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Any Advice Please! Not Eating/drinking/pooing - Vets Don't Know What's Wrong - Possible Stroke

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alissa

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Hi, my little tigger (about 3 years old) is not very well at all. (male piggy)

We noticed Friday night that he seemed a little lethargic but didn't really think much of it until today (sunday morning) when we rushed him to the vets.
Since Friday he'd not eaten or drank anything and hadn't appeared to move much either.

Vets looked him over, teeth look healthy, no legions/abscesses in his belly. We said to the vet that he didn't seem to be using his front left paw but the vet didn't seem concerned with this or didn't notice that much when inspecting him.

We have a concoction of metacam (painkiller), ranitidine and baytril (one of which I was told is supposed to help start his gut working again). We were also given critical care food to syringe him but he isn't really chewing or swallowing... so I was advised to mush his normal pellets up with warm water. He took that it a bit better first two times (I'm trying to give him a bit every half hr) but he's stopped swallowing/chewing again now.

He lays leaning on his left side, left paw isn't really responsive at all.
When I try to lift him he really pulls his head to the left and he appears to struggle to lift his head.
Intermittently it kind of sounds as if he is breathing rather heavily/kind of panting. as if he's in pain with a little twitch(hiccup type thing).

When I last syringe fed him it looked like his eye was watering as if he was crying.... it's breaking my heart.
I also now have a hot water bottle under his cushion to warm his tummy.
A friend suggested it may have been a stroke...

I don't know what to do to help... I feel useless like I'm failing as a parent...

Any advice as to what may be wrong or what I can do for him would be greatly appreciated.
Maybe anything on how to get him chewing/swallowing...

Thank you very much
 
Oh I'm so sorry I have no idea but didnt want to leave this unanswered, so so sorry for you both x
 
Hi, I carnt help you but please Stay on line as Wiebke is online at the mo she is very knowledgeable and will reply soon once she sees this, Helen will do too I'm sure. Sending you healing vibes and a huge hug. Hi and welcome x
 
He sounds very poorly poor boy and I am a bit worried about his breathing, could you call the out of hours vet for advice? He may have fluid on his chest in which case he will need diuretics.

It is the Ranitidine which is a gut stimulant, the Baytril is an antibiotic and the Metacam is a pain killer and anti-inflammatory.

Here is our syringe feeding guide, though if he is not swallowing at all I think you do need to speak to a vet ASAP.

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-hand-feeding-guide.115359/

The guide also discusses probiotics which will need to be given at least an hour after each Baytril dose as it can affect their gut.

It does sound like a possible stroke to me too in which case the first 48 hours are crucial.
 
thank you for all your feedback and thoughts, hopefully he's getting them.
the vet never mentioned anything about probiotics.... what/where should I get them from?
I've just read the feeding guide, I will try lifting his lips this time to see if it makes any difference what so ever.
he's stopped his deep breathing but now every so often he makes a teeny tiny little squeak with a little twitch like a hiccup or just uncomfy.
 
Deep breathing (when his sides are heaving) can indicate a strained heart. If his body is closing down, then he will not eat. :( HUGS!

You can get probiotics fastest from a pet shop; the better products are available online. Probiotics are a supplement that you give to help bolster and restock the guts with when a piggy is on antibiotics, but they are only a supporting and not a vital measure.
 
I think he's shutting down...
I'm staying up with him to keep him company.
=(
 
If you can get him to the vets it would be kindest as if he is on his way to the bridge it can be long and drawn out. I know it is a difficult decision but it can be the kindest thing we can do for them.
 
It sounds like it to me too. I had that horrible experience with Antonia with the heaving sides kind of breathing. It is horrible. I think you should keep him warm and comfortable. I'm so sorry.

My Antonia died on the way back to the vets it was so sad.

How far awsy is your vet?
 
unfortunately he has just passed away.
but I was there with him comforting him till the end
 
I'm so sorry, that must feel terrible. :( At least you were with him in his last moments of life, so he will remember you all the way to the Rainbow Bridge. He is up there now, popcorning away and eating all of the veggies he wants.
Sending hugs to you. :bye:
 
Awww poor little fella. Take comfort that he allowed you to be with him that will help with grieving

So sorry popcorn free now x hugs to you hun
 
HUGS!

@alissa : I am so sorry; it is such a gutting experience when you come to the moment you realise that there is nothing more you can do for a piggy. You were there with him in the end, and he could slip away carried by the wings of your love.

Please don't beat yourself up too much.

While guinea pigs have a better chance the sooner they are seen by a vet and put on hand feed, in your case it would have very likely prolonged his life only by days at the best. All your vet could to do was throwing the sink at him with his fingers firmly crossed, but to be honest not much hope. :(
Sadly, most piggies die from a second or third stroke not long after their first. There is not much that can be done. You had your boy seen asap as soon you as you fully realised the significance, so you haven't utterly failed him, and you are still a very loving and caring guinea pig mummy. ;)
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been there for one of my piggies too... it was hard. We tried very hard to help her and get her to eat, but her body was shutting down and she wouldn't swallow the food anymore. I'm so sorry you had to go through it too. It sounds as though you were there until the very end to give comfort and I'm sure he appreciated that and knew he wasn't alone. ((HUGS)) to you.
 
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