My Bunny is Sick!

Question
I have a Rabbit that is very sick. We got him as an Easter Present so no vets are open. He doesn't move and we have been giving him water through a sringe.  His eyes are good and physically he looks fine, but he is life-less and is extremely weak. How can I help him. He doesnt have much more time so if you would please anwser me A.S.A.P.
         Thanks, Chris Vella

Answer
It doesn't look good if he is limp, but you can try getting some nutrition in him and see if that helps him make it to a time when you can get to a vet.

Soak about 2 - 3 tablespoons of pellets in about 1/2 cup of Pedialyte or chamomile tea until soft and fluffy. The pellets will fluff more quickly in slightly warmed solution, but overheating may destroy some of the nutrient content of the pellets. Mix the pellet fluff with vegetable baby food or canned pumpkin until it forms a somewhat liquid paste (you may need to add more liquid). Allow to cool before using a large-bore feeding syringe (available at most pharmacies).

Insert the tip of the syringe into the space behind the incisors and squeeze gently sideways to avoid squirting food down the trachea (windpipe). Give only 1-2 cc at a time, allowing the bunny a chance to chew and swallow. Aspiration of food can be life threatening, so do this with great care!

Please try to find a vet who is experienced with rabbits. Many vets who are very good with dogs and cats are not knowledgeable about rabbits, especially the latest information. The page http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html has suggestions on how to find
one. There is a list of some vets at http://www.rabbit.org/care/vets.html and another organization's list at http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/PB_vets.html

You can also contact a nearby House Rabbit Society chapter or other rabbit group for suggestions on good local vets. HRS has a page listing contacts for their own chapters. If there is not one near you, you can look for a nearby independent group using the HRS contacts page http://www.rabbit.org/links/index.html

Good luck.

Gina