Strange drinking habit while sick

[Missa73e]

I have a 7 year old Holland Lop. Her name is Chi Chi. Last week she was diagnosed with an abscess behind her eye. It ruptured and is draining. Her vet has given antibiotics and eye drops and pain meds. All liquids. We have separated her from our other bunnies which she is bonded too.

Healthwise she is getting better. Very little drainage. She's back to eating as normal. Maybe even eating more. But her water is an issue. She won't drink out of her water bowl anymore. Instead she dumps it out on a towel she's been sleeping on and then sucks the water out of the towel. I have never seen any animal do this before. We have tried several different bowls hoping that she just didn't like the one she had but nothing works. I really don't know what to do with this.

 

[joey&boo]

thats a strange one. I had a bun who refused to drink whenever she was poorly but it always resolved when better. Might be worth trying her with a bottle

 

[Shimmer]

I would also offer her a bottle to see if that helps, and maybe a saucer.
You can also provide additional moisture via fresh food (eg greens) if she usually gets any, and by wetting the veg itself before it is served.

 

[Missa73e]

Those are both excellent ideas. While she wasn't doing well pellets and an apple slice were the only things she would eat. Yesterday she started eating hay again. And this morning she ate her romaine lettuce. This morning she had a huge appetite.

I'll run to the store here in a bit and grab a water bottle and a saucer.

 

[joey&boo]

Those are both excellent ideas. While she wasn't doing well pellets and an apple slice were the only things she would eat. Yesterday she started eating hay again. And this morning she ate her romaine lettuce. This morning she had a huge appetite.

I'll run to the store here in a bit and grab a water bottle and a saucer.

it must be a massive relief to see her appetite and health return. I hope the bottle works & reintroduction to her rabbit buddies goes well

 

[bunny momma]

It is good she is improving so well after her ruptured abscess. Sending vibes she continues to improve.
She may be rebelling against being moved from her friends. A bottle or saucer may help.
If your bunny still does not want to drink she may benefit from you wetting her greens.
If she is dehydrating or not peeing a normal amount she may need a vet check to assess her kidney function.

 

[joey&boo]

Hows your bun doing now?