From:
"possum1213"
Date: 2006-12-05 15:05:32 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Pneumonia: extreme lethargy, I'm very worried.
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, donrull@... wrote:
> Just a cautionary note: If the ferret has pneumonia, force
feeding can make the condition worse because of aspiration. In
fact, force feeding, I have been told, can lead to problems such
as pneumonia.>
Yes, improper syringe/force-feeding can lead to aspiration.
However, every ferret owner out there should learn how to properly
syringe feed their ferrets. At some point, it is going to become a
necessity. When I learned, my vet's first words to me was NOT to be
afraid. It really isn't hard to do. The key, IMO, is to have a
good quality syringe. I exclusively use "O" ring syringes. They
work much smoother and last a lot longer. I keep mine in tip-top
condition by washing them after each use, and boiling them in the
microwave and oiling the rubber parts weekly. When they quit moving
smoothly, they are thrown out.
Another key is to use the size that you can best work with. I use
20cc syringes for hand-feeding. Anything larger is hard for me to
control. I also think the ferret should be held upright when
feeding, to prevent aspiration. I have seen people hold ferrets
like a baby when syringe-feeding and it scares me.
Often, you will have to scruff the ferret the first few times.
After that, I just support them in the crook of my leg, holding them
upright, and keeping a little bit of control of their head. Once
they are used to syringe feeding, it is pretty easy and they eat
willingly.
Their "soup" must be mixed and thin enough that it flows freely
through the syringe. If you encounter any resistance, remove the
syringe and work out the blockage. Don't try to do it while it's in
their mouth or you may end up pushing a whole bunch in at once,
causing choking.
I squirt a little bit at the time, remove the syringe while they are
swallowing, and then repeat. After a while, you get a rhythm going
and can easily feed 40-50cc in just a few minutes.
Katharine
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