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It is obviously worthwhile trying to coax the snake to take the prey that is offered: try gently slapping the prey against the side of the snake’s head. If this fails, nutritional support by involuntary means will be necessary. Snakes can be force-fed with either whole prey or commercial nutritional support preparations. Whole prey can be lubricated and passed nose first through a mouth pried open. The prey is then milked down the oesophagus. This may be stressful. Alternatively, blenderised whole prey or commercial preparations can fed through an orogastric tube. Both procedures can be done under light sedation.
It is obviously worthwhile trying to coax the snake to take the prey that is offered: try gently slapping the prey against the side of the snake’s head. If this fails, nutritional support by involuntary means will be necessary. Snakes can be force-fed with either whole prey or commercial nutritional support preparations. Whole prey can be lubricated and passed nose first through a mouth pried open. The prey is then milked down the oesophagus. This may be stressful. Alternatively, blenderised whole prey or commercial preparations can fed through an orogastric tube. Both procedures can be done under light sedation.
==Fluid==
==Fluid Therapy==
Dehydration is common in sick snakes so it is important that fluid therapy forms part of supportive care. Rehydration is imperative prior to nutritional support or drug therapy. Methods include water baths, oral fluid (using an orogastric tube) and parenteral fluid. Water baths three times daily are a simple way of helping rehydration. All fluids should be warmed to within the [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]] prior to their use.
Dehydration is common in sick snakes so it is important that fluid therapy forms part of supportive care. Rehydration is imperative prior to nutritional support or drug therapy. Methods include water baths, oral fluid (using an orogastric tube) and parenteral fluid. Water baths three times daily are a simple way of helping rehydration. All fluids should be warmed to within the [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]] prior to their use.
===Oral fluids===
===Oral fluids===