Syringe size for critical care

[Borya02]

Hi folks – I wanted to get some critical care for my bun to have on hand. I have seen similar threads asking this question but was still unsure. What size syringe is best for feeding a medium sized rabbit? I saw some responses saying that smaller syringes aren’t good because it’ll gunk up. Is there any consensus on an optimal size? I won’t easily be able to get one in an emergency situation so need to be prepared before hand.

 

I have a 12 pack of 1 ml/1 cc syringes. (Caliber: 0.3 cm, and pipe diameter actually says 0.8 cc, though the package says 1 cc.) I’m starting to doubt if this would be big enough. Was wondering if anyone can give their recommendation? My bun is about 6 lbs. If needed, I’ll order some large syringes when I order the critical care. Thanks in advance.

[Bam]

The most important features of a good feeding syringe is the size (diameter and lenght) of the tip.

The problem with many syringes is that the tip is tiny and narrow. This is common with 2.5 and 5 ml syringes. With a 1 ml syringe, you can often saw off the tip with a serrated bread knife, and fit the whole diameter of the syringe into the bun’s mouth, but you can’t do that with the 2.5 and 5 ml syringes.

I prefer somewhat bigger syringes. They obviously have to be loaded from the back end, because you cant suck up CC through the tip.

I have 10 ml and 20 ml syringes for Critical Care. The 10 ml ones are feeding syringes for pets, which means the plunger doesn’t fit so tight in the syringe that a vacuum is created. This is very practical.

The 20 ml syringe I have has a detachable flexible plastic tip, which is practical because it reaches well into the bun’s mouth. The downside with that syringe is that a rather powerful vacuum is created inside, making the plunger very stiff after a few uses.

Stiff syringes can be lubricated with a few drops of simethicone baby gas drops.

 

 

[DanaNM]

I like to use 6 mL syringes because I find the larger ones to be a bit unwieldy, but I like the 10 mL ones too.

I know when I tried a really large one that I got from a pet store it was hard not to squirt too much food out at once. 1 mL ones work fine for some people, but I would find it annoying to have to fill up so many to get the right amount of food into the bun.

The tip about lubricating with simethicone is a great one! I actually just tried this for the first time because my 6 mL syringe was getting a little stiff, and it was great!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Borya02]

Hey guys, really appreciate the insight. I also called my vet; they mentioned they use a curved tip 12 ml syringe. (They also said that the important thing is getting a wider mouth than a normal syringe so it doesn’t get gunked up.) However, I’m also a little worried about what Dana mentioned, that it might be difficult not to squirt out too much with a larger one.

So do you think if I just purchase any set of 6 ml feeding syringes or maybe 12 ml curved tip syringes – this would be good? Or is there some specific dimension or feature I need to keep in mind when I get them? I’m just worried about ordering some and finding out there’s something about them that won’t work. I have some exact syringes I was thinking about getting but I don’t think I’m allowed to post product links. If you google “Monoject 3072331PK12 Curved Tip Syringe, 0.5″ Height, 0.5″ Wide, 4″ Length, 12 cu. in.” that is one of the ones I was thinking of getting. They have packs of 12. Dana, do you have a particular 6 ml one you’d recommend? Or any 6 ml feeding syringe would do? (I’m not sure if you use ones with a particular tip?)

 

P.S. Cool tip about Simethicone drops. This is safe for buns for sure??

 

 

[DanaNM]

That one you posted looks like it has a narrow tip, but you could always cut it to make it wider. I don’t think 12 mL would be too unweildy!

If you search 6 cc Monoject oral syringe, that looks exactly like the ones I use. I haven’t had a problem with the tip getting clogged, Critical care is pretty finely milled. I can imagine using pellet mash might be a bit harder, but I mix it up so it’s the consistency of pancake batter and haven’t had a problem.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[DanaNM]

Also forgot to mention that my syringes were given to me by my vet, so maybe your vet could just give you a couple?

Simethicone (baby gas drops) is for sure safe for buns, it’s often given to help with gas in bunnies. It’s another good thing to have on hand in your bunny first-aid kit. 🙂

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Borya02]

Hey thanks for the picture, because that has a strange tip on it that doesn’t show up in the first result I would have found. I’m assuming those end tips are removeable? Do you have to have it on when feeding the bun or taking the medicine up? Oh yeah and about the curved tip – the vets recommended cutting the tip too! They said that’s why they like them

 

[DanaNM]

Oh, that is just a cap that’s on the tip in the picture. It just looks normal without the cap.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Borya02]

Thanks!! Asking the vet is a good idea btw. Just saw your other post. Right now though with covid i think i’m just going to order some online. otherwise i would do this.

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