Pina colada mix to mask bad taste of chloramphenicol

[ClaireMary]

Hi Everyone! I am giving my rattie chloramphenicol to fix up an outer ear infection. Unfortunately, she hates it. It i a big dose so we can't just get it down her throat in one go, and she now blocks it with her tongue. We have tried diluting it with apple juice but to no avail. The vet suggested mixing it with some pina colada. Does anyone recommend a certain brand? I'm wondering if we should try and find a sugar free version. Any other tips for getting the meds down? Thank you!!

 

[rat.charmer]

Ooh let me know if that works. I have one girl who spits out ALL of her Doxy, all the time. She hates strawberries so I need to find something else.

 

[Maple]

I wouldn't worry to much about the sugar, use whatever works to fix the problem thats what I do.

 

[Godmother]

I know that Chloramphenicol has to be very cleverly compounded to be palatable to animals. The stuff I get here is thick and white and quite sweet. SQ once had to use some stuff that was terribly bitter, and her ratty would shudder when she forced it on him.

So lots of sugar is the way to go... no way around it.

 

[Moon]

I have had luck with cherry syrup, the kind you'd add to carbonated water to make italian soda, or you put it on ice cream. It's more flavourful than strawberry.

The sugar alcohols that make up artificial sweeteners can do a number on some stomachs... especially mine. So since you have to mix up SO MUCH to cover the taste of the meds, going for real sugar might be a better option.

I have success with forcing meds on rats but giving them something REALLY DELICIOUS afterwards. They then start to grudgingly take their meds since they know something really good is coming afterwards. Just a sidenote, LOL

 

[Maple]

I have had luck with cherry syrup.

Moon, where would you purchase this and can you use it the way strawberry syrup is used. Ummmmmm it sounds so good. Never mind the ratties, lets buy some for Maple!

 

[Moon]

Yeah, I have used it to suspend meds as well as just mask pre-mixed. I have seen it at higher-end grocery places like Longo's, and european deli/grocery type places as well.

I love the stuff... a dash in a smoothie for extra flavour, on vanilla ice cream, in club soda (it settles in the bottom and you get to blow bubbles to mix it up more!)... I'm sure you could think of more ways!

 

[Godmother]

Yum, sounds good! I am always looking for more tricks.

And I like the idea of quickly forcing the meds and immediately following with a treat.

With something like Metacam (most of mine hate the stuff, and I don't blame them because of the smell of it) I just wipe the drop on their mouths.