administering oral medication

[Ringo]

Does anyone know a good way to restrain the snake to administer oral medication. The vet gave me some antibiotics. I have tried restraining her by the head but she keeps wiggling and I am afraid that I will hurt her. She is ok until I try to stick the syrenge (spelling) in her mouth which I dont blame her for not liking. I just do not want to break her neck or something cause she is pretty strong. Any suggestions?

[cH@0s]

if you feed her pre-killed or f/t, why dont you stick the syringe in the preys mouth and 'inject' it into the prey?

As the prey gets digested, so will the medicine.

And it will be the tastiest medicine around?

[Ringo]

I thought about that actually but I have to give some everyday.

[cH@0s]

oh well, i tried. I dont know then, sorry dude. Yo'll have to wait for the 'older' guys to show up.

[missi182]

Hold her behind the head and if you can have someone hold the rest of her. Hold on firmly, but don't squeeze. I opted no for the oral meds and chose injections when my bp had mouth rot, it is faster, and less stressfull if done right. When giving oral meds everyday, it is common that after the meds are done your bp may be even more head shy. That is the biggest reason I would go for injections over oral if you can.

[Tosha_Mc]

I've been told that oral meds aren't as effective on snakes as it takes too long to digest and metabolize the meds and they loose their effectiveness in the process. And you certainly don't want to inject it into the prey that would take it even longer. Not sure what you are dealing with but your vet should have given you injectable meds seeing that he hasn't have someone hold her lower portion and keep a firm grip and just get it done - once she figures she can't get away she'll mellow.

Good luck.

[missi182]

These are the instructions my vet gave me before I opted out on the oral meds.

Make sure the syringe you are using has a long thin nozzle. It is much easier to get this into the snakes mouth. When you hold her behind the head, wrap 3 fingers around her neck, and use your forefinger to hold under her head and your thumb on top of her head. Gently but firmly push the nozzle of the syringe on the side of the mouth, she should open up for ya. As soon as the nozzle is in administer the meds, but try not to push to hard or you will spray it all over.

[dr del]

Hi,

I'm guessing he already told you this but be extra carefull you are not squirting the medication into his lungs.


dr del

[missi182]

Hi,

I'm guessing he already told you this but be extra carefull you are not squirting the medication into his lungs.


dr del

Another reason I would go for injection.

[Ringo]

The medication is Baytril antibiotic for a head wound. I only have a few more treatments to give her. The vet said something about the injection that it can leave a discoloration on the skin or something to that effect and that since it is a minor wound to just administer it orally. I just wanted to make sure that I am restraining her properly with the least amount of discomfort.