how to administer meds (not dosing) ...

[astra]

Wasn't sure how to best phrase the question, so I left ... at the end.

This is not about dosing, but the actual process.

Antibiotic (can't remember what kind off the top of my head, but extremely bitter yet with a completely useless strawberry flavour).
The squirrel needs to take it twice a day 12 hrs apart and it becomes a nightmare.
The squirrel won't take it in any food, not even in crushed fresh nuts, not even in natural nut butter, not even in sweet fruit -- nothing at all. As soon as the squirrel smells the stuff, it won't eat even her fav. foods.
So, the ab has to be force-fed. But the sq is super adamant about not taking it. Considering my experience isn't extensive, but even the wilds I dealt with were more cooperative. This usually nice NR goes literally ballistic as soon as she smells the abs.

So, how to best wrap the sq and insert the syringe in the sq's mouth with minimal fight and time?
The sq ducks her head in, but the person who holds her is afraid to wrap tighter around the sq's neck for fear of hurting her.
The sq also starts wiggling like crazy each and every way.
And the sq clenches her mouth not to allow the darn syringe in.

So, any tips and tricks on how to best restrain a sq safely and securely, and administer very bitter antibiotic will be greatly appreciated. And it has to be twice a day, too.
:thankyou

[Tuff]

Wasn't sure how to best phrase the question, so I left ... at the end.

This is not about dosing, but the actual process.

Antibiotic (can't remember what kind off the top of my head, but extremely bitter yet with a completely useless strawberry flavour).
The squirrel needs to take it twice a day 12 hrs apart and it becomes a nightmare.
The squirrel won't take it in any food, not even in crushed fresh nuts, not even in natural nut butter, not even in sweet fruit -- nothing at all. As soon as the squirrel smells the stuff, it won't eat even her fav. foods.
So, the ab has to be force-fed. But the sq is super adamant about not taking it. Considering my experience isn't extensive, but even the wilds I dealt with were more cooperative. This usually nice NR goes literally ballistic as soon as she smells the abs.

So, how to best wrap the sq and insert the syringe in the sq's mouth with minimal fight and time?
The sq ducks her head in, but the person who holds her is afraid to wrap tighter around the sq's neck for fear of hurting her.
The sq also starts wiggling like crazy each and every way.
And the sq clenches her mouth not to allow the darn syringe in.

So, any tips and tricks on how to best restrain a sq safely and securely, and administer very bitter antibiotic will be greatly appreciated. And it has to be twice a day, too.
:thankyou

Have you tried making boo balls and putting it in that?

[astra]

Have you tried making boo balls and putting it in that?

Quoting myself: “ The squirrel won't take it in any food, not even in crushed fresh nuts, not even in natural nut butter, not even in sweet fruit -- nothing at all. As soon as the squirrel smells the stuff, she won't eat even her fav. foods.”

[Mel1959]

I’m sure the drug you’re talking about is Baytril…it’s horribly bitter. How big is the dose? Maybe the meds could be made more concentrated so less has to be given?

The alternative is to switch to another med that will accomplish the same thing but be more pleasant tasting. If you can post what the antibiotic is treating someone can offer advice on a possible alternative.

[astra]

I’m sure the drug you’re talking about is Baytril…it’s horribly bitter. How big is the dose? Maybe the meds could be made more concentrated so less has to be given?

The alternative is to switch to another med that will accomplish the same thing but be more pleasant tasting. If you can post what the antibiotic is treating someone can offer advice on a possible alternative.

Got the abs name: chloramphenicol 0.22cc twice daily.

[Milo's Mom]

Hey Astra! I know eating is tough but honestly the very best thing I've found to cover the taste of yucky stuff is organic coconut oil.
Chloramphenicol is one of the worst and actually makes baytril taste good.
If you remember MJ...when she was on the chloramphenicol is when she started biting the syringes in half.
Do you have to use chloramphenicol? If so, could you have it compounded?
Have you considered mixing with grenadine or daiquiri mix?
How about a higher strength to reduce amount of dose so it's easier to hide or less to force?
As for acting like a turtle...I put my thumb under chin...they can't turtle with a thumb under chin.

[astra]

Hey Astra! I know eating is tough but honestly the very best thing I've found to cover the taste of yucky stuff is organic coconut oil.
Chloramphenicol is one of the worst and actually makes baytril taste good.
If you remember MJ...when she was on the chloramphenicol is when she started biting the syringes in half.
Do you have to use chloramphenicol? If so, could you have it compounded?
Have you considered mixing with grenadine or daiquiri mix?
How about a higher strength to reduce amount of dose so it's easier to hide or less to force?
As for acting like a turtle...I put my thumb under chin...they can't turtle with a thumb under chin.

Thank you very much, Milo's Mom.
Yes, I remember MJ... chloramphenicol is revolting.
As you suggested, the squirrel people asked for compounding, but the answer was "not, really." And the dose couldn't be changed either. So, they ended up force-feeding this awful medication for a week.
Then, it was changed to clavamox, which was much more bearable.

When you say you cover the yucky stuff with organic coconut oil, do you just mix it in? when the oil is liquid or solid?.. and do you just give that portion of oil just like that?... because the squirrel didn't care for coconut oil without anything on it even without chloramphenicol mixed in it.

grenadine or daiquiri mix? -- no, these weren't considered :).

We've also tried the thumb under the sq's chin, but I, personally, was afraid to accidentally push on the little thing's throat or something.

Thank you!!!:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug:thankyou

[Milo's Mom]

I made a nut butter and added the coconut oil, then mixed in the meds, chilled a bit, then formed into a ball and presented to squirrel.

[astra]

I made a nut butter and added the coconut oil, then mixed in the meds, chilled a bit, then formed into a ball and presented to squirrel.

Thank you! Chilling may be the key, as I once mixed nut butter and coconut oil and it was of soft spreadable consistency. But chilling it should definitely help with shaping it. TY!:thankyou