Moonstone Gerbils

Breeder of Mongolian Gerbils and Southern Flying Squirrels

Worcester - Providence - Framingham

info@moonstonegerbils.com

978-494-4727

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28534

Aspiration occurs when fluid or food travels into the airway. This is the same as if you swallow and it goes down the wrong "pipe" or laugh and shoot your drink out your nose. In baby animals, this is usually caused by feeding too fast.

Symptoms of Aspiration:
-Sneezing
-Bubbles from the nose
-Coughing or choking

How to Prevent Aspiration:
-Use the proper tools: a quality 1-cc o-ring syringe (never use bottles or large or cheap syringes!)
-Feed the baby in an upright position, with the tip of the syringe pointing up to the baby's mouth
-Feed slowly! Go drop by drop for a smaller baby


If you believe the baby has aspirated:
-IMMEDIATELY stop feeding
-Wipe the nostrils and mouth with an absorbent tissue
-Use an ear or nasal bulb syringe to suck out the nostrils
-Turn the baby head down and tap gently tap its back
-Wait until next feeding to resume feeding
-Next time, FEED MORE SLOWLY

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration can can introduce bacteria into the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia, which is fatal if not treated with antibiotics. However, not all aspiration leads to pneumonia.

Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia:
-Loss of appetite
-Lethargy
-Clicking sound when breathing
-Inability to maintain body temperature
-Open mouth or "guppy" breathing
-Raspy breathing sounds coming from the chest

Treatment:
-Keep pup warm.
-Find a veternarian.
-Antibiotics must be started immediately or the baby will die