Syringe Feeding a Sick Bunny

Question
My lionhead bunny has been eating less acting a bit lethargic and pooping differently than normal. Concerned, we took him to the vet for the check up and were told he has a gastric statis. We were given medication, as well as a powdered food to mix with water and to force feed him through syringes, they also advised us to give him pineapple juice as well. Now, the problem is, we can't seem to keep him still and steady long enough to get this into him. So far we've been able to manage getting the 1 ml of medication in, and a bit of pineapple juice but it's the powdered food that seems to be our biggest problem. We've been wrapping him in a towel and trying to keep him steady but he manages to squirm and squirm until he eventually gets away.
Do you know of any methods that will allow us to get all of this in him, without scaring him or hurting him?

Answer
Hi Alex

Honestly it is really hard to explain how I syringe feed my rabbits but I will try.  

If you mix the powdered food with something that tastes good he may eat it easier.  There are some recipes but I don't know them.  To tell you the truth I really think that Ms. Dana Krempels may have a better solution for you.  She is another expert and she has tremendous experience with these types of things.  

I generally hold them on their backs and open their mouth and feed them.  The most important thing I have learned is that a towel or a wrap usually doesn't help.  The best way to hold them is to put him directly on his back like you would hold a baby.  I know lionheads are quite small but you should put a firm hand on the underside of his belly.  If you do this he won't go anywhere.  He may squirm but if you hold firm enough without hurting him he should eventually realize that he isn't getting away.  It is really hard to explain how to do it.  The best I can think of is that your hand should be somewhat open like you are picking up a soda bottle.  If you hold just under the top legs while he is on his back he shouldn't even be able to kick.  

Once I get them on their back I don't mess around and try to make it quick.  I generally just open their mouth and squirt in a bit of the food etc right by their back molars (basically the side of the mouth).  If you get it far enough he shouldn't be able to spit it back out.  You don't want to give more than a fraction of a ML per squirt or it may be to much for him to swallow and he could aspirate.

I really don't suggest using a towel or restraining device.  Honestly your arms may get scratched or you may get kicked but I have seen way to many rabbits with fractured spines from being restrained, whether it was for feeding tattooing etc.

You can also try giving him his feed over a period of time.  Don't try to give it to him all at once.  If he allows you to get the medicine in then try again once he has calmed down.  

I am so sorry that your rabbit is ill.  It sounds like your vet is quite knowledgeable and the good thing about stasis is that if you catch it quickly and give constant care his GI system should start moving again.

Please let me know how he makes out.  I hope that Ms. Krempels has a more suitable solution.

Sincerely,

Pam