From:
"Asmodeus Azarak"
Date: 2009-05-20 20:43:32 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Help with syringe feeding/giving meds
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hello Leo,
So sorry to hear about your sick baby, hope the meds are helping.
Most of the meds I give my kids go down pretty well, but when in doubt I set them in my lap, or on a table, scruff them, lift up just enough to get them to relax, and very slowly feed from the syringe. I push it under their lips, wait for the lip licking that usually comes with swallowing. I find it best to go slow or it may get spit out all over you, and of course you want to make sure it's going down the right pipe. With the head tilt you may need to rest the head on something (your arm or a counter) to make sure it's not angled too much. You want to get the medicine in their mouth and give them no choice but to swallow, but not put it down the throat yourself.
Scruffing is usually reserved for punishment in my house, but I think in these situations it's an exception for their own good.
Sometimes I find the syringe gets stuck if the medicine is staying in it (this happens with our pepcid suspension). In this case I always pull back the stopper and then let the air out before I get started to make sure it doesn't suddenly spurt out at the little one.
I also try to give a treat right after medicine time to make the whole thing less traumatic. Luckily our little friends forget the bad stuff quick.
Good luck and hope this helps,
Az
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "leodaher" <leo_daher@...> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I need some tips on how to syringe feed and administer meds orally to my Penelope. She came back from the vet clinic last night, where she spent three days, and has been recovering from an ear infection that left her with head tilt. She also has lymphoma and adrenal disease. I have to give her three meds twice a day (and another once, for the head tilt), plus AD and water if she's not getting it on her own.
>
> Problem is, though we have a strong bond and she's real sweet, she also squirms a lot when given all that stuff. Normally, I'll hold her while my wife controls her head and mouth and the syringe; however, she (the wife) will have to leave town for a conference and won't be back until Tuesday, leaving me alone with Penelope. I confess to be feeling a bit overwhelmed and in need of tips from those more experienced on how to do it by myself. I've been thinking of wrapping her body in a towel and hugging with one arm, which (hopefully) would set my hands free to do the rest - not sure if that will work though.
>
> Any advice would be truly appreciated.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Leo
>
> (I'll be cross-posting this on the AFA list.)
>
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