Post-Operative Feeding of Small Herbivores
Maintenance of gut motility in small herbivores is an important part of peri-operative nursing.
For a standard procedure, the animal should be offered Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores very soon after regaining the ability to swallow, and maintain sternal recumbency. Normally, a volume of 10-20ml/kg will suffice. Feeding should occur no more than 30 minutes to an hour post-anaesthesia (assuming that they are conscious, with an intact gag reflex and can lift their heads), and should be repeated again 1-2 hours later, depending on the animal’s condition, willingness to eat on its own, and faecal production.
Additional carbohydrates may be required for animals with suspected hypoglycaemia, in poor body condition, or who cannot be stabilized preoperatively. In those cases, vegetable baby food (try to pick ones with higher fibre) can be added to Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores. The addition of readily digestible carbohydrates appears to improve blood glucose levels more rapidly than plain Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores, but may increase the chances of dysbiosis. Usually, baby food will be added to the regimen for one or two feeds only, and once the animal is stabilized, Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores is fed.
Any animal that has been suffering from delayed gut emptying or gut stasis prior to surgery may be on prokinetic agents before the procedure. Serious motility issues may be treated with parenteral metoclopramide and ranitidine, as well as oral cisapride depending on availability). Less serious or resolving issues may be treated with oral ranitidine. These drugs would ALWAYS be used in conjunction with the feeding regimen described above. In many cases, addressing dehydration and aggressive feeding will improve motility without the use of drugs.
The general rule of thumb is to feed 50-60ml/kg/day of Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores. We feed this quite thick, so the animal’s fluid requirements need to be addressed in other ways. Thinner gruels of Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores run increased risk of aspiration, particularly in debilitated patients.It is important to limit each feed to 20ml/kg, in order to avoid excessive gastric fill. In patients with severe ileus, it is advisable to have a veterinarian palpate the degree of gastric distention before each feed.
Nom de Plume Enterprises Pty Ltd
Trading as
Brisbane Bird and Exotics
Veterinary Service
ph: 3217 3533
191 Cornwall St
Greenslopes, QLD 4120
www.bbevs.com.au
