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RatifiedGrade Av3.2.0

Fluid therapy for orphaned eastern grey kangaroo joeys

Eastern grey kangaroo · Triage & stabilisation · Ratified by Wildlife Victoria Veterinary Panel

Current position

Warm the joey to 36°C before offering any oral fluids. Use isotonic electrolyte solution at 10% bodyweight over 24 hours, divided into 6 feeds. Do not offer milk replacer until fully rehydrated and passing urine.

Do not
  • Do not offer cow's milk or lactose-containing formula at any stage.
  • Do not tube-feed unless trained and the joey has a confirmed suckle response.

Cold joeys cannot metabolise fluids and will aspirate. Rewarming to core temperature of 36°C must precede all oral intake.

Vytrate or equivalent balanced electrolyte at bodyweight × 10% over 24 hours. Divide into 6 evenly-spaced feeds via teat appropriate to pouch stage.

Transition to species-appropriate milk replacer (Wombaroo <0.4 or >0.4) only once hydration confirmed by skin tent, mucous membrane colour, and observed urination.