Critical Care Finally Arrived - Let The Battle Commence!

[Cavy2009]

Took Smudge to the vets and he's had a mouth ulcer and bit his tongue. Been prescribed anti-inflammatory which has improved the situation. However, he's a stubborn critter and refuses to eat in front of me. He has never been one for taking food from us anyway. Prefers to eat in the dark or behind a haystack.

He has interest in his food but just not chewing it. Vet has looked into his mouth and cannot see any obvious problems with Smudge's teeth. At the moment, Smudge is being monitored by the vet and I am administering critical care, much to the annoyance of Smudge.

How often do i need to feed critical care. I am currently doing this every two hours but I am fearing that Smudge's gut may be shutting down.

Critical time at the moment.

Thanks in advance xx

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

How much are you giving at each feed?

 

[PiggyJustice]

It tells you how much to give depending on the body weight on the back of the packet.

 

[Flutterby]

Sending healings vibes x

 

[Caron's Cavies]

My vet had suggested with my sick girl to divide up the daily amount of feedings of the critical care and in between giving her that to also syringe
feed her babyfood. So if your vet said every 2 hours then feed the baby food on the other hour. I had food everywhere for her in case she wanted to
have a wee nibble.

We bought Ella's kitchen at ASDA which is 100% organic pureed food. They are many different varieties and I bought the ones that she
might like eg sweet potatoes with broccoli & carrots or apple. Basically anything that they might find palatable that you can get into them to keep the gut moving.
She hated the taste of the critical care so we added a bit of baby food to the mixture as well to disguise the taste a bit (I am not sure she was
convinced it worked but we tried!)

We also kept giving her all the special treats that she would usually eat to entice her to eat herself.

If she is not drinking you can also give water by the syringe.

It is a very tiring and stressful time for all concerned when they are sick but just keep going is the key.

Obviously if you are not sure of anything then you should keep in contact with your vet. At the end of the day that is
what you pay them for. Also most vets will genuinely understand that they are part of your family and that you need
support at this time.

Hope this helps a little and sending healing vibes to Smudge and hugs to you.

 

[helen105281]

Here is our guide which outlines how much to feed for each scenario:

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-syringe-feeding-guide.115359/

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

It tells you how much to give depending on the body weight on the back of the packet.

I'm asking because I've got years of experience in syringe feeding poorly guinea pigs and the guidelines aren't always correct.

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Hugs and vibes being sent xx

 

[PiggyJustice]

I'm asking because I've got years of experience in syringe feeding poorly guinea pigs and the guidelines aren't always correct.

Sorry - didn't mean to offend. Your reply hadn't shown while I was typing mine and I was pointing out the guidelines on the back as a minimum.

 

[Cavy2009]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the replies. I am following the guidelines on the pack and hoping that it works.
He's not thrilled to bits by it but tough. We will be going back to vets next week but it's not looking good. I've followed the guidelines on the website.
Again, thank you x

 

[Poppy'sMum]

If you feel his gut is slowing down then it is urgent you get him gut stimulants from your vet tomorrow at the latest Or has the vet given you these already? You cannot wait until next week, that may be too late

 

[Caron's Cavies]

Yes I agree with @Poppy'sMum. Don't wait, see your vet as soon as you can as they will be able to inject him with a gut stimulant.

I know it is hard forcing food and water into them and you get exhausted and distressed but just keep telling him 'yes Smudge I know right now you probably
hate me but you will just have to forgive me once you are well again (and of course they always do )

Sending healing vibes to Smudge

 

[Sue and Smartie]

If he is not eating at all you may also like to give vit C. As you know they need to get this from their food so if not eating he might need extra. One of the symptoms of C deficiency is suppressed appetite & it can turn into a downward spiral. If I give this I buy the syrup sold for children - most pigs seem to like it as it's sweet - & I would syringe a bit in every day.

 

[Cavy2009]

I've taken him back and they've given him a gut stimulant. Not sure if it is going to do anything now though. Sad times ahead xx