Diminished appetite

Question
I would like to know wether I should start force feeding my rabbit.I have a spayed 5 year old English angora doe who has Pasteurellose.She has been on Chlor palm since the 4th of december.She responds to the medication and she is still eating but not as much as usual.I do not suspect a fur ball because her poop is not attached, she just produce smaller and less poop.Since she is gonna be on Chlor palm at least until Saturday, should I force feed her ? I tried changing her feed and giving plenty of greens but it just won't go back to normal.Thanks for any help you may provide.

Answer
Dear Naomi,

Oral chloramphenicol is known to cause tummy upset, so this could be the reason she's a bit off her food.  If she is still eating some food, and producing relatively normal poops, I would not resort to force feeding.  Continue the medications, be sure she stays well hydrated, and then see how she feels once the medications are stopped on Saturday.  It may take a day or two before she starts to regain her appetite.

If she *stops* eating, this is serious, and you should contact your vet right away.  Please also see:

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

and

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

I hope this helps.

Dana