Diluting anti biotics with water or ribena or something else?

[Gadzy]

Hi all,

I'm struggling to get the medicine down my little one at the moment. The vet said the anti biotic is very alkaline and to protect their lips etc to dilute it with water or some people have done ribena to help the taste abit as well. I was wondering what your thoughts are on this and if I should just try and use the anti biotic neat? I have looked at videos online and read the thread here of syringe feeding...

 

[Betsy]

What antibiotic has the vet given your piggy?

 

[Gadzy]

Baytril @Betsy

 

[Betsy]

Baytril is very bitter and most piggies don't like it. I have never heard of it damaging lips and I have had my piggies have Baytril many times. Maybe my vets never thought to tell me?The Ever Beautiful Betsy is my only piggy who actually likes the stuff. It is generally better to give the whole dose without putting anything in it and then quickly following it up with something tasty to take away the bitter taste. If your piggy knows that there is a nice tasty bribe after they may be more inclined to take the Baytril.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Check out the video, on how to medicate your guinea pig.

Medicating your guinea pig - Instructional video on Facebook

 

[artcasper]

When Winny had Baytril... she pulled the most funny face after that was pure disgust..... I popped a tiny bit of very diluted squash in the syringe so she got that first then immediately gave her some herbs afterwards! You just have to be quick and get it down them which I know is easier said than done!

 

[Mo & Stubbins & Vani]

One of my piggies hates Baytril, but the others love it to the point where I don't even have to hold them to administer it! The vet gives it a fruit flavor (I'm not sure how) and I believe that is why they both love it and even try to chew on the syringe afterward!
The third piggy hates it and I usually have to wrap her in a towel! This is because one time, she tried to run away and I ended up with a lot of scratches!

 

[Gadzy]

Check out the video, on how to medicate your guinea pig.

Medicating your guinea pig - Instructional video on Facebook

That's brilliant, thanks. I didn't realise how far you put the syringe! Went in quite a way!

 

[Gadzy]

@artcasper @Betsy @Furry friends why do you think it's best to give the antibiotics neat instead of diluting? Does it affect the way the antibiotics work or reduce the strength?

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

If you start diluting, it is a far bigger amount to have to get in and more chance of the guinea pig not getting the full amount. I prefer to just draw up the amount, syringe straight in and job done!