Dental Elongated roots and mandibular joint problems

[Swissgreys]

Eddi has been a bit 'off' for a week - steadily loosing weight, but no other real symptoms.
We went to the vet and she checked him out and couldn't find anything obvious (apart from the weight loss and me describing his behavior as a bit 'flat').
To cover our bases we put him on antibiotics and pain relief for 5 days to see if he picked up.

Over the past 4 days he has lost more weight, but physically still checked out fine, so today we opted for an anesthetic to do some more thorough checks.
X-rays revealed he has elongated roots (lower jaw only) and mandibular joint misalignment.
His incisors were very minimally diagonal, so have been filed, and his back teeth have also been ground down.
He recovered well from the anesthetic and is already eating again, as well as being syringe fed by me - I will step this up now as his stomach is fairly empty and gassy.

He is on Metacam (a hefty dose twice a day), probiotics, a gut stimulant, Vit C and fennel tea (it's a Swiss thing - vets and doctors here always prescribe tea).

We will see how it goes, but the vet said he may need regular dentals from now on, and the continual general anesthetics (combined with insane prices) are not generally sustainable.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on other things I should be doing?
Is there any possibility that once we get his teeth back under control and he starts eating properly again that he will be ok?
Or is it really a matter of just wating and seeing what happens - the vet seem to think we should know in the next 2 - 3 weeks which way it will go.

 

[Wiebke]

Eddi has been a bit 'off' for a week - steadily loosing weight, but no other real symptoms.
We went to the vet and she checked him out and couldn't find anything obvious (apart from the weight loss and me describing his behavior as a bit 'flat').
To cover our bases we put him on antibiotics and pain relief for 5 days to see if he picked up.

Over the past 4 days he has lost more weight, but physically still checked out fine, so today we opted for an anesthetic to do some more thorough checks.
X-rays revealed he has elongated roots (lower jaw only) and mandibular joint misalignment.
His incisors were very minimally diagonal, so have been filed, and his back teeth have also been ground down.
He recovered well from the anesthetic and is already eating again, as well as being syringe fed by me - I will step this up now as his stomach is fairly empty and gassy.

He is on Metacam (a hefty dose twice a day), probiotics, a gut stimulant, Vit C and fennel tea (it's a Swiss thing - vets and doctors here always prescribe tea).

We will see how it goes, but the vet said he may need regular dentals from now on, and the continual general anesthetics (combined with insane prices) are not generally sustainable.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on other things I should be doing?
Is there any possibility that once we get his teeth back under control and he starts eating properly again that he will be ok?
Or is it really a matter of just wating and seeing what happens - the vet seem to think we should know in the next 2 - 3 weeks which way it will go.

I am linking in @furryfriends (TEAS) . She is running a sanctuary with piggies with chronic dental issues and has a good number of years experience. If she is too busy to come on here, we have permission to refer forum members to contact her at the sanctuary during regular day time hours. The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary – Providing life-enhancing care for Guinea Pigs with extra needs

Here are our feeding tips (but Debbie can tell you what works best for her) in the chapter about dental piggies: Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

 

[sport_billy]

I think he'll end up on metacam for the long term mate if I remember correctly with root issues. Debbie is the one who can advise more.

Sending love to Eddi and hugs to you. He has a great mum to look after him x

 

[Swissgreys]

Thanks for the replies.
So far so good, and today he has gained weight and is taking his syringe food like a champ (so, so different to syinge feeding Ruby ).
Right now I am taking it day by day and hoping we can stretch out the time between dentals enough to make it realistic long term.
He is still not eating much on his own but it has been less than 24 hours so I think he just needs a bit more time.

 

[sport_billy]

Early days yet with dental, Cookie didn't eat for two weeks after her dental work x

 

[VickiA]

Can’t offer any constructive input but it’s good to hear that you have identified the problem and that he is cooperating with your syringe feeding. Eddi is a star.

 

[pig in the city]

Sorry to hear about poor Eddi. I hope he is improving. I only have experience of this in rabbits, good pain relief is key to managing the problem. Underlying infection/ abscess is not uncommon and can be successfully treated. I have found gabapentin useful alongside metacam for controlling pain. In rabbits the teeth often stop growing after a time so that dentals become less frequent. I am not sure if that happens in piggies, l am sure Debbie will advise when she sees this post

 

[VickiA]

Not sure if @furryfriends (TEAS) has spotted this thread.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Sorry only just replying. How is he doing now? We have had lots of guinea pigs arrive at TEAS, where elongated roots have been diagnosed. Sometimes these aren't as elongated as the x ray would suggest, due to an optical illusion, caused by the angle that the x ray has been taken from. However, even when the roots are elongated, we have found that once the crowns of the teeth are filed correctly, the guinea pig will eat normally, so the roots don't seem to cause the problem that is often feared. With regard to Metacam use, we have had very few piggies on long term Metacam, as it hasn't been needed once the teeth are filed correctly. We tend to use it in the short term, but I can only recall two piggies in 8 years, needing it long term.

 

[Swissgreys]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies everyone - I really appreciate it.

Eddi is doing ok at the moment. Certainly much better than before his dental on Monday.
He has actually gained 7 grams this morning
He is still relying heavily on syringe feeds, but is eating more by himself each day.
We are cutting all of his fresh into long thin strips which seems to be the only way he can handle it right now. But at least he is eating it.

I have spoken with a dental specialist from the University Veterinary Hospital and he said that every guinea pig is unique when it comes to these issues.
Some look clinically awful on x-ray, but actually go on to do well, and others who should technically have a good chance of achieving a decent quality of life just don't.
He said the best thing to do is keep doing what we are doing, and see how Eddi responds.
I will start to reduce the Metacam once he is eating more normally, and take it from there.

How long after a dental would you usually expect a guinea pig to be eating normally again @furryfriends (TEAS)

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies everyone - I really appreciate it.

Eddi is doing ok at the moment. Certainly much better than before his dental on Monday.
He has actually gained 7 grams this morning
He is still relying heavily on syringe feeds, but is eating more by himself each day.
We are cutting all of his fresh into long thin strips which seems to be the only way he can handle it right now. But at least he is eating it.

I have spoken with a dental specialist from the University Veterinary Hospital and he said that every guinea pig is unique when it comes to these issues.
Some look clinically awful on x-ray, but actually go on to do well, and others who should technically have a good chance of achieving a decent quality of life just don't.
He said the best thing to do is keep doing what we are doing, and see how Eddi responds.
I will start to reduce the Metacam once he is eating more normally, and take it from there.

How long after a dental would you usually expect a guinea pig to be eating normally again @furryfriends (TEAS)

Most of our piggies are eating fairly normally, after a few days. However, as the dental specialist said, their issues are all unique and with some it takes much longer. We took in two piggies, at the start of January, with some of the worst dental issues that Simon has ever seen. It has been a very long and hard slog, but Theo has started to eat completely independently in the past couple of days. Coco is still needing some supportive care and softened food.

When they are learning to eat again, I cut leafy veg into think strips. I also find that some prefer a huge chunk of veg, such as a broccoli stalk or a large carrot, as they like something that doesn't move easily when they are biting down onto it. It is a matter of trial and error to find what works best for the individual piggy. Coco can nibble a pepper, but struggles greatly with leafy veg, even if it is cut thin. It is just a matter of getting them using their teeth again, in whichever way works for them.

 

[Swissgreys]

I just wanted to update this thread as everyone has been so helpful offering advice.
I think Eddi has turned the corner today

Yesterday he really did not want his syringe feeds, and I was worried it was becasue we had run out of his favorite Recovery Formula, and he had to have Critical Care. He has been eating on his own since the dental, but not enough to keep his weight steady, so I was quite worried about this mornings weigh in.
But he has gained 20 grams all by himself.
Next step is to start to reduce the Metacam and see how it goes, but for now at least he is clearly feeling better.

 

[Pawz]

Thanks for the replies.
So far so good, and today he has gained weight and is taking his syringe food like a champ (so, so different to syinge feeding Ruby ).
Right now I am taking it day by day and hoping we can stretch out the time between dentals enough to make it realistic long term.
He is still not eating much on his own but it has been less than 24 hours so I think he just needs a bit more time.

Awww Eddi my favorite little forum piggle. Of course he is easier to feed that Ruby, she must be like wrestling an angry anaconda.

Really hoping this turns out the better of the two roads, Eddi you have such wonderful slaves seriously hoping your teefies behave.

 

[Swissgreys]

Awww Eddi my favorite little forum piggle. Of course he is easier to feed that Ruby, she must be like wrestling an angry anaconda.

Really hoping this turns out the better of the two roads, Eddi you have such wonderful slaves seriously hoping your teefies behave.

Thanks @Pawz
I think I still have PTSD after syringe feeding Ruby

Eddi on the other hand sits sweetly on his blanket, gently takes the end of the offered syringe and happily munches away.
When his mouth is full he turns to the side to finish munching, and then turns back when he is ready for more.

The 15ml syringe that came with the Critical Care never even saw the light of Day with Ruby - it's the only thing I have used with Eddi
Not sure how it will go long term, but for now all is good.

 

[rhymer]

Well done Eddi.xx

 

[VickiA]

I'm delighted to hear Eddi is doing so well. Long may it last.

 

[Pawz]

Thanks @Pawz
I think I still have PTSD after syringe feeding Ruby

Eddi on the other hand sits sweetly on his blanket, gently takes the end of the offered syringe and happily munches away.
When his mouth is full he turns to the side to finish munching, and then turns back when he is ready for more.

The 15ml syringe that came with the Critical Care never even saw the light of Day with Ruby - it's the only thing I have used with Eddi
Not sure how it will go long term, but for now all is good.

Aww Eddi you are such a little angel

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, that’s great news, hope he continues to improve, little steps with dental piggies, my Ted has dental issues and sees Simon, it’s such a shame you live so far away, it’s bad enough for us! Ted liked hand fed grass and beetroot sticks out of salad bags, this helped him get eating himself and of course parsley and dandelion leaves x