Re: Post feed aspiration ?
Originally Posted by
Mommaluvy
Do squirrels vomit?
Research suggests a squirrels system is not designed to vomit, not that they can't. However, it usually follows with serious consequences.
I would suggest what you observed was regurgitation. There is a difference.
Regurgitation in GI tract is due to esophageal mobility disorders or relaxed/weakened esophageal sphincters, whereas vomiting is due to triggering of the vomit center in the medulla oblongata.
Vomiting is preceded by nausea; regurgitation is not.
There are many receptors that can be stimulated to trigger the vomit center, but regurgitation cannot be stimulated by such receptors.
Vomiting involves forceful contractions of the abdominal accessory muscles, but regurgitation involves less forceful contractions and does not involve abdominal and accessory muscle contraction.
Regurgitation occurs in small amounts, whereas vomiting sometimes includes entire bowel contents. This leads to dehydration and ion imbalance in vomiting, but not in regurgitation.
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator