FECAL MATTERS! |
SLOW THINGS DOWN Ever have a vet suggest giving a sick animal Kaopectate to treat runny poo? That human stuff is expensive!! Check your local feed store or agri. center. In the cattle/horse section they sell a product called "Kao-pec" for around $10 per GALLON. It's the same stuff we use, only in animal grade. SET UP THE LAB Tired of spending a fortune getting fecal tests for worms? A small investment is all it takes to do your own at home. A childs microscope kit can be purchased at "Toys R Us" for around $25. Some saline solution, a shot glass (that you no longer wish to use for people!) and a chart of parasite eggs is all you need! (I can send you the chart) No need for a fecal loop, just wait until you get a sample naturally! Fill the shot glass with saline, stir a tiny portion of your sample into the solution. Drop the slide onto the TOP of the solution. Wait 10 minutes, remove the slide CAREFULLY! (the eggs have floated to the top of the saline and are stuck to the slide) Stain the slide as instructed in the microscope manual and VIOLA!! Search the slide for the eggs! If you're a rehabber that pays for your vet care, you know this will save you a fortune!! GERBER BABIES ARE HAPPY BABIES! Are you having trouble adjusting your orphans to their new formula? Runny stools can be a common reaction to new forms of protein. Help their tummys adjust gently by adding baby rice cereal (flakes) to their formula. Mix formula as instructed, then add about a third of flakes to what you used for powdered formula. Can be used also as a great mash for weaning time!! GET EM GOING! Constipated babies? A bit of Karo syrup in their bottle is still an old-time remedy that works wonders! Makes a tasty treat too! IN ONE END AND OUT THE OTHER! Ever give a raccoon an enema and have it vomit their feces? Scary isn't it? Raccoons and cats both share something called "through and through enema reflex". It's not pretty and as you can imagine, they don't appreciate it either. A little Metamucile in their bottle will be much more pleasant for both of you. This concludes "FECAL MATTERS". In the world of wildlife rehab, a good solid stool puts a smile on your face!! Hope I shared something usefull! Your friend in poop, puke and parasites, Annette King |
Some handy 'tricks of the trade' to help your critter's common problems. As with any of my advice, check with your vet to make sure this will work for you! |
