Hi,

Nice idea on the q-tip.

Well I would get your friend to restrain the body only and would control the neck yourself just to make sure you have total control of the amount of pressure being applied.

When ever I've had to do it I have gently worked it into the front of the mouth then moved it towards the back and lifted slightly so I could see inside the mouth - a bright environment is really handy here.

I'm not certain there is any way to influence which side she stays on but bumping up the temps on the cool side by a few degrees would still be in the recomended range.

You would need to monitor it very well to make sure everything worked ok though so plan it out carefully beforehand and test the heatpad before you put it under the tank if you can.


dr del