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Dental problem / respiratory problem or both ? Please help

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Mamaguineapig

Mamaguineapig

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I have a ( nearly ) six year old piggie who has suffered from dental problems on and off for a couple of years . As a result he has 2 top teeth and 1 at the bottom. When it fell out at vets ( about 6mnths ago)they said he would be perfectly ok with the 3 front teeth( all fine at back ) . We noticed today he wasn't eating and couldn't lift the food . Took him straight to vet who clipped remaining bottom front tooth. They also said his lips looked pale which suggested he might have a respiratory problem and he should be checked again in a week. When home I prepared a meal of very small mushy bits of cucumber and small bits of strawberry to hand feed to him ( always worked before as he loathes syringe feeding) but he isnt even opening mouth to try food yet smells it . I'm now panicking about the respiratory thing the vet hinted at .

Does anyone know if pale lips are a sign of respiratory problem ?

Any advice kindly received .
 
Were you given any medication? How confident are you with your vet? If you would like a second opinion please give your closest large town and we will see if we can recommend a cavy savvy vet.

Suzy xxcx
 
Thanks .... I didn't get any medication for him only told to go back in a week . The vet has always been great as they have small animal specialists there. Do you know of any respiratory signs to look out for ? It only really sunk in that is what she said about his lips when I was home( Its hard to tell if that is his colour of lips anyway) . I can always get an appointment within an hour if I need to take him back . I'm now in a puzzle if the lack of interest in food is the dental issue or respiratory . ahhhh !
 
I think giving the vets a ring and discussing it further would be a good idea, hopefully they will be able to answer your questions fully. Most vets are happy to discuss an owner's worry.

Suzy x
 
Thank everyone ..... If he isn't eating tomorrow morning I will definitely ring the vet. Hopefully they are open on Saturday !
 
How long is it since he last ate properly? Piggies must keep food going in - if they won't eat by themselves they need syringe feeding. I tend to err on the side of caution and act sooner rather than later, piggies go down hill so fast and he's already having issues. Please phone them tonight.

Suzy x
 
Whee would like to send some healing wheeeeeeeeeeeeks for your little boy XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I do hope you've been able to syringe him some food and water thru the night to keep his little system going.

GOOD LUCK XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
Kind of odd your vet said that without the front tooth he would be ok? Although i dont know the full story. You have to be so careful with front incisors so that they grow correctly in line and not cause problems with the back molars.

Pale gums is a sign of many things, but sending you home with nothing isnt really the right thing to do. It could be any number of thing including: heart issues, aneamia and sometimes respiratory issues, but usually gums are blue tinged when an animal has troubles with breathing and you will notice a marked respiratory effort in your piggie.

I hope you get this sorted out. If your piggie isnt eating, please get syringe feeding asap and get him back to the vets for a better diagnoses etc.

x.
 
I'm glad to report Snuggle is eating again - Soft foods . I've been checking out photos of his piggie lips and I think they have always been that colour. He is breathing normally , no lethargy , no runny nose or sneezing etc .... Hopefully he is on the mend . More hand feeding again tonight for my wee friend . Thanks everyone !
 
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