• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Syringe-feeding Linney :( Just A Question...

Status
Not open for further replies.
Freela

Freela

Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Aug 15, 2010
Messages
6,910
Reaction score
7,523
Points
1,640
Location
Canada
Linney, my 6-year-old sow, has been out of sorts the last week. As she has been on antibiotics over the past week with no improvement, I am now wondering about her teeth. She seems interested in food, but reluctant to eat it- she will approach the food, sniff it, lick it, nibble it, but seems reluctant or unable to actually get down to the business of eating it. I have booked her an appointment with my vet who does dentals if needed on Saturday morning (earliest I could get an appointment.) I have begun syringe-feeding Critical Care in the meantime to support her weight and energy.

Just a quick question in regards to syringe-feeding, since it has been awhile... how do I know when she has swallowed? When she stops chewing? I don't want to overload her or have her aspirate anything. Thanks in advance!
 
yes, if they're chewing then they're swallowing. it could be the antibiotics making her feel a bit 'off' aswell. maybe a probiotic would help? good luck for the vets. hopefully it isn't her teeth, but if it is, at least the dental can be done that day :)
 
I don't think it's the antibiotic, as she's been on it on and off quite a bit in the last six months or so and generally it does not affect her appetite at all (and she is much perkier on it than off if she has a low-grade infection, so I suspect it isn't that this time.) Poor girl. :(
 
My poor girl... I have a bad feeling that she may not be able to bounce back from this. She took the syringe feed and tried to chew it, but is drooling quite a bit and seemed to choke on the feeds, so I stopped because I didn't want her to aspirate. I'm going to call the vet to try to get an emergency appointment sooner, though I can't go in the next few hours or no one will be here to pick up the kids from school. She seems to have declined a lot even since this morning. I'm afraid I'm going to lose her. I know she's had a long life, and a good life, but it breaks my heart, as I love her so much, and the kids love her too. It's going to be hard on all of us if this is it. :(
 
I phoned back the vet and got her in for a more urgent assessment shortly (though the vet who does the dentals isn't in until tomorrow.) This isn't my favorite vet, but it's better than nothing. Hopefully I will have some more idea of what is the matter and if there's anything I can do for her by the time I get home. I'll update later on. My kids are very upset... we've had Linney for 6 years and she is very loved, so fingers crossed that there is some hope for treatment. Although she's an old one, she's a good one.
 
Oh Freela, so sorry to hear little Linney is struggling. I hope the vet can help - sending her lots of love and huge hugs to you. Please keep us updated, will try to check in through the night (UK time) for updates x x
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top