From:
kath0524
Date: 2002-03-31 08:09:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Arni worse
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "miamiferret" <mjanke@m...> wrote:
> It's absolutely amazing what a little fluids will do for a ferret
that is not eating/drinking. They seem to feel 100% better and may
be more willing to eat. >
I think it's a good idea for every pet owner to know how to give sub-
q fluids and to keep a bag of lactated ringers on hand. It is not
very expensive and usually is good for 2-3 years. I keep a supply
of alcohol wipes, needles, and syringes also for this purpose.
You can also give lactated ringers orally, if you like. It could be
mixed with something to make it palatable. I've never tried this
method. I do, however, tube it into orphaned opossums. Lactated
Ringers are much more effective than Pedialyte or Gatorade. The
latter two can actually draw the fluids out of the tissue in some
cases. I think LR is the safest but will use Pedialyte if I have to.
I never gave sub-q fluids until Champ became ill (chronic renal
failure) and had to be given fluids twice a day. A vet tech showed
me how and we arranged that I would give him his first fluids at
home when she was at the clinic after-hours, taking care of the
animals. That way, if I had any problems, I could go knock on the
back door and she would help me. I was scared to death! But, it
went OK, though somewhat awkward, and after that, I was fine.
Sometimes, it takes a life and death situation to force us to learn
these things. I know it did with me.
Katharine