From:
Vicki Montgomery
Date: 2006-12-05 17:12:33 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Ferret with extremely large abdominal tumor update
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Sheryl this is beyond wonderful. I'm so glad that she is doing better and voiding for you - well actually she's not doing it for mama she's doing it for herself and I say WOO-HOO.. you go girl...
Now there may be other suggestions for getting her to eat the A/D but here's what I do.
I warmup a couple of teaspoonsful of food just a bit (about 5 seconds) in the microwave, then stir with my finger (washed and rinsed) to check for hot spots - don't want to burn their little lips or tongues. Then I try to get them to lick it off my finger.
If they are resistant, I touch their lips with a bit of the food so they have to taste it - several times if necessary. If that doesn't work and IF THEY CAN HAVE IT, I add a little bit of ferretone or olive oil. I often see people recommend the extra virgin, but I saw once where Sukie said at least one of her ferrets like a nice full-bodied oil, so don't be shy trying whatever you have on hand, after all you are not going to use but a few drops per teaspoon of food.
IF that doesn't work you can pry her little jaws open very carefully and then quickly, but oh so gently, shove a small dab into her mouth and hold her jaws closed, again gently, by making an "0" with your thumb and fingers and holding that "0" in place so she has to swallow. Do this 2 or 3 times, then offer her licks off of your finger again. Repeat forced entry as needed but not more than you are comfortable with so as not to hurt her and do not put so much in her mouth that she could choke on the food. (But you know that).
If she begins licking off your finger slowly hold your finger closer and closer to the food in the bowl. The goal here is to get her to lick the food from the bowl instead of your finger. Many ferret, it seems to me, don't mind licking from the bowl but they want to be held while they eat. Sorta like holding a human infant while you breast or bottle feed them.
You can also try to dissolve a bit 2-3 tablespoons of her kibble into a small bowl, mush it up, blend it or food-processor it (LOL-- new verb - I can too write my own dictionary.. snicker), then mix in a teaspoon of the A/D. If she doesn't dive right into that, then repeat assisted/force feeding as above.
IF she doesn't take the food then... well ya don't wanna know about tubes and pumps..
V
Vicki Montgomery
Tricks and Treats Rescue
Greater Houston/Galveston Texas
713-472-6599
ferretfrenzy@yahoo.com or Tricksandtreatsrescue@yahoo.com
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/FerretCare/ - Join ferret care and share your care experiences
"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace." ~ Dr. Albert Schweitzer
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