If your rabbit has an eye problem, the vet will prescribe medication.Liquid or gel is the most common form of eye medication.Since your rabbit will probably try to resist, you need to control her so she doesn't hurt herself.There are several ways to restrain your rabbit so you can give her the medication she needs.
Step 1: Pick out your supplies.
Don't put your rabbit in a corner until you have everything ready.You will need the medication, clean tissue, and a restraint towel.Take the time to read the instructions thoroughly.While you get supplies ready, never leave your rabbit alone on a table or counter.Leave her in her cage or hopping around until you're ready.You should wash your hands before taking any medication.It is possible to prevent the spread of disease to your rabbit.
Step 2: It's time to calm your rabbit.
If you want your rabbit to remain relaxed, choose a quiet area away from other people and animals.If you need help restraining your rabbit, consider having another person nearby.Don't let your rabbit be frightened by her surroundings.It's important to be positive and give a lot of reassurance because your rabbit can pick up on that.If you're stressed or anxious, stop and try another time with your rabbit.
Step 3: Put your rabbit in a towel.
If you want to restrain your rabbit, wrap her in a towel.There is a large thick towel on the work surface.About a third of the way towards the end is where you should put your rabbit.The towel should be wrapped around the rabbit's body.The longer end of the towel should be tucked under your rabbit.Only the rabbit's head should be exposed with the towel technique.She won't be able to kick or wriggle while you give her the medication.
Step 4: Help holding your rabbit.
You may want to get another person to help you if you don't feel comfortable restraining your rabbit by yourself.The rabbit's scruff is behind the ears.The rabbit's body should be cradled by the helpers.Remove your rabbit from the surface by the scruff.This will hurt your rabbit.
Step 5: You should hold your rabbit close to you.
Try sitting on the floor with your pet if you don't need help restraining her.If you want your rabbit's bottom to be against your abdomen, place it in your lap.Hold her against your arm and body by wrapping an arm around her body.Wait until your rabbit calms down before giving her medication.If you don't feel comfortable restraining your rabbit, ask a vet to show you the best way to do it.
Step 6: Pull your rabbit's eyelid open.
The cap should be removed from the bottle or tube of medication.Liquid or gel form is what the medication will come in.Pull your rabbit's lower eyelid to form a pouch between the eyelid and the eyeball.Pull the upper eyelid back so that you can deliver the medicine directly onto the white of the eye if you have a hard time doing it.
Step 7: The medication should be squeezed into the eye.
The correct number of drops should be filled in the pouch between the eyelid and eyeball by squeezing the bottle or tube.The tube should be held an inch away from the corner of your rabbit's eye.If you squeeze while moving along the edge of the lower eyelid, you will end up with a long ribbon of ointment.If your rabbit moves, keep the nozzle of the bottle or tube pointed away from her eye.Don't touch the nozzle of the bottle or tube on the rabbit's body.
Step 8: Encourage your rabbit to blink.
Once the medication is in your rabbit's eye, gently massage her eyelid to spread it around evenly.Take your rabbit's eyelid off and let her blink a few times.For future use, replace the cap on the bottle or tube.Take a piece of tissue and wipe anything that comes out of your rabbit's eye.She can't get her medication on her fur.
Step 9: Reward your rabbit.
When the medication is in the eye, give your rabbit a treat for good behavior and let her go.She will associate the medication with a positive experience if she is rewarded for her good behavior immediately.If you need to give her medication for several days, this is important.You can help your rabbit after giving her the medication by keeping an eye on her.Eye medications can cause blurry vision.
Step 10: Know when to call the vet.
If your rabbit's symptoms aren't improving after you give her the eye medication, contact your vet.Make sure to give the full dose.If you notice a change in sight, contact your vet.