A
Anne Cedar
Guest
Our sweet little gray-and-white rat Meep is quite ill. We took him to the vet and she suspects a tumor is taking up space inside his body, making it harder for him to breathe and killing his appetite. We have an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory to try and make him as comfortable as possible. But since he's already 2, we don't feel that he would do well with surgery.
He is not eating or drinking on his own so I am attempting to syringe feed him every couple of hours. On the vet's advice, I've been thinning baby food (carrot or banana, because those have always been his favorite treats) with some Pedialyte. But the poor guy is using every ounce of his limited energy to fight me!
I feel so guilty every time I try to force food, water, or medicine down his throat. Is he telling me in his ultimate wisdom that it is time to stop trying, or is it more like he doesn't know what's best for him, and my efforts will help him stay more comfortable in his final days?
Does anyone have any tips or tricks for making syringe feeding less stressful for sick rats? Thank you!
He is not eating or drinking on his own so I am attempting to syringe feed him every couple of hours. On the vet's advice, I've been thinning baby food (carrot or banana, because those have always been his favorite treats) with some Pedialyte. But the poor guy is using every ounce of his limited energy to fight me!
I feel so guilty every time I try to force food, water, or medicine down his throat. Is he telling me in his ultimate wisdom that it is time to stop trying, or is it more like he doesn't know what's best for him, and my efforts will help him stay more comfortable in his final days?
Does anyone have any tips or tricks for making syringe feeding less stressful for sick rats? Thank you!