My rabbit hates me because of daily eye drops

[Clark&Minnie]

My rabbit, Clack developed cataracts a few months ago and is blind now but otherwise in good health. I took him to a bunny eye doctor and they confirmed that and gave me some anti-inflammatory eye drops as a precaution. I’m supposed to give them daily and I was doing it pretty consistently for over a month.

I would give him a treat, pick him up, put him in a chair and quickly set him back down and give him another treat. But now, he won’t come near me. If I approach, he thumps and runs away. He thumps if I have a treat in my hand. He’s pretty distrustful of me in general.

Has anyone experienced this? Do I back off the drops for a while or do I just let him hate me? I’m worried the stress will cause him to stop coming out even for meal times.

 

[bunny momma]

I would continue to give the drops, without the treat. At a separate time, give him the treat so he associates you with the treat.

 

[joey&boo]

As the eye specialist said they were to be used as a precaution, I'd go back to them & ask if they think it'd be ok to stop using them as its causing your bun distress. I can understand why this must be really upsetting for you. Really hope you can get this resolved

 

[Preitler]

Imo wrong way around - give the treat after everything is done. Always end whatever ordeal with something nice, their (and our) mammal brains rate the experience way less bad that way. Using the treat as lure makes him associate the treat with something bad. Makes a big difference when it is given.

My approach with any such proceedures is that I anounce what I'm going to do, do it without any thought about apologizing, as efficient as possible, and then give a treat and leave them be.

Anyway, if the eyes are fine now I too would ask if continuing with the drops is worth it, it's not like there can't be any downsides or side effects.

 

[twistedtiggerz69]

Yes I agree you need to continue with the eye drops unless you speak with your vet and they agree you can pause them for a short while. The eye drops could help make him more comfortable maybe and help with pain but he may not need them and so you can take a break from them.

My bunny needs eye drops every day but he too hates them. Idk why as they are only comfort drops but if he notices the white eye drops bottle in my hand before I have him securely he will rush off the bed so fast and then won't let me catch him! I just give him 3 pellets afterwards. He still remembers the white bottle though. It is the eye drops he hates, not you!

I agree give him something he likes as a treat a different time of day and then just stroke him after (if he likes that) and not do anything else to him. I wouldn't give him extra commercial treats though as he could put on weight. I would just give him a healthy snack like a sprig of herbs or a slice of brocolli stalk. And give him fuss to help you bond with him.

You may still get him thumping and running away but just remember you are doing it for his own good and give him happy memories separately.

 

[Clark&Minnie]

I would continue to give the drops, without the treat. At a separate time, give him the treat so he associates you with the treat.

Thanks! That's a great suggestion. I tried to do that last night but felt bad after he had his drops, and gave him a treat. I'll try without a treat moving forward.

 

[Clark&Minnie]

As the eye specialist said they were to be used as a precaution, I'd go back to them & ask if they think it'd be ok to stop using them as its causing your bun distress. I can understand why this must be really upsetting for you. Really hope you can get this resolved

I'm definitely going to follow up with the vet. Maybe instead of everyday, they can be given every other day. That might help things, too. Thank you!