Syringe feeding?

[ScoutFinch]

Both my poor pigglies have been diagnosed with URI and I have to syringe feed them their antibiotics for the next few days. I wondered if anyone had any tips on how to go about it without stressing them? Thanks

 

[flintstones]

Oooo Hi to a fellow Scot!

What I normally do is sit the pig on my lap with his head facing right, I hold the syringe in my right hand and gently move his head slightly into me, I then position my hand at the left hand at the side of his face (cupping my hand) and use my right hand to go behind the incisor's with the syringe and very slowly syringe into the pigs mouth be very careful with liquids as you can aspirate them!

I hope that make's sense!

 

[flintstones]

I forgot to say, it would be a good idea to weigh both your pigs daily, well they are unwell. You are looking for continuous weight loss, guinea pig's can fluctuate between 10 - 30 grams per day but say for example;

Day 1 : 990
Day 2 : 960
Day 3 : 950 (at this point I would start topping them up via syringe food).

I use a 1ml syringe cut the end off, and syringe either mushed up pellet's(excel nugget's or similar), add boiling water and mash up. I normally use Critical Care see link below.

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/rabbit-suppl...197/oxbow-critical-care-for-herbivores-p-2426

As they are on Antibiotic's sometimes probiotics are useful as the Antibiotics can upset the cut flora I would give Fiberplex or Avripro both are probiotics and you only need to give one. My favourite is Fiberplex; (again links below).

Fiberplex: http://www.vetuk.co.uk/rabbit-suppl...ibreplex-for-rabbits-and-small-rodents-p-1180

Avri-pro: http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-suppleme...probiotic-products-c-5_172/avipro-plus-p-1225

 

[Toffeewoffee]

Great advice from Flintstones, this is the way i do it too, however if you are left handed you could have them facing the opposite way.

Piggies are often reluctant to co-operate which is where you need to show who is boss, sometimes using gentle force if needed. The med's could save their life and you will be glad you persevered when they are recovered. Offer them a leafy treat after to take the taste away.


Good luck xx

 

[sport_billy]

Just to add to the great advice from Flintsones and Toffeewoffee, Here is a factsheet from The Guinea Pig Helpline ran by Laura on syringe feeding - it includes some good tips and was invaluable to us when we have to syringe feed one of our girls http://www.guineapighelpline.com/Syr...gFactsheet.pdf

Hope both you piggies will get well soon