution we found was to mix the meds with some baby food. I found a fruit smoothie (strawberry and apple flavour) that seems to work really well.

My first question is, is there any disadvantage to giving him the meds in this way? I cant see why but unfortunately the tightening on one side of his face (casued by the ear infection) which was improving slowly has gone slightly back over. Is this an indication that the infection is "winning"?

Thanks

Dan

weedug · Sep 19, 2012

I often give my buns medicine hidden in food. My vet has said it was fine for me to do it this way.

Make sure the food is eaten straight away if it has metacam in it, as the metacam strength lessens once it has been in the light for over about 10 minutes. Sorry, that's not explained very well, but hope you get what I mean.

dbowes · Sep 19, 2012

Thanks

Yeah i get you, he has it straight away (he cant wait) but i was worried that dilluting it in some way wouldnt weaken its effect. I guess it all ends up in the same place anyway!

Anyone had experience with ear infections and the tightening of the facial muscles. I'm concerned that it going backwards is a sign that the infection is beating the anti-biotics. Anyone any experience of this? Can i expect his face to get better? I've read it can be permanent but we acted at the first sign and this his is first ear infection.

Dan

tonibun · Sep 20, 2012

Sorry bunny isn't well. I think if you started another thread regarding his face you might get more replies. Sorry I have no experience.

Michelleox · Sep 20, 2012

Wishing bun a speedy recovery.

One of my buns is a stroppy little mandam and recently she had to have four different meds. I tried the 'bunny burrito' etc but that ended in tears (mine) and a meds bottle on the carpet. I ended up putting her in my smaller carrier on the table and, putting my hand on her back, quickly put the syringe in her mouth, she took all of them fine. My theory was she now thought she was doing ME a favour by taking it rather than me forcing her. It may not work for others but we had a great routine going this way :thumb:

dbowes · Sep 20, 2012

Thanks guys,

I will start a new thread about his condition as I now have some more info from the vets.

Interesting idea about putting him in a carry case, would first of all stop him escaping. I've always managed it but think its a case of them giving up the fight. The problem is the twitching of the head.

My worry is that I'm on holiday next week and its not something I can cancel (wasn't cheap). Jasper has responded well to treatment so far and is eating fine so its now a case of continuing to give him the anti-biotics for the full 6 weeks and hoping that's the back of it! I have a friend house sitting who isn't used to dealing with rabbits but he is used to animals and is confident that he'll be good at it (which is the kind of attitude you need to have when syringing i think). I'm desperately trying different ideas so it is a bit easier for him when he takes over. Lapping up the meds mixed with baby food seems to be working so far but i want him to demonstrate he can syringe him too in case he gets wise to the spiking with baby food idea.

Giving meds

dbowes

Warren Scout

weedug

Mama Doe

dbowes

Warren Scout

tonibun

Wise Old Thumper

Michelleox

Mama Doe

dbowes

Warren Scout

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