A very useful tool for helping dental piggies

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furryfriends (TEAS)

furryfriends (TEAS)

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As some of you may know, I'm currently rehabilitating two dental piggies, who came to me after their owners were unable to get them the dental work they need, from any vet in their area.

Archie and Fifi are now making tremendous progress thanks to Simon Maddock of the Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic here in Northampton.

However, just getting the teeth right is only part of the battle in getting them back to normal eating. They need to re-learn how to eat and gain confidence that eating isn't going to cause them pain.

I mentioned to Fifi's owner that Fifi was quite happy to try and take food from her cagemates mouth, but seemed unable to pick food up from a bowl or the floor. Julie came up with an idea, that has worked miracles.

THE VEGGIE TWISTER!

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is trying to rehabilitate a dental piggie.


ArchieandFifi27.jpg


Here is Fifi tucking in to so romaine lettuce

ArchieandFifi18.jpg


Archie enjoying his dinner too
 
That's a great idea. So do you think it's working because there's resistance and they can tear pieces off rather than trying to manipulate a loose piece of veg?
 
flips said:
That's a great idea. So do you think it's working because there's resistance and they can tear pieces off rather than trying to manipulate a loose piece of veg?
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I think that could be a big part of it. Even when I have chopped veggies up very small they have both struggled to manipulate the pieces in their mouth. However they are both managing so much better taking the food in this way.
 
It's just fantastic Debbie & knowing how both Archie & Fifi (& Wilfie too)were when they first arrived & seeing them now eating by themselves is just lovely x)

A simple idea but so effective :)
 
Thanks for sharing this Debbie, will give it a go. Not holding out much hope for one dental pig here (more than just teeth issues) but it's worth trying with the others!
 
That looks great!
I used to wedge a piece of carrot through the cage bars for Milly to create some resistance, or use a clothes peg on the bars with lettuce.
 
Oops, just spent £25 there, extremely easy to do - honestly my girls NEED the bed and sofa set and as there are 3 of them I had to buy 2 sets! That's what I'll tell my husband anyway!

Mandy
 
Does anyone know where i could purchase a chin sling for my guineapig i rescued

I rescued a guineapig with a head tilt had him under vet hes had all clear but his teeth keep growing wonky at back of his mouth due to his head tilt so the vets keep putting him under anastetic to file them down and ive been reading about the chin sling and wondered where i could purchase one, thanks for reading this
 
Sue at Cavey Corner uses them to hold wads of hay, so do I now. never thaught of using them for veggies. Also sold for putting bird food suet/fat balls in.
 
I do indeed and think they are perfect for helping piggies eat. Perhaps its to do with the angle that the food and hay hangs at rather than having to pick the food up. We have at least one in every cage here.
 
I have a guinea pig that struggles with to bite through hard veg, he eats like a real pig providing the veg is quite soft...would you suggest this for him?
 
I have a guinea pig that struggles with to bite through hard veg, he eats like a real pig providing the veg is quite soft...would you suggest this for him?
 
I have a guinea pig that struggles with to bite through hard veg, he eats like a real pig providing the veg is quite soft...would you suggest this for him?
 
Just bought some of these as my piggy who has just had her teeth done is reluctant to eat unless i'm holding the food for her. Back to work next week so i can't be here all the time. We are also really struggling to syringe feed her pellets and meds as she hates it!
 
This still hasnt arrived :( I ordered it on 30th so expected a delay but I really need it for my piggy with current dental problems.
 
Superb!thank you for your article,This post has been somewhat of a revelation to me.
 
I just wanted to bump this as these are great for all piggies, including pigs with dental problems :)
 
It doesn't look like they stock it anymore. Does anyone know of any alternatives to help with tooth problems?
 
I have a bit metal skewer that attaches to the top of the cage, and I can use it to impale cucumbers, lettuce, apple, etc. It has been good for one of my pigs with dental issues, as when her teeth are bad she has trouble picking things up off the ground.

DarwinTesla said:
It doesn't look like they stock it anymore. Does anyone know of any alternatives to help with tooth problems?
Click to expand...
 
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