Bladder Stone and Gabapentin

[Idris]

Julien joined us at the start of September but just a few weeks after settling in he started squeaking and (abridged version) an x ray revealed a large bladder stone. We feared the worst for our return to the vet on Tuesday as he’s very lethargic on the Gabapentin but he’s held his weight (syringe feeding as he barely has an appetite) and is booked in for surgery on Friday morning.
Really hoping that we can get him to and through the op as he’s stolen our hearts but it’s so hard to see him like this. His predecessor was on Gabapentin for over a year without being knocked out like this. We’ve slightly reduced his dose but it’s not made a difference yet. Any other experience of this effect of Gabapentin out there?

 

[piggieminder]

I've had piggies on Gabapentin who do really well and other's get completely knocked out. As an example Red and Brillo both had Gaba at the same time for arthritis, they were on the same dose and weighed the same. Red was fine on it and it really helped him. Brillo just slept all the time and he lost weight.
Sending gorgeous Julien masses of healing vibes.

 

[Idris]

Thank you - reassuring to hear. Julien just snoozes between syringe feeding and meds. Chips would just run around and eat as normal after reluctantly taking his meds.

 

[piggieminder]

It would be worth asking the vet if there's another pain med you can try post op. Bracken had Tramadol and Metacam after his stone op. I seem to remember the Tramadol wiped him out so we only gave it for 2 days. They all react so differently, what suits one doesn't suit another.

 

[Idris]

They’ve said it’s better that he’s dozy and not in pain for the op so we have eased back a little bit but upping tonight and in the morning pre-op. Will see how it goes. He managed to nibble some grass and dandelion today.

 

[Idris]

I've had piggies on Gabapentin who do really well and other's get completely knocked out. As an example Red and Brillo both had Gaba at the same time for arthritis, they were on the same dose and weighed the same. Red was fine on it and it really helped him. Brillo just slept all the time and he lost weight.
Sending gorgeous Julien masses of healing vibes.

Did you find an alternative medicine for Brillo?

 

[piggieminder]

No, there was some wiggle room with the Metacam so we upped it a bit. Vet was talking about trying Tramadol in the future if we need to but hoping it won't come to that. Brillo now has a baby friend (Parker) who is keeping him more active, his joints are not so stiff. Last time he was on the higher Metacam dose he got soft poop which is why we lowered it and added Gabapentin, it's really a case of taking each day as it comes.

 

[Idris]

He’s out of surgery and temperature back to normal, but he’s not managing to swallow yet, so the vet is concerned . His bladder was in a bad way, full of pus as well as the stone.

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

Sending Julien healing vibes I hope he picks up soon

 

[CTWC]

Oh no sending healing vibes

 

[Truffolo]

He’s out of surgery and temperature back to normal, but he’s not managing to swallow yet, so the vet is concerned . His bladder was in a bad way, full of pus as well as the stone.

I hope he pulls through

 

[piggieminder]

Sending Julien healing vibes. I hope he gets well soon. Sorry to hear his operation has thrown up more problems than expected.

 

[Idris]

Thank you all for your kind messages and support. Sadly Julien Chewie had to leave us this afternoon. We only adopted him six weeks ago but he was such a lovely boy, not quite 4 years old, he captured our hearts . He was a great match for Dobby after losing our lovely Chips less than two months ago.

 

[piggieminder]

I am so sorry, that's so sad. He was a lucky boy to find you.
Sending you and Dobby hugs.

 

[CTWC]

No! I am so sorry Julien had to cross The Rainbow Bridge

 

[Wheekallweek]

I'm so sorry
RIP handsome Julien