An update on Patrick medical regime - learned behavior?

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flintstones

flintstones

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Now here's a question is behavior taught or does the animal just do it because it wants to. Patrick responds well to a syringe, if or not he thinks this is good for him, I'm not so sure.

After all Patrick's medical problems, he has been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis which causes him a great deal of pain and to urinate blood but we have finally managed to control his pain with this new regime. In this video I am offering Patrick his medicine (Cystease) he gets this along with Tramadol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSEg...xt=C33b03e6UDOEgsToPDskJuxwl11WhJ0-0NazFpKbAc

To show this is learned behavior he associates the syringe tap with coming over to get his fluids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hdk...xt=C3ee2861UDOEgsToPDskKa99RWul7maNO7OJBa6fYC

Patrick is now a wonderful 883 grams and since he has been put on Tramadol there has been a noticeable improvement in Patrick he's happier, doesn't cry and is gaining weight, just a month ago Patrick was 833 grams before the new drug.

For anyone that doesn't know, Tramadol is an opium pain killer and is often used in cats and dogs for chronic pain, the vet that prescribed this drug for Patrick has never prescribed it for a guinea pig before. Patrick really was a guinea pig fortunately on this occasion this drug has worked in controlling Patrick's pain, he will most likely be on it for life.

This treatment has restored Patrick's quality of life, I'm sure of this.
 
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I think he enjoys the taste of the barley water you used to give him and sees the syringe as something enjoyable. I am so happy he has put weight on and the pain is being controlled. Just think that years ago they would have suggested a piggy with this problem be put down. Thank goodness he is doing so well.

By the way, the first video link is of Milo!:))
 
piggyfan said:
I think he enjoys the taste of the barley water you used to give him and sees the syringe as something enjoyable. I am so happy he has put weight on and the pain is being controlled. Just think that years ago they would have suggested a piggy with this problem be put down. Thank goodness he is doing so well.

By the way, the first video link is of Milo!:))
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I'd click again, I noticed and changed it ;) :(|), yes it's amazing how he just comes over for whatever you have to offer he does still get Barley water as it's an easy way to flush his bladder. :(|)
 
flintstones said:
I'd click again, I noticed and changed it ;) :(|), yes it's amazing how he just comes over for whatever you have to offer he does still get Barley water as it's an easy way to flush his bladder. :(|)
Click to expand...

How very dare you deprive us of a Milo video! :laluot_14:

As for Patrick, I'm so glad you've found something that's working for him! Is the 2nd video a recent one? He looks like he's got chubbier cheeks :))
 
Amanda1801 said:
How very dare you deprive us of a Milo video! :laluot_14:

As for Patrick, I'm so glad you've found something that's working for him! Is the 2nd video a recent one? He looks like he's got chubbier cheeks :))
Click to expand...

Both video's where taken today, he's always eating now. I think because he's happier. Thankfully it's been slow weight gain which I think indicates it's healthy weight gain, I'm choosing to believe this :))! xx
 
Aww,glad the lovely Patrick has found something that works for the pain
 
Glad things have improved for him, and you have found effective pain relief for him!
 
Am so pleased that your lovely boy is getting some relief with this new regime. Big hugs for both of you. xx
 
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