rabbit health: osteomyelitis

Question
My 2 year old house bunny ,standard lop, had developed osteomylitis and is getting traetment for this. He had an x-ray and anaesthetic last week and has really not eaten since. My vet gave me 'recovery' food to try through a syringe but he refuses to open his mouth. It is really stressful for both of us. He is a very strong rabbit with a strong personality who is now becoming a timid clingy rabbit and we would like our old rabbit back as he made us laugh.Is there hope for him as I am getting really worried.
Thank you

Answer
Dear Moira,

Being sick will make anyone feel puny, and being sick and *in pain* makes it worse.  If the vet has not prescribed any analgesics for your bunny, please ask about that.  It is *very* important to his recovery and will to fight this infection.  We use metacam *and* tramadol for painful jaw and bone problems, and it works very well.

Please also read:

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

for more information about this condition and its effective treatment.  If you are not sure your current vet is experienced enough with rabbits to deal with this problem, you may wish to check this list for another vet who can give you a second opinion:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana