Dental Piggie - advice or ideas... FAO Leeds/Yorkshire Slaves/Rescues

[NotFondOfCarrots]

Hello all!

My mam's little piggy, Woody, had a potential dental issue a couple of months ago (thread here - http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=75122).

He made a full recovery following the operation, put all his weight back on, and was eating normally until a few days ago.

He is now struggling to eat again, in the same way he was before - he drops his food, and struggles to get food past his back teeth.

We've tried all kinds of food, cut up small, big chunks, all sorts, and unfortunately it appears to be a repeat of the previous issue - overgrown long back teeth (maloclusion?).


We have a couple of problems -

1. Woody doesn't eat much hay - we have tried all kinds, in all sizes, shapes and flavours, he just isn't fond of it. So he's not getting enough roughage to keep the teeth down.

2. Our local vet isn't particulary pig-savvy, and wants £150 for a general anaesthetic operation each time.


Sadly, this just isn't an option to be paying £150 every 2-3 months.

So... with the alternatives unthinkable, can anyone help?

We ideally need a pig-savvy vet who can treat Woody under sedation, for a reasonable cost, and locally. We're based in Leeds, but can travel within probably a 30-mile radius (Sheffield or York, say).

Or can anyone with dental pig experience offer any advice? Or does anyone know how to get a reluctant pig to scoff hay...? Anything?

Understandably, Woody is making us worried. This is Woody Pig by the way -

He's a lovely piggy.

Many thanks for any help/advice, and ta for reading all of that.

Carrots x

 

[milhaven]

I dont deal with them but Holly House Vets in Leeds have a super reputation for being good with piggies. Hold on, let me find a link.....

 

[milhaven]

...Here it is,

http://www.hollyhousevets.co.uk/

Hope this helps.

 

[prettypigs]

You could contact the Cambridge Cavy Trust (Contact Vedra by Text on 07721 026401) for the details of your nearest Rodentologist; The one I use is brilliant and does dental work without anaesetic for a donation; the only drawback is that they are 60 miles away usually meaning a 3hour round-trip.

 

[pig in the city]

I can do simple dental work (trained by CCT) and am based in sheffield, I am happy to have a look at the gorgeous Woody's teeth and advise.
barbara

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Although it's a long way, Simon Maddock at The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic in Northampton is really the very best vet for doing dental work on guinea pigs. He treats all the dental piggies at The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary and he does dental work without GA.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I dont deal with them but Holly House Vets in Leeds have a super reputation for being good with piggies. Hold on, let me find a link.....

I've heard that James Brooks at Holly House is very good with guinea pigs. Not sure if he's experienced in dental work though.

 

[NotFondOfCarrots]

Thank you all very much for your advice - it is much appreciated. We'll give Holly House a ring on Monday, and take it from there.

Barbara - thank you very much for your kind offer!

Thank you all - will update as soon as possible.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Just be very careful about letting anyone who isn't experienced in dental work in piggies have a go. The piggies who have gone to Simon straight away, have in many cases been completely cured. However, the ones that have been to various vets, who have all had a go, and have then gone to Simon as a last resort have very quickly started eating again once Simon has done their teeth, but have needed ongoing treatment.