From:
Yvon358@aol.com
Date: 2003-07-22 22:56:13 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Re: finicky eaters
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <1d7.e0279ed.2c4f1b0d@aol.com>
In a message dated 7/22/03 2:52:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
sukiec@optonline.net writes:
> Force feeding always carries a risk of causing aspiration
> pneumonia which is not a small risk, and in general should be avoided
> with other tricks like finger feeding, warmed food, dripping from a
> Dr. Clown (Use http://fhl.sonic-weasel.org to find past posts) for
> the ferret to lick as it comes out, spoon feeding, singing, etc.
> (The exceptions are extreme ones -- ferrets who have had vet care and
> still are not eating despite using all the feeding tricks and despite
> medical care being provided.)
>
> A prompt vet appointment makes sense.
>
Sukie,
I've been feeding her from a syringe.... the side of the mouth, licking as it
comes out. Very slowly. I've rescued and had to nurse a few back to health
and fortunately haven't had problems feeding this way. I just can't get her
to eat from a bowl or plate. Even sweet-talking, finger feeding, warmed food
and all.
Guess you're right - time to take her to the vet. I'm afraid I'd never be
able to keep up w/the bills if I took her in for surgery every time I thought
she had a blockage. Plus, she'd be running about 4 surgerys a year. Ugh, what
a stress on her poor little body!!! This time seems worse, though. She's
really gotten a lot into her.
Thanks for the advice.
-Y-