[Saskia]

First 24 hours update:
According to the treatment, the first 24 hours I did a lot of hydration, every 2-3 hours I provided 0,3ccs of oral electrolites and fluids, she took it really well, in total she took 2,8 cc (the goal was to provide from 2,5 to 3 cc), this morning I found some urine with solid urates in the terrarium, which was definitely good news, because it means she absorbed!, she is looking good considering the circunstances, stays alert, moves around and keeps her eyes open.
Today will keep the hydration, but reducing the quantity to 1,5 cc in several 0,3cc takes every 4-5 hours hoping this could prepare her to asimilate the medicines she´ll need to fight the parasites and bacteria!! My hopes went a little higher because she is processing the fluids, so the first goal is being achieved!!
Next goal: Get her to absorbe the medicines, considering her state that will be the top of the everest for her!! Still working on her.......

[Tjmphx]

That's really good news! I'm so happy to hear things took a positive turn.

[Yoshi'smom]

Saskia, have you tried using Fluker's Emergency Carnivore Diet (I don't know how available it is in Venezuela)? I've used it with one of my leo's who wouldn't eat while battling an eye infection. It's helped him maintain a stable weight. It's a complete powdered diet.
He's over the eye infection but is still not eating on his own yet. The exotics vet I see said it could be used as a long term solution. However, your little one is eating and this is wonderful. The emergency aid may help get some vital fluids and nutrition into her.
Also, if you can't find it anywhere near you, I'd be willing to get some and send it to you. PM me if you need to.
Press Release - Critical Care
http://www.flukerfarms.com/PDFs/Carn...structions.pdf

[Saskia]

Thanks Kelly!! The thing is how do I get it to Venezuela (there are no reptile suppliers here, that´s why I always buy my stuff ahead of time when I go to the US), I have a large supply of calcium, vitamins, etc etc because there´s no way to get them quick enough for an emergency It´ll take at least 3 weeks to get here, and the idea is that he should be eating in less than that, I´ll keep it in mind for my next trip to the US which will be in march, so I can have it here for future rescues, thanks for the advice!!

[Yoshi'smom]

Wow! I didn't know that snail mail will take that long... Keep us posted!

[Elizabeth Freer]

Rah, rah, rah for your new rescue, Saskia. Sending continued good vibes your way.

How are you administering the fluid? syringe? tube? Any difficulty getting him to open his mouth?

[Saskia]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Freer

Rah, rah, rah for your new rescue, Saskia. Sending continued good vibes your way.

How are you administering the fluid? syringe? tube? Any difficulty getting him to open his mouth?

I am giving it with an insulin syringe (without the needle), I take her in a piece of cloth so she can´t move much and just leave her head out (have you had pigs in a blanket?? LOL), I touch the sides of her mouth gently until she opens (takes me a few seconds) and I put the syringe down to her throat (not so deep, just the back of the mouth) and put the liquid there fast (since the amount is not so big every time), and let go, the whole thing takes me less than a minute, I even did it a couple of times during the night last night (12 midnight and 3 am) in order from her to keep on taking the fluids regularly! My friend told me the first day she needed to take more, and the 2nd and 3rd day were just "maintainance" days, so, the dose is lower (close to 3ccs the first day, and 1,5 ccs days 2 and 3), she is not giving me much trouble, has a very nice, calmed but alert attitude

[Saskia]

Little update: I was giving some fluids a few minutes ago and could check the sex, it´s definitely a boy! Any ideas for the name??? I thaught of Casper, but then remembered it´s a ghost (therefor dead) and didn´t like the idea anymore!!

[cricket4u]

Originally Posted by Saskia

I am giving it with an insulin syringe (without the needle), I take her in a piece of cloth so she can´t move much and just leave her head out (have you had pigs in a blanket?? LOL), I touch the sides of her mouth gently until she opens (takes me a few seconds) and I put the syringe down to her throat (not so deep, just the back of the mouth) and put the liquid there fast (since the amount is not so big every time), and let go, the whole thing takes me less than a minute, I even did it a couple of times during the night last night (12 midnight and 3 am) in order from her to keep on taking the fluids regularly! My friend told me the first day she needed to take more, and the 2nd and 3rd day were just "maintainance" days, so, the dose is lower (close to 3ccs the first day, and 1,5 ccs days 2 and 3), she is not giving me much trouble, has a very nice, calmed but alert attitude

I know a good amount of people are not pleased with forcing fluids, but under the circumstances it must be done this way to increase chances of survival. I don't recommend anyone to try this without the guidance of a veterinarian, (you at least have a human doctor to guide you) but it's a good example of how important hydration is in critical situations. Your doing a great job!

[cricket4u]

The fact that you mentioned he is holding down the fluids, makes me wonder if indeed he needs the medications right away without a fecal. I hate the thought of administering drugs without a diagnosis when a reptile is emaciated. There is a chance that the reason he was vomiting was due to severe dehydration which is common. Do you feel he needs to be started on the drugs without a fecal?