In Reply to: the first symptoms, the first step... posted by IrishCreme on June 12, 2000 at 19:42:23:

: Take a fecal sample to the vet. asap and have him/her check for protozoans and nematodes in particular. Do BOTH a float and a dye slide. Depending on what (if anything) is found, follow the vet's instructions for recovery care and possible medication.

: But in the meantime -
: Head to the pharmacy and ask for a 5cc syringe. (They really shouldnt give you a problem about it)
: Puree the current diet you're feeding her, (just what are you feeding her?) possibly watering it down a bit with some Pedialite to make it easier to manipulate into the syringe.
: Offer this to her every 2-3 hours, trying to get her to take as much as she will without getting upset with you. You can also cut the top off of a mealie and squish the insides out for her to lick.

:
: The first weight loss noticed is generally dehydration... quickly followed by malnutrition or a nutritional imbalance - which can lead to much more severe complications in itself.
Thanks for the advice, but last night my Tink died.

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