Syringe medication

Emma Marie · 02-14-2018, 04:02 AM

Tatty who is 2 years 5 months approx has been making some unusual sounds. I initially thought it was my budgies as they were like squeeks but this morning they became sniffly and a bit of a wheeze. I was really worried I was going to lose her and took her to the vets.

At the vets her personality really came to life and she ran around the table and didn't make the noise once! The vet did say her breathing was laboured so prescribed her baytril at 0.03ml. When I got her home I put that amount into a small amount of water and gave her a couple of drops but she wouldn't take anymore. I am hopeful that it was enough though!

I think we may have a struggle tonight as she allowed us to give her the first drops but then pulled a face and wouldn't take anymore. Any tips would be super helpful!

The vets asked whether it could be the bedding but I have used fitch her entire life so I don't think it is that. The only thing I can think is that I added some carefresh to her cage for a little bit of colour about a month ago but I am fairly certain that wouldn't cause a reaction.

Dalis_mum · 02-14-2018, 04:20 AM

I know some try mixing baytril with baby food/puree to improve the taste.

Hamsters can easily catch the human cold, which is everywhere this time of year. Even if you've not been ill you could have been carrying something. I'd implement barrier nursing as she is getting to be a gerriatric ham. This means washing hands well before and after handling with a bactericide soap such are carex, and cover your front with something clean and disposable and minimise contact. This should hopefully prevent a secondary infection which could prove too much.

cypher · 02-14-2018, 05:34 AM

I would try using just a small amount, no more than half a teaspoon, of baby food or porridge to give the meds, most hams will take it fine that way & it's a lot less stressful!
If you've been using fitch I'm sure it's nothing to do with that & a small amount of carefresh shouldn't be a problem either but they do sometimes just get respiratory infections for no obvious reason, hope she's better soon.