• MinnesotaGoddam@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    11 hours ago

    After a small squirt to make sure the tube got to the tummy

    is that a small squirt of air, like in human medicine? do you listen with a stethoscope to listen for the gurgle to hear if it got where it should? this is so neat dude. thanks for giving us such a detailed explanation

    • anon6789@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      9 hours ago

      No, it’s the formula. We don’t want to introduce air, as that can give them bloat.

      I felt it was pretty obvious when it was in the right spot. They seemed to calm down once the tube passed where it could go to the lungs.

      They’d have the same reaction as we would when we swallow wrong, so just a tiny squirt would show the tube wasn’t in right.

      I was nervous to tube feed, but the bunnies were pretty calm considering what was going on. There are ways they can get hurt during this, but testing equipment properly and using your eyes and common sense really minimized any potential trouble. I was surprised how relatively uncomplicated it was, though I did only do less than ten bunnies. I’m sure I will see some crazy stuff and encounter issues at some point. Our patients come in all states of damage.

      I enjoy sharing the stories with you all. I get apprehensive about some things, but I want to show you all that getting involved with this isn’t all that bad and can be very rewarding. Holding a happy, full tummy bunny as it goes back to sleep is just as satisfying as it sounds.