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Doubting the vet

Chaz

Chaz

Junior Guinea Pig
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I got home from uni last night to find a skinny bony piggy. She had lost 100g in 4 days. Took her to the vet immediately where it seemed her stomach was sore and got given some anti inflammatory and CC. I put what had happened on reddit and 2 people have told me x rays and ultrasounds should've been done which they weren't. Domino is taking CC really well and is eating grass and her favourite cucumber. I'm just worried maybe the vet should've done tests or something. I'm not a vet but they've never failed me in the past. She's gone up 30g overnight.
 
I think it's reasonable to try meds and syringe feeding first, before scans are taken as there may be no need for them!
Sometimea pigs have to be sedated for xrays as well which is better avoided unless necessary.
I would say you're on the right track here, especially if she's gaining weight 👍
 
Wheekallweek said:
I think it's reasonable to try meds and syringe feeding first, before scans are taken as there may be no need for them!
Sometimea pigs have to be sedated for xrays as well which is better avoided unless necessary.
I would say you're on the right track here, especially if she's gaining weight 👍
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Okay. Awesome. So today she's had CC, cucumber, a bit of kale, a tiny bit of broccoli and a few nuggets. She is eating hay but not much. Also she's been really thirsty. I think she's put on another 10g from this morning. It literally could've been a tummy problems.
 
I’m sorry to hear this.
I agree - at this stage, pain meds, morning weight checks and syringe feeding

If there is any chance she has digestive issues or bloating then please do not give her any vegetables at all as it could make things worse (especially things like broccoli which we known to cause bloat).

Also, only weigh her once a day, in the morning. Weighing multiple times a day picks up too much fluctuation and is therefore unreliable (you are weighing a full days food).

Wiebke's Guide to Tummy Trouble
Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support
 
Hi

I assume that your vet has had a thorough hands-on examination and that they have taken into consideration that you are a student? The absence of digestive medication seems to indicate that bloating is not a problem?

Please be aware that there are people on social media for whom only the kitchen sink is good enough to qualify as a dedicated owner without any thought that not everybody can necessarily afford the cost of the expensive extra procedures they recommend as standard.

Unless there is clear indication of a major problem in a certain direction, a vet will start with treating for the most common and easily treatable issues before progressing to the more serious and expensive problems and investigative procedures. This is the normal common sense path. As one experienced vet once explained to me: "You need to treat for horses before you can tackle zebras."

I sincerely hope that your piggy will continue to put on weight again on the painkiller and feeding support.
 
So shes now 630g and I got some better hay as she was point blank refusing the other stuff and being really picky with it. She's definately happier today, more her usual self. She's had some CC and a tomato and then we gave her that better hay and she scoffed it down as quickly as she eats (Which is quite slow) I have just finished with her last CC of the night which she was really hungry for.
 
Ah I’m glad Domino is showing signs of improvement ❤️
It could be worth giving her some readigrass as it’s good for appetite
As she’s a skinny pig is she keeping warm ? We’ve had a few cold nights here in the UK
 
Okay, I'm honestly wondering if she doesn't like it when I go away. Over the weekend she was fine and now she's down to 630g again. It's like the moment I go away again she loses weight.
 
Morning, sorry if these questions have been asked does she live alone? And who is looking after her whilst you're away? 💐
 
CTWC said:
Morning, sorry if these questions have been asked does she live alone? And who is looking after her whilst you're away? 💐
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She lives with her 2 sisters. My parents look after her while I'm away. Admittedly they didn't hold her, but they're handling, feeding and weighing her daily now.
 
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