Ascites - a question of timing

[mg15]

We've lost her.

She was OK most of the day but when I picked her up to take her back to bed, she spewed and inhaled it. She died in about 10 seconds if that. A horrible way to go. I simply cannot take it in. I tried so hard and the draining went so well.

I absolutely loved that bird. We are all distraught. I wish I hadn't picked her up and just left her in the nursing cage. Words are failing me at the moment.

I am so sorry.

 

[PNWskye]

I bought a blunt needle and I’m having a difficult time pushing it in. Any tips?

 

[SarahGfa]

I bought a blunt needle and I’m having a difficult time pushing it in. Any tips?

Don't use a blunt needle, use a sharp one. You can buy hypodermic needles at a pharmacy.

 

[PNWskye]

Don't use a blunt needle, use a sharp one. You can buy hypodermic needles at a pharmacy.

I wanted to get a bigger gauge to help with flow and not hurt her insides...totally regretting it now! Eeek! Thanks!

 

[SarahGfa]

I wanted to get a bigger gauge to help with flow and not hurt her insides...totally regretting it now! Eeek! Thanks!

Small gauge will not hurt her. My vet used a 21 gauge needle to drain ascites on my hen.

 

[Shezadandy]

I wanted to get a bigger gauge to help with flow and not hurt her insides...totally regretting it now! Eeek! Thanks!

You can buy 14 gauge needles online in a box of 100 or so, it takes a little hunting - a 16 gauge will work too- longest I'd use is a 1", might be easier to find.

Farm supply stores sell them in the cattle section by the vaccinations stuff - might not have a 14, but 16 gauge should be there.