Lack of appetite

Question
HI, My 2.5yr old Netherland Dwarf (long time neutered) has recently gone off his food to a major degree.  We've taken him to our vets who have taken X-rays to check for muscular/skeletal problems which showed nothing out of the ordinary.  They have also now done blood tests which have again showed nothing.  Over the last couple of weeks, our poor bunny has been on Baytril in case there was an infection, he's also had Metacam, and separately worming mixture.  Our vets have now run out of ideas and the only thing that seems to be keeping him alive is me syringe feeding him with the rehydrated powdered Oxbow recovery food.

Is it time to give up or is there anything that you can suggest that we do for him?

I would really welcome your advice.  

Answer
Hi Sheila,

Your doing exactly what I was going to say to do. Your giving him OxBow critical care. Here are a few things I did as my bunny went thru the same issue and he pulled through. How long has he been off feed? There are a few things you can try. I never had to make it to the critical care part but was very close. I did fresh (not canned from the actual fresh cut) pineapple juice. 2 tsp a day. Canned baby food carrots = water 1 tsp 2 times a day. I also forced water as well. I also went out a bought very fragrant veggies (stimulate the hunger at times) like kale, mint, basil those smell the best but cilantro and parsley as well. One at a time a few times a day if he will take it. If not keep trying to put it in his mouth sometimes when they grab it to push it away the will eat it. He may not like it but be pertsant. How I saw it was what do you have to loose but I was going to do everything in my power to try. Keep fresh timothy hay in the cage at all ties no pellets and fresh water. When he starts to feed and his poo is ok then slowly add your feed in. I hope this helps I force fed my mini rex like this for 2 weeks. Good Luck.