Syringe Feeding Herbivorous Small Mammals

Date: December 11, 2010

By: Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Reviewed by: M. Scott Echols, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) and Natalie Antinoff, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

Keywords: , ,

Categories: Chinchilla,  Guinea pig,  Mammals,  Rabbit,  Rodent,  Emergency Medicine  Resources & Education 

Mild to moderately ill exotic companion mammals are often syringe fed, and proper syringe-feeding technique is an essential skill for critical care nutrition of ferrets, rabbits, and rodents. Gastrointestinal stasis is one of the most common medical problems seen in small herbivores. A cornerstone of treatment is delivery of food containing high dietary fiber. Aggressive fluid therapy, often in the form of oral and subcutaneous fluids, is also crucial for successful management. Always address dehydration before beginning nutritional support. Get specific tips to improve your clinical success with this video clip or read the article with still images . . .

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References

Ackerman N. Companion Animal Nutrition: A Manual for Veterinary Nurses and Technicians. Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier , St. Louis, 2008.

Howell CM, Brown C. Assisted feeding for small herbivores. Lab Anim 37(6):251-252, 2008.

Paul-Murpy J. Critical care of the rabbit. Vet Clin North America Exotic Animal Practice 10(2):442, 2007.

Vennen KM, Mitchell MA. Rabbits. In: Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. Mitchell MA, Tully TN (eds). Saunders, St. Louis, 2009. P. 400.

To cite this page:

Pollock C. Syringe feeding herbivorous small mammals. LafeberVet website. December 11, 2010. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/syringe-feeding-herbivorous-small-mammals/