Z33

[RDZCRanch]

So...I made a typo the other day. She took .1cc the first feeding and hasn't been taking much more than that. Today she took pretty darn close to an entire cc of formula and she was all too happy to suck it down. After this morning's feeding she also spent a lot of time chasing mom down to attempt to nurse. Hopefully this is a good sign...

 

[angels41105]

rayer:

 

[Danderson]

Great news, Tab!

 

[RDZCRanch]

She's been taking .5 to 2cc's of formula all day. She still hasn't gained much weight, but her mom went from ignoring her in a corner this morning to actively cleaning her and making sure she stays warm. They have the heating pad which I think is making a huge difference for the little one. She's gained better footing and is moving around much better. Hopefully it's signs of good things to come, but she still does not look like a "normal" kit.

 

[leni]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you Tabitha.

 

[RDZCRanch]

I am still unsure if this baby will survive. She's hanging on and she's got a lot of spunk, but she steadily lost weight even with handfeeding until she has dropped to 29g to 30g. She isn't gaining anything and I see her nursing on her mother regularly anytime I'm not feeding her. There is clicking in her lungs so I consulted my vet and I'm giving her the tiniest amount of TMS possible in hopes it will help. So far, it seems to be helping as the clicking has become less frequent when she breathes. She doesn't gasp and the clicking is only audible when you hold her tiny body to your ear. I'm really hoping she'll turn the corner and start gaining. She's acting like a normal baby with just a tiny bit less energy. She'll run away from me when I open the cage door and she starts biting me if I'm taking too long getting her milk ready.

 

[Sandi]

Aw Tab, she sounds like a fighter and am hoping that she starts gaining that weight.

 

[cindyv3737]

Shell and I are keeping our paws crossed.

 

[starleomach]

Keeping fingers crossed here

 

[Takuraktty]

Good luck sounds like a great kit, a real fighter. I really hope she makes it. But sound like your doing a great job so far!

 

[RDZCRanch]

Here are some new pictures of her for those of you that have been following the thread and keeping your fingers crossed for her. I think I've got her gaining weight...but I'll know for sure if she can hold it and keep gaining through to the morning.

 

[6Dusters]

Hey Tab can you tell me what TMS is? I looked through the master list of meds and didn't see it under antibiotics. I just assume it is.Correct me if I'm wrong.

I lost a kit this year that had the "clicking" sound. Despite vet care I lost her.
This kits weight was not steady. No real gains during the first few days.
When I pick up my newborns I always hold them cupped near my face and listen. Thats when I heard it. My goodness it's so faint. Almost leads me to believe they aspirate some fluid during the birth process.

Best wishes for your little one.

 

[RDZCRanch]

TMS = trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

I've lost several kits over the years to the clicking in the lungs. Typically I hear it in kits that are born to first time mothers or large litters in the cold winter months when the kits do not get clean and dry fast enough.

She was 28g for her morning weigh in yesterday and today she is at 30g. May sound odd...but she also looks a little bigger and fluffier to me this morning. I think her mom is finally getting her milk in and my feedings for her are just supplemental now until mom starts producing more milk. She's always nursing on mom so I'm really hoping she's turned a corner. Tyson's getting tired of not having me in the bedroom, lol. I sleep on the couch so I don't have to wake him up everytime I need to feed her.

 

[starleomach]

Sounds good!!! I love when mom finally takes over (when it happens any way!)

 

[Kansas City Chinchillas]

Hope she continues to do well.

 

[Luci]

im really pulling for this one, tabs! shes so cute.

 

[addictedtochins]

She's adorable, I love that first pic of her, she reminds me of a fighting eagle chick.

 

[Millie'sMum]

Oh wow! You three (kit, momma and you) are all troopers!!! Great team work and I hope she does well!

 

[6Dusters]

Thank you for answering my question. Sounds like you might be sleeping in your bed soon. The update sounds very promising.

 

[RDZCRanch]

Well...I spoke too soon yesterday. I've checked her mom for milk several times and found nothing. So Ritalin went back to her mate and cagemate and Z33 got a new mommy. She now has Maple (I like to call her my cow) as a surrogate since Maple believes it is her mission in life to nurse all the kits of the world. Her litter was just weaned and both her nipples are still full of milk. Z33 has been nursing on her since about an hour after I put them together. Her belly actually feels full when I've pulled her out to check on her and she hasn't dropped any weight. I'm still going to get up a few times tonight to check on her and make sure she's not dropping weight, but all is looking good for now!