Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm and Tours | Kona Hawaii › Forums › Seahorse Life and Care › Continue tube feeding? › Re:Continue tube feeding?
Dear Seagazer:
That’s quite a dilemma, sir. It doesn’t sound like you have many good options left. If your female has no interest in even live foods, and you’ve ruled out being separated from her tankmates as the problem with her lack of appetite, there’s not much else you can try.
Of course, as a first-hand observer you are in the best position to judge when the time has come to pull the plug, but for wherever it’s worth, I can tell you that in my experience when tube feeding is successful, the seahorse in question usually resumes feeding on its own within a few days of providing it with nutritional support via the tube feedings. The longer the tube-feeding has to be continued, the less likely there will be a good outcome. If your female is losing conditioning despite the tube feedings, Seagazer, then perhaps there’s no point in prolonging her misery any longer. If she still shows no signs of improvement within the next day or two, I would say it’s time to consider euthanasia.
Best of luck dealing with this most difficult situation, sir.
Respectfully,
Pete Giwojna