syringe feeding powder

[boozyfruits]

can you buy syringe feeding powder over the counter, or is it just via vet?
Harry was given some last night, and i'm just planning ahead for the weekend.
i can make this sachet last 3 days (because of his weight)
Becca

p.s. any tips for getting oral rehydration fluid into him, apart from syringe and perseverence

 

[Delia]

You can buy Critical Care on the internet.Just google it.

If your piggy is unable to eat because of a dental problem you do not neccisarily need Critical Care or Recovery.Just grind up some of the dry mix in a coffee grinder,mix with warm water to a thick soup consistancy.Pureed veg can be added to this to give a near normal diet.



MaryH

 

[boozyfruits]

thanks,
Harry has diarrhoea, so has been recommended critical care type stuff - different make.
i was wondering if there was a shop i could buy it in? P@H?
B

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Some shops will stock Science Recovery - it is down to individual retailers though. I *think* PAH stocks it, not sure.

Oxbow Critical Care and NutriPowder are alternatives, or making up your own pellet mash.

What else was given to treat the diarrhea, is there any suspected cause of it?
Syringe and perseverance is the best thing with getting the oral rehydration fluids into him, but this thread may help if you are really in a pickle:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36533

Just remember to take it easy with fluids, small mouthfuls at a time. I find syringing water to piggies tricky if I am only giving liquids - I found it tends to go down best if you give a few mouthfuls of food, with a few drops (or a syringe) of water/rehydration fluids intermittently.

 

[alcesterpigs]

Burgess Guinea Pig Excel, dissolved in hot water, allowed to cool, and made into a paste is ideal for syringe feeding. It is a fraction of the cost of other foods. I recommend a 1ml syringe, there is no need at all to cut the end off the syringe, at the right sort of consistency it is easy to draw the mix into the syringe. Give about 5ml of feed then 1ml of liquid, remember to finish with fluid so there is no food remaining in the mouth.
The best advice for syringe feeding is not to be timid, easier said than done I suppose if you are a newcomer to syringe feeding! You will both find it less stressful if the pig feels secure both physically and mentally. He will be very aware if you are nervous about the procedure and will react accordingly. Patience and perseverance are the key to success, plus experience.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

The first time I ever syringe-fed a pig, I got just 1ml down the pig in the space of 10 minutes - and most of that got spat out. Every couple of hours through the night I continued trying; by the morning I was managing 5ml in about half an hour. A year later, in which time I only had a few weeks of practice, I was successfully syringing, on average, 1ml per minute. Both of these examples were with the same very stubborn, feisty pig.

It doesn't take long to learn the technique of syringe-feeding, but the first time is nerve-wracking, especially if the pig is very reluctant.

 

[alcesterpigs]

If you are having problems syringe feeding just check to see if your pig prefers the syringe to be held in your right or left hand. This can often make a big difference as to how easily they will accept the syringe.

 

[Sam_Spice]

Critical care and science recovery is normally only sold to vets I think Our vets has a petshop inside and that sells it

 

[boozyfruits]

update

thank you all,especially for the technique tips.
Harry is still alive, and we are pushing on with the ORS and recovery feed (got more from the vets yesterday)
My turn to feed and get covered in diarrhoea now - wish me luck
B

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

goodluckxx>>>

 

[Lisajazz]

Good luck! Yukky but worthy work there.

Fab advice on this thread too.