Tips for degu burrito for medication?

[moletteuk]

There is something up with Molly and we really dont know what is wrong, but she has been sneezing a bit, so we are trying to give her a course of baytril. We've made it to day 3 trying to hide it in food, but she is pretty much sniffing it out right away now, so we think we might need to syringe it in her mouth tomorrow.

Can you guys give me some tips on doing the burrito or any other method?

[uglibug]

Have you tried raisins? I know they're naughty but one or two a day for a couple of days should be OK, I think getting him to take the medication is more important than a bit of sugar over a relatively short period.

[Kins]

Sorry Molly isn't feeling tip top. Medicating a non-compliant degu can be somewhat testing.

I found the best way, when Nige was poorly, was to just let him kind of hang out on me while my husband sort of encouraged him to bite the syringe at which point he'd squirt the meds in (carefully of course). Sometimes it worked a treat, other times not so much, but it seemed relatively successful the majority of the time. He was quite underweight so didn't need a big dose which was a plus for us, but obviously a major negative for him.

It wasn't too stressful for Nige and we could be confident that he got pretty much all of the dose every time. He was relatively happy being handled which helped.

Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but hopefully you find a method which works for you and Molly.

Keep us posted please.

[bouncy]

I've had to make a burrito a couple of times. I lure with something quite chunky, like a root or hazelnut, wrap tightly in a towel, making sure literally the face is exposed, then put him on his back. Once there, I let him have the nut, which means the jaws are wide open. Quickly put the syringe in his mouth behind the nut and squirt!

He did actually enjoy lying there afterwards, having his chin tickled (complete with warbling). He's good now, and just takes the treat, licks off the Metacam, then buries or eats the food!

[moletteuk]

Thanks for the suggestions

It's the 'wrap tightly in a towel part' that seems impossible, my lot are so wily and fast they just run away like lightning if they think I'm up to anything! I'm sure they can pick up on the tension because just luring them onto the towel seems difficult if I need them to do it.

I spoke to the vet again yesterday and they decided the best thing is to dose up the water, I'm quite happy for Flossie to get a dose as she has been a bit sniffly again too, and Alice is fighting fit so hopefully she will shrug off the unnecessary dosing. It skews the dose to more in the evening because that is when they drink most, and I suspect Molly drinks less than the other two, but I'll keep a close eye on it all to try and make sure Molly gets enough and the others not too much.

I'm still interested to hear more about the burrito and any other methods.

[bouncy]

I can't do the burrito with anything bigger than a teatowel - like you said, they're too quick!

Glad you have a solution with the water x

[kati]

The water idea is great! When one of my girls needed baytril I had to force it because no treats worked. It was very difficult though as she did not like the burrito thing one bit. I hope Woo won't need meds as she downright shouts at me when she realises I try to even pick her up.

[klbishop]

we hide in oats which has so far worked

[moletteuk]

Well the water hasn't worked out so well - they started drinking only about a third of their normal amount which is all the more problematic because they need fluids when they are taking drugs. Fortunately, Molly has started taking it on some foods again, but I need to break it down into about 10 items of food for every dose, and she refuses some and won't eat them all together. I'm stressed and run ragged, but still glad I haven't had to burrito her...yet! It's funny she won't take it on oats at all, and seems to have a deep distrust of peanut butter and isn't tempted by a hint of sweetness either. I'm having most luck with dried veg.

[deguconvert]

Press on, love! Sorry it is so draining and difficult!

[bouncy]

Oh I feel for you, and hope you can find a solution soon - my dude is still happy to lick it off his food (just in case Sillygoo comes along and nicks the treat) before he thinks of eating.

[moletteuk]

Thanks, she's taking it better now I've figured out what she prefers to take it on. I can't say she's looking a whole lot better, but I should really wait a few days before I worry too much about that.