>As for Amelia, the vet thinks perhaps congestive heart failure
>like Prince had, possibly a lung infection as well. I am relieved
>that it wasn't a contagious illness, and Amelia is responding to
>antibiotics and some other sort of medicine, I forget exactly
>what it is, but it's supposed to help with her excess fluid buildup.
>A diaretic (sp?) I
Diuretics work by helping send excess fluids from the body.
That is fairly common treatment for some sorts of heart ailments.
>I have to hide some of it in cooked oatmeal to get enough into
>her, she's quite stubborn about the needless syringe.
A lot of older ones are. I'm now teaching my pups about an
eyedropper, that it happens, so it's easier if I have to feed
them stuff later.
I use good quality glass eyedroppers as I find them easier
for me to clean.
I now get mine from a medical/chemical supply house, who
stock some that have calibrations on the side, so I know how
much fluid I'm handling, just like a syringe.
>All of the gerbils I've had to do that with will get annoyed and
>open their mouths to bite at the syringe, which of course lets
>me get the medicine in their mouths. I don't know if she's
>smarter than the rest or just more stubborn. :) Anyhoo her
>breathing seems a bit better and she's lost some of the puffiness,
>so evidently it's working. Guess I got her there in time, unlike
>Prince. At least I learn from my mistakes. :)
Glad she's doing better. If it doesn't cause problems with the
meds, use either applesauce or babyfood, blueberry cobbler
or blueberry-banana dessert. The sweet and the fruit often
make it more palatable and they'll lap at it...EVEN IF you're
holding them.
When I have to feed antibiotic or anti-diahrretic medicines,
sometimes I can get the animal just to lap at the offered dropper,
they don't have to even be picked up...depending on what I
hide it in.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
Bummer and condolences about your loss, and I hope
your other one gets better!
