Force feeding

[Genghis]

I have a dropsy frog that I have to give antibiotics to orally every day. I'm having a terrible time of it as the stress of vets visits means she wont come anywhere near me and wont hand feed as usual. I can easily catch her but I can't get her mouth open. Another forum user suggested that the technique for force feeding newts is very similair so I was hoping someone might have some tips or advice.......

 

[jewett]

I have force fed paddletail newts in the past, it was a two person job. While firmly but as gently as possible holding the newt with my left hand, I would use a plastic spoon to pry open the mouth with my right hand (since I am right handed). I had a great roommate at the time who was willing to shove small bits of earthworm into the mouth once I got it open. It worked pretty well - within a few days my paddletails began eating really well on their own. Alas, a few months later two escaped...*sigh* My paddletails however were not sick, just newly imported stressed out newts that I unexpectadly received as a gifts that didn't want to eat. I hope your frog recovers, best of luck.
Heather
PS I also washed my hands very well before and after handling the 'phibs

 

[Genghis]

I have force fed paddletail newts in the past, it was a two person job. While firmly but as gently as possible holding the newt with my left hand, I would use a plastic spoon to pry open the mouth with my right hand (since I am right handed). I had a great roommate at the time who was willing to shove small bits of earthworm into the mouth once I got it open. It worked pretty well - within a few days my paddletails began eating really well on their own. Alas, a few months later two escaped...*sigh* My paddletails however were not sick, just newly imported stressed out newts that I unexpectadly received as a gifts that didn't want to eat. I hope your frog recovers, best of luck.
Heather
PS I also washed my hands very well before and after handling the 'phibs

Thanks Heather, alas, still having no luck. It's hard to hold her down as she has fluid under the skin and pressure on her body makes her really uncomfortable. I tried using my credit card to open her mouth this morning but it didnt really work. I got her from a lab so I'm gonna see if I can get hold of a needle from them and inject the Baytril into a dead earthworm which I can then feed to her. It's worth a try!