Cody ate plastic decor

[mikesfrogs]

Use the tongs to pull it out from his stomach. Try to use a light to see it. When they relax their tongue you can see down their throat.

[Ivan M]

I have no experience in this but if I can recommend anything, use perhaps K-Y jelly since it is water based to lubricate tongs and plastic leaf for ease of removal. Just a thought.

[Ivan M]

For light I would wear one of those small camping reading lights you put on your head where you can direct the light and have both hands free to work on the little guy. Sort of what surgeons do. Please keep us updated on the outcome.

[MeTree]

I've been super busy all day, so I haven't had a chance to post. I'll give you guys a quick update.

It's been almost exactly 48 hours since he swallowed the plant. He is alive and hopping, but he seems pretty stressed out right now. I removed all the small plants, and replaced it with a huge standing aquarium plant that he won't be able to swallow if he tried. I went to Petsmart today (a 55 mile drive) and got Cody some Morpani driftwood (actually found some, they never have it). He seems to appreciate the change in scenery.

And now to respond to y'all's feedback (which I appreciate).

hotnickles, I tried. Partially I was panicking, but the reason it got to that point was because Cody locked his jaw and wouldn't let go. I had him hanging, I was pulling, prying, and jerking near the end. If I could have removed it quickly, there wouldn't have been any need for me to reach over and grab my camera (which was 2 feet away, easily in reach). I just felt like I needed to take a picture of the plant in case me and Cody failed to remove it. After I was done trying to get it out, Cody himself tried. After opening his mouth as wide as he could and rubbing his tongue, he couldn't shake it off. Yes, I watched him swallow it. I was nearly in tears, but at the time I wasn't thinking that the huge damage it would cause on his system would be worse than the blunt force of ripping it out of his mouth. So no, I guess I don't look back too fondly on that moment.

Grif, I wish more than anything I could take him to a vet. I know your vet has worked wonders. Unfortunately, I really don't think I could start to pay a vet bill for an extraction like this. Also, there aren't any exotic vets within 75 miles of where I live, and the closest one is in a city that my mom hates to drive in. On top of that, I have to go on a week long high adventure scout camp that I leave for Friday. With all my obligations before then, I don't have a day I could go. It would be great if I could go to the vet, but I can't, if you understand.

I think that I am going to try what Ivan and Mike suggested and make the extraction myself. As horrible as that sounds, I'll try to work quickly and that will prevent prolonged pain, if I fail or succeed. I really need some pointers, though. First of all, I really would like some way to "knock Cody out" before I try anything. If it's a recipe, please be as specific as you know how to be. If it's a product, I guess still be as specific as possible. Knowing him, he'll just be chewing on the tongs in protest the entire time if he's awake. I honestly don't think the plant went very far into his intestine track. The lumps haven't advanced. Maybe there is still hope.

I'll make a last ditch effort to save Cody, probably tomorrow. He's been strong, and he deserves an attempt. Either way, tomorrow more than likely he'll either be lost, or rid of the plant. Hopefully the latter. I just need him asleep before I start. Any suggestions?

[NatureLady]

OMG MeTree!!! I am so sorry that this is happening. We all live and learn, so here is my advice. Be prepared for the worst, be quick, and Cody will protest greatly. If he is in great pain, which I would be, he may be easier to help then you think. Good Luck

[Ivan M]

May i suggest that perhaps you can get 2 popsicle sticks and cut them down and use a dremel to round the edges or sand paper, just round like the popsicle sticks were originally but made small, perhaps if you cant figure out a way to put him to sleep as you say, you can pry his jaw open with a butter knife or something pretty flat and place a downsized popsicle stick into his mouth so that he cant shut it, while you are holding him perhaps then you grab some lubricated tweezers and grab that plastic plant and gently slide it out, then remove the popsicle stick and let him be. i am wishing you the best of luck. They are pretty resilient, and since you are not a VET, i would be very afraid trying home remedies for anesthetizing. Best of luck, keep us posted.

[froggycakes]

i have to agree my girlfriend and i were reading your post and she literally started crying. we hope all goes well for you and cody, keep us all updated