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Urgent Question: Psychological Stress from Giving Post-Operative Medication

22 9:49:11

Question
Three days ago, my new bunny had surgery.  She was spayed and had all of her incisors extracted.  I have been giving her the antibiotic, pain medication and critical care food as prescribed by her vet and although she has resisted being handled, I have been able to give her the food and medicine for the past two days with little problem.  This morning I came into her room, she ran over to me, she ate some of her own food, drank water and laid down next to me for a long petting session.  After a while I left her to go take care of some things.  I came back about two hours later to give her the antibiotic (as of this morning I have stopped the pain medication and the critical care food, since she is no longer loudly grinding her teeth and she is eating and using her litterbox on a regular basis).  I left her again after giving the antibiotic.  When I returned a little later, I found her wedged in a corner of the room behind my elliptical machine.  I tried talking to her and bending down to pet her and she cowered away from me as though I was going to hurt her.  This behavior has now continued for approximately four and half hours.  I feel as though the unpleasant experience of being handled and forced to take medicine, etc. has taken its toll on her psychologically, particularly since I am her primary companion.  I feel so bad, that can't imagine continuing to give her the antibiotic.  Her vet is off today, but I called his office, explained the situation and was told by another vet that works there to not try giving the medicine tonight and contact her vet tomorrow.  

Do you have suggestions on how best to handle this situation?  Obviously, I am just trying to do everything to help my bunny get well, but it seems that I have psychologically hurt her instead.

Answer
Dear Bettye

If your bunny was acting fine when you left, and had enjoyed her cuddling session, I wonder if her hunching in the corner wasn't because something had frightened her, and it wasn't your medicating her at all.  It is truly important for her long-term health that the antibiotics be given on schedule.  Try bringing her to a different place, such as a tabletop with a comfortable towel, and give her the meds there.  This way, she won't associate your coming to cuddle her with being given meds.

There is also the possibility that she's just not feeling well, and that this is more than psychological trauma. Please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

to be sure you're not missing a critical sign.

She will get over her trauma once the meds are done, especially if you take time to cuddle and love her and give her a treat *after* you give her the meds.  Make sure the last thing you do is something nice, and she'll be less traumatized.

Once you stop the meds, she will start to realize all is well, though you might need to have some "make up" sessions of cuddles and loving.

Hope this helps.

Dana