Getting bun to take his medicine

Question
Dear Ms. Amy,

Yesterday the vet prescribed medication for my bunny.  The clinic staff handed me a plastic bag which contained, among other things, the bottle of medication, which comes in the form of small tablets.

Also included in the plastic bag were two devices that look rather like syringes, (no needle, but with a plunger mechanism), and one is slightly bigger than the other.  The clinic staff told me that these are for getting the medicine into my rabbit's uncooperative mouth.

Maybe this is a stupid question, but I am at a complete loss as to how to use either of these syringe things to deliver his medicine.  Aren't syringes usually used with liquids?  I don't understand how a syringe is going to help me give my rabbit a pill.  What's more, I don't understand how a rabbit is expected to be able to take a pill, anyway.  Either way, I'm not about to try putting the pill in his mouth with my fingers.

I'm asking the question on this website because I spent all afternoon on hold with the vet's office without ever getting to talk to anyone, and also because maybe other people will benefit from this.  My suspicion is that I'll get an answer from you before I get through to the staff at the vet's office.

So: How the heck do I give my rabbit these pills?

Yours truly,
Iona

P.S. It probably goes without saying that I will be switching to a clinic that will not keep me on hold for half the day.

Answer
Iona,

Well good luck on finding a better vet's office, this can be a daunting and frustrating task especially for owners of "exotic" animals.

As for the medication, what I suggest (this is what i used to do with my autistic son to get him to take pills, it should work well for a rabbit, or pretty much any other type of animal also) is to find a liquid or creamy (yogurt is a great one to try) substance, crush or break the pill up, put it into the small amount (just enough to cover the pill, and the taste as much as possible) of food, suck it into the syringe ( I used to put it on a spoon for my son or into something he drank, the spoon may work if your rabbit or animal really likes what ever it is your feeding it, I would stay away from the really liquid stuff though) Make sure you are holding your rabbit securely then just kinda squirt the stuff into his mouth slowly and let him do the rest.


Always try the easy way first, put the pill in the food, and let the animal eat it on its own before forcing it on them.  It is less traumatic for both owner and animal.

Good Luck, and let me know if you need anymore help or if that did not work.

Amy