How to force feed a shark/ray
- Thread starter alprazo
- Start date
Recty
New member
I'm glad that is working out for you, most people arent brave enough to do that.
Is there a way you could do this underwater? I know a lot of fish and I would assume sharks included will go off feed when really stressed, and being held out of water for 1:30 and tubes stuck into their stomachs would count as really stressful, imo. If you could do it underwater, do you think it would benefit the shark?
Is there a way you could do this underwater? I know a lot of fish and I would assume sharks included will go off feed when really stressed, and being held out of water for 1:30 and tubes stuck into their stomachs would count as really stressful, imo. If you could do it underwater, do you think it would benefit the shark?
For larger sharks and ones with teeth, I give anesthesia and do it in the water bath. Anesthesia has its inherent risks, is expensive, and likely takes a toll on the liver, where it is metabolized. This is often required at the same time the shark is being treated with other medications that may effect the liver.
This female remains week and hardly resists the procedure, though she is getting stronger. In the water bath and awake, the sharks tend to fight and resist. This makes trauma from tube insertion and placement more likely. You also do not want to move the shark while the tube is in place. Also, some of these small, tide pool sharks can withstand extended periods out of water (hours) and low water oxygen saturations.
As for air, fish have swim bladders and are often eaten whole. Tiger sharks engulf air to become buoyant, so small amounts are easily tolerated.
This particular shark stopped eating during a very bad infection/infestation. I was able to identify three different paracites: amphipods, trematodes, and nematodes, but that is for a different post. She went anorexic before treatment, but I've seen meds cause it too.
This female remains week and hardly resists the procedure, though she is getting stronger. In the water bath and awake, the sharks tend to fight and resist. This makes trauma from tube insertion and placement more likely. You also do not want to move the shark while the tube is in place. Also, some of these small, tide pool sharks can withstand extended periods out of water (hours) and low water oxygen saturations.
As for air, fish have swim bladders and are often eaten whole. Tiger sharks engulf air to become buoyant, so small amounts are easily tolerated.
This particular shark stopped eating during a very bad infection/infestation. I was able to identify three different paracites: amphipods, trematodes, and nematodes, but that is for a different post. She went anorexic before treatment, but I've seen meds cause it too.
Correction - sand tigers
capo larzo
New member
Nice video alprazo! The shark did seem very calm. A healthier, slightly larger juvie puts up much more fight though. It seems as if your patient is almost used to this treatment! Sorry to hear of the terrible infestation. Prazi treatment? Im pretty certain those -todes can live in the sand bed or substrate for quite some time without hosts.
Good luck with it!
Good luck with it!
capo larzo
New member
Nice to see you zoodiver.
And again, great video!
And again, great video!
Urchinhead
New member
Sorry if this is a dumb question but... How did you do the insertion of the tube and confirm its in the stomach?
Zoodiver
As seen on TV
With tubing, you start slowly and guide it into the mouth and down the throat. It's fairly easy compared to mammals since you don't have to worry about going down the wrong tube. Sometimes you can see the tube (ventrally) when inserting, so you can visually see when to stop. Other times, you feel restriction and know you've hit the back of the stomach - then just pull out slightly.
Thanks. I try to get around.
Urchinhead
New member
Thank you Zoodiver. That was what I assumed but wasn't sure. Only familiar with it in a medical setting where ALS is needed for a patient.
The tube needs to go in at least an inch more. Spray the tube with Pam cooking spray to help ease it through the esophageal sphincter. Push through the resistance, You will then feel the resistance ease. I would also go with a smaller diameter syringe if possible. The greater the diameter, the increased force it takes to plunge. The high force can be damaging, especially if there is a clog and it breaks free. A 1 or 3cc would be better. The shark could probably handle 1.5 cc. Dehydration can occur with starvation and sometimes I will add Gatorade or pedialyte to the gruel. You should see no food come out of its gills if placed correctly. Good luck. Stat, a liquid to feed newborn sheep, is a milky, high protein and fat diet that I have used too.
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