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Question about food impaction

Joined Jun 2009
13 Posts | 0+
I have a yearling doe that has had a problem with food impaction. About 3 months ago she got and impaction and almost died from it. She lost weight so quickly from not eating, and then developed an abcess just above her cheek which we assumed was from the impaction. We got her back on the road to good health; gaining weight back quickly, eating great. Then 3 days ago bam...losing weight and both cheeks full. Had to dart her this time she was still too "lively" to clean out without darting. Cleaned out the cheek and the only noticable thing was a half broken acorn. Just to be clear, she ALWAYS seems to have food in her cheek. My questions are... Does anyone know what causes this and is there a remedy? I have a buck fawn that is starting to do the same thing and don't want to have this be a ritual. We only have 2 deer and do not have a chute so we would have to dart her everytime this happens since she will not let you clean it out occasionally. I am also wondering if we got the buck "used to us cleaning it out" would this help?
 
Sounds like you definitely need to clean it and get antibiotics going, but as for how to keep it clean or how to "train" a deer to let you constantly clean it, wow, I don't know. Good luck and let us know what you figure out. I haven't had to deal with this situation very much, so I am sorry I don't have better suggestions.
 
If I remember correctly, a few years back, someone told me it was caused by worms. After you worm them, the problem is to keep the cheek cleaned out long enough for the pocket that formed to heal enough to keep the food out.



That, and i think i was told that some deer are just prone to it. (problem for as long as you are willing to keep around).



Just a thought, i'm gettin old , may not remember it right.



good luck and let us know how it goes.
 
I have read that also. That it was caused by a worm. It was what I would not consider a reliable source so I figured I would ask the experts here. The article I read said it was usually not fatal though, and my gal would have definately died the first time so now I am completely afraid every time I see her like that. We cleaned her out 3 days ago and yesterday she had both cheeks half full. We have wormed her both times but not able to keep it cleaned out, thanks for that advice may have to do that.
 
I had a 6 mo old fawn that developed food impaction. I kept her inside so I could clean it out every day. I tried every few days to begin with but it just kept coming back. I did give her Ivomec and antibiotics, but i didn't seem to make a difference. I delt with it for about 2 months and realized it was no use. This is only one example so don't lose hope. I would clean her cheeks as often as you can. If she is tame enough to put in a small area where you can get to her every day, that would be best. I was told by my vet that continuous cleaning of the cheek would clear it up after a week or so. Not the case with me, but maybe you will have better luck.
 
Tom, that is exactly where I am right now. Has or did your fawn survived? She is tame but HATES us doing this to her and will not let us. That's why I am working on the buck to get him "used" to us putting our fingers in his mouth, in hopes he won't fight it when he gets older. The article I read said that the worm can be transported by horseflies, just an FYI for all, if this is true.
 
No, it did not survive. I had a struggle with mine also. She did not like me sticking my fingers in her mouth every day, but it had to be done. Let me know if your buck ever gets used to it. It would be good info to know in case of future incidents.