When to start force feeding?

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Taterbug

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We don't no have any reputable reptile petinsurers around here. I find a vet fund is also the best way. However it's pretty unfair to characterize vets as "a license to print money". Yeah it sucks that exotics cost more than domestics for visits and diagnostics, but that has more to do with it being a specialty that not many vets persure than with greedy vets trying to fleece hapless pet owners.
 

BadgerGirl

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I agree not all vets are out to rob you... but you also get some vets who are sponsored by brands and are very commercial - usually dog/cat vets.

I have no problem parting with the money to my current vet, they are a nationally renowned exotic pet hospital. The vet was joking with me how he spends more time than I could imagine examining dragon poo.

I think what is unfair is the lack of good insurance!
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
I agree with that .... surely if cats , dogs and horses can be insured , it would be dead easy to include reptiles (and birds & other common furry friends too).

How's your spiky child travelling today ?
 

BadgerGirl

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Ive got her a soft small pet carrier bag that I put a hot water bottle (not too hot!) wrapped in a blanket inside. Just got it yesterday as last week all we had was a cardboard box! She was ok in the box, but I think this will be more secure and comfortable.

Fingers crossed we figure out whats wrong with her today. xxx
 

BadgerGirl

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91368-2533170781.jpg

Here's our patient enjoy her bath before the vet. She was fantastic and well behaved during her stay at the hospital.

I've got the feeding tube and critical care formula along with a demonstration. Her bloods and X-rays have been sent to relative specialist and ill her the results on Friday.

So the answer to my original question, when to start force feeding, is tomorrow! Or rather... as soon as you have the right equipment, right supliment and have solidly researched how it's done. I realise now it is a very useful skill as a dragon owner.

Once again thanks all for your input friends!
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
BadgerGirl":2ncaj4vt said:
91368-2533170781.jpg

<<<< happy colours !!! she likes her bath ...

Here's our patient enjoy her bath before the vet. She was fantastic and well behaved during her stay at the hospital.

I've got the feeding tube and critical care formula along with a demonstration. Her bloods and X-rays have been sent to relative specialist and ill her the results on Friday.

So the answer to my original question, when to start force feeding, is tomorrow! Or rather... as soon as you have the right equipment, right supliment and have solidly researched how it's done. I realise now it is a very useful skill as a dragon owner.

<<< IMO ASAP.

Once again thanks all for your input friends!
 

BadgerGirl

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Original Poster
So we have blood results back and she is dehydrated and is fighting an infection of some kind. We dont know what it is yet but we are putting her on antibiotics so now I have to use the crop needle twice a day.

We'll be really good at this in no time but I still find it scary... I'm worried she get air in her tummy or the needle goes to far in and hurts her.

Any advice or reassurances?
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
BadgerGirl":wiwykol1 said:
So we have blood results back and she is dehydrated and is fighting an infection of some kind. We dont know what it is yet but we are putting her on antibiotics so now I have to use the crop needle twice a day.

We'll be really good at this in no time but I still find it scary... I'm worried she get air in her tummy or the needle goes to far in and hurts her.

Any advice or reassurances?

By golly .... she's having a rough trot....

But I think you and she'll be fine now you are on the right track and taking all the right steps, I've been down a similar path with a rescued skink and it was tough but he seemed to know I was trying to help him and we formed a fabulous bond as a result, and he responded by becoming really affectionate.

How is she coping with being fed by "crop needle" ? .... at least it's quick so the stress of the feedings are over quick.
 

BadgerGirl

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We've done it twice now and she wriggles like mad at first! I need to get my partner to hold her while I open her mouth. My vet gave me flat wooden sticks to hold her mount open with and yesterday she wriggled away and snapped shut on my finger! Owwwie! Those teeth are sharp af! I'm hope it will get quicker and easier each time.
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
BadgerGirl":gsq8ymo0 said:
We've done it twice now and she wriggles like mad at first! I need to get my partner to hold her while I open her mouth. My vet gave me flat wooden sticks to hold her mount open with and yesterday she wriggled away and snapped shut on my finger! Owwwie! Those teeth are sharp af! I'm hope it will get quicker and easier each time.

I believe the trick is to come into the mouth from the side, opening using tongue depressors sounds like a handy trick, will definitely be a two person job , especially now she knows what's going to happen.

Procedure here : viewtopic.php?f=45&t=232687&p=1792077#p1792077

Video on crop feeding by vet at VetaFarm ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twNYPdd4Wuc at 1m 30secs , is a parrot , similar approach should work for a lizard .

HOW TO USE FOR REPTILE MEDICATION/FEEDING:
1. Hold the reptile as shown, with the tip of your thumb under the neck, pulling the bottom lip down. The reptile should be comfortably restrained, do not use excess force.

2. Put the needle ball into the reptiles mouth, then gently advance the ball into the back of the mouth. Align the needle with your thumb.

3. Using a to-and-fro twirling motion gently pass the tube into the stomach. The ball of the needle will be felt along your thumb as it moves toward the stomach.

4. Administer solution from attached syringe. Return the reptile to horizontal position. Remove tube gently.

NOTE: Know the recommended volume to give by crop needle before administration.
 

BadgerGirl

Member
Original Poster
Thanks for the video!

We are getting better at it every time and I've managed to get the right hold of her and do it on my own. I think it's less stressful if it's just me and her because I keep her the calmest. She's never been a fan of my husbands black beard!

There's little or no improvement yet but at least I know she's getting meds for the infection, nutrients and water. Fingers crossed in a few weeks she'll be on the mend.
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
BadgerGirl":vjcfx0zh said:
Thanks for the video!

We are getting better at it every time and I've managed to get the right hold of her and do it on my own. I think it's less stressful if it's just me and her because I keep her the calmest. She's never been a fan of my husbands black beard!

>>> funny thing about beardies and bushy black beards ..... been several people who have had the problem , then covered or removed the whiskers and all was good ...

There's little or no improvement yet but at least I know she's getting meds for the infection, nutrients and water. Fingers crossed in a few weeks she'll be on the mend.
 

BadgerGirl

Member
Original Poster
? I can see that conversation going down well with my man.... "you have to shave your beard to make the bearded dragon happy" The poor soul already spent years living with rats he was highly allergic to.
 
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