|
|
Post by lisa21264 on Feb 10, 2015 17:31:04 GMT
I have been trying to syringe feed critical care and he hates it. He wont take it what should I do? He is getting his teeth done tomorrow because he has a malocclusion and the vet said it is important that I get the critical care in him as he has lost several ounces. If anyone can give me tips as to how I can get him to take it it would be greatly appreciated. The reason I brought him to the vet is because he stopped eating his pellet.
|
|
Naomi
Senior Piggy
Posts: 223 
|
Post by Naomi on Feb 10, 2015 20:42:26 GMT
Hey, I don't have any experience of using crit care but the only thing I can think of is to try and flavour with something nice, mine love cranberry juice and I know some people give ribena in moderation for the vit c so maybe try that, if it tastes different he may take it better.
Good luck and I hope he gets better!
|
|
|
|
Post by Orlaith on Feb 11, 2015 9:52:06 GMT
Syringe feeding isn't nice, but it is important. What size syringes are you using? I find a 1ml syringe is a good size. I cut the tip off (where the needle attaches) and then melt the end very slightly with a lighter so that the edges are smooth. I find it's too narrow otherwise. If the critical care is too thick, don't be afraid to water it down a little more. I know thicker is better but it's important that he gets something into him. What I like to do is put a towel on my lap (it can get messy), put the pig facing towards my right hand (I'm right handed, so the other way if you're left-handed) and then hold the pig's head with my left hand, as firmly as possible without hurting them. Then, with the syringe in my right hand, I put it in their mouth at the side (there is a gap between the front and back teeth that you're aiming for, see here) and then push down on the syringe, about 0.2-0.4ml at a time. Remember that if your pig is not chewing, they are not swallowing, so allow a few seconds for them to eat what's in their mouth and then continue. If your pig is very resistant, it's very helpful to have someone sit beside you and refill the syringe for you. At first I'd be aiming for 1-2 mls every few hours, but give more if your pig will take it or is looking for it. It isn't a nice experience for either you or your piggy, but you're right to try your best. If Terra is still interested in veg you can still give those and you can try grating them to see if he'll take them that way. Best of luck with him! |
|
|
|
Post by lisa21264 on Feb 12, 2015 0:40:17 GMT
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by lisa21264 on Feb 12, 2015 12:16:47 GMT
My vet told me to give him 5 ml 4 times a day is that ok. She said she wants to build him up because he lost more than 3 ounces. This is a new vet my old vet office lost their cavy vet so I couldnt take him there anymore. She is a cavy vet and came highly recommended. I hope he makes it through the proceedure and turns out ok. Your good thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by Orlaith on Feb 13, 2015 11:12:20 GMT
That's fine, or if you find that 5ml in one go is too much you would give less and do it more often. Is he pooping at all? If he's not eating any veg then it's also helpful to puree a pepper or something like that and give him a ml or two. It'll help with his vitamin c and hopefully be more appetising to him.
I hope he gets on well, I know it's not nice when they're ill.
|
|
