Unhappy Bunny

[mattyboy279]

I have two six month old bunnies that live in the living room, Spock and Sheldon, however Spock is a bit under the weather at the moment, he started sneezing (though there isn't any sign of discharge from his nose or eyes) he's not hungry and isn't himself. Off to the vet yesterday, who apart from saying he has lost weight couldn't find much wrong with him. The vet has described antibiotics, poor Spock has never really like being picked up or stroked and he's always been a bit grumpy, though to be fair he's getting better. However now I have to give him medicine twice a day he hates it and try's to scratch and bite, has anyone got any tips, as well as trying to get him to eat more?

thanks

[bexVN]

Did the vets give him medicine to help his gut motility aswell, important with bunnies with reduced appetite and antibiotics.

The most common reason for snuffles in a bunny is Pasteurella infection. Can be chronic but with care can be treated and kept under control (does reoccur) assuming it is that.

[bexVN]

bexVN said:

Did the vets give him medicine to help his gut motility aswell, important with bunnies with reduced appetite and antibiotics.

The most common reason for snuffles in a bunny is Pasteurella infection. Can be chronic but with care can be treated and kept under control (does reoccur) assuming it is that.

Wt loss in a young bunny is not to be ignored (unless he is entire and permanently trying to mate other bunny!) dandelion leaves usually get appetites going

[mattyboy279]

yes the vets give him medicine to help his gut motility as well, he is also pooing ok. He just doesn't like taking it.

[moorx]

I have heard (although not tried it myself!) that wrapping them in a towel helps, if they kick out/scratch.

Dandelion leaves, as suggested. Also Plantain is good if you can find it.

[Mr Tom]

Did the vet check its teeth? Not sure how that would cause sneezing but rabbits are quite reliant on their teeth being in top condition....

[moorx]

Mr Tom said:

Did the vet check its teeth? Not sure how that would cause sneezing but rabbits are quite reliant on their teeth being in top condition....

Very true - and dental problems can cause loss of appetite/weight loss.

[98elise]

moorx said:

I have heard (although not tried it myself!) that wrapping them in a towel helps, if they kick out/scratch.

Dandelion leaves, as suggested. Also Plantain is good if you can find it.

We use a towel to medicate our chincillas, it works for them.

Also medicines can be bitter to the taste so you might want to try mixing it with water and powdered food.

Whenever our chincillas have been ill they have lost weight and the vet had given us a powdered food to give them by syringe.

Edited by 98elise on Thursday 4th December 20:59

[mattyboy279]

Having a bit more success with the syringe full of medicine, instead of holding him in my lap, we put him on the floor I hold him and the OH injects it into his mouth, seems a lot less stressful... but oh god he's in a bad mood!