Four Year Old Sheltie Boar In A Bad Way!

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Hello everyone! I hope you, and your extended four-legged family members, are all well.

Unfortunately, due to several ongoing personal problems, I have been unable to visit the forum in a few months, and will be unlikely to visit the forum on a regular basis for the foreseeable future.

However, since I was last active on the forum, I have finished college, and found temporary, full-time employment at an animal boarding facility for the summer period.

Today, 4/8/10, we have accepted a four year old Sheltie cavy boar into our care. However, unfortunately, he is in an extremely malnourished condition.

Therefore, I require advice on how to keep him hydrated (He is currently being feed Iceberg lettuce throughout the day!), and how to encourage him to eat/ fatten him up.

His skin is also in a really bad condition. However, I shall be dealing with his skin tomorrow.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance.

 

[Wiebke]

You may want to see a vet over his condition, as subcutaneous rehydrating fluids would be best. If not syringe him as much fluids as he will take in one go, repeating this as often as possible. you may want to add a bit of metatone to give him a boost.

He also needs to be checked for the reason for his malnourishment if it is not outright neglect (molar teeth!).

Feeding him plenty of pellets, rolled porridge oats and corn will help to pu some weight back on.

You may find some useful information here:
http://www.guinealynx.info/handfeeding.html

 

[clairelove]

i agree he needs to see a good guinea pig vet xx

what do his front teeth look like?are they slanted?

if he has not had a good diet his teeth could be over grown..

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Thank you for your replies, Wiebke and Clairelove. From what I understand, he has seen the owner's vet previously, and was diagnosed with either scurvy or a skin infection - a cavy savvy vet? <--- Rhetorical question!

I will also ensure that he sees our vet tomorrow!

If not syringe him as much fluids as he will take in one go, repeating this as often as possible.

I believe that this would be a beneficial course of action, and was the only course of action I had in mind.

Although, I have yet to examine his teeth properly, I do not believe that his teeth are of concern.

I do not believe the cause of his condition is neglect. However, I do question whether the cause of his condition is due to a lack of knowledge.

Thank you for the link, Wiebke.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your replies, Wiebke and Clairelove. From what I understand, he has seen the owner's vet previously, and was diagnosed with either scurvy or a skin infection - a cavy savvy vet? <--- Rhetorical question!

I will also ensure that he sees our vet tomorrow!



I believe that this would be a beneficial course of action, and was the only course of action I had in mind.

Although, I have yet to examine his teeth properly, I do not believe that his teeth are of concern.

I do not believe the cause of his condition is neglect. However, I do question whether the cause of his condition is due to a lack of knowledge.

Thank you for the link, Wiebke.

Here is a good list of causes that can cause loss of appetite/malnutrition:
http://www.guinealynx.info/anorexia.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/scurvy.html

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Thank you for the links, Wiebke.

I do believe the cavy is 'anorexic'. However, he has been feed a commercial cereal, and is offered fresh food throughout the day. Therefore, I do not believe he developed scurvy.

I will keep you updated. I am dreading going to work tomorrow. . . and I doubt I will sleep well tonight. . .

P.S. He has received treatment for scurvy/ a skin infection, but his condition is still poor.

 

[Lisajazz]

Firstly get some Diorahlyte - it's a rehydrating solution that you mix with water and syringe. That will take care of the electroyltes. Very important that they get this asap.

IF the guinea pig will eat corn (on the cob) and flaked peas will help fatten up but you of course need to go carefully.

You can use vitamin C fizzy tablets - fizz in water and syringe some if you suspect Scurvy. I would leave the veg until this is established as if they have scurvy then consider fattening after

Have the teeth checked if you suspect anorexia

Poor lad. I haven't read all the rest of the advice but glad to have you back - however briefly.

X

 

[Lisajazz]

OH and if you suspect calcium deficiency you can buy Osteocare liquid off the shelves in any chemist / supermarket and give 0.5ml per day for a while for an adolescent / adult pig.

Hope he's okay - please let us know.

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Thank you ever so much for your reply, Lisajazz.

I have never heard of Diorahlyte - could you explain further, e.g. where to purchase it from?

I am going to pop into a supermarket before going into work tomorrow to purchase some corn on the cob for him.

He has a vitamin C supplement, prescribed by his vet, but I do not believe he has scurvy - I do not believe his vet is cavy savvy.

At four years of age, and after a quick examination, I do not believe the teeth are the cause of this cavy's malnourished state. However, naturally, if he is not eating, this could quickly change.

I will keep you updated!

 

[Lisajazz]

Dioralyte (that could be the proper spelling) you an get from any chemist. I gave it to my daughter when she had severe diarrhea and vomiting and people give it to guinea pigs to replace the electrolytes that will be missing in this boars system.

You should also start syringing him critical care / mashed pellets maybe?

Critical care has probiotic too which will help his system get normal.

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

Thank you for your reply, Lisajazz!

Considering all the information, advice and suggestions, I now believe I have a beneficial course of action in mind.

To be completely honest, and I hope I do not sound uncaring, I simply want - if not need - to ensure he survives his stay with us, and whilst he is in my care. Naturally, I would like to believe that his condition will improve once he goes home. However, I believe this to be unlikely. I simply do not want his condition to deteriorate during the time he is boarding - I would be a complete wreck if anything was to happen (And I not an emotional individual!). I do hope my feelings are understandable.

 

[Guinea-pigGaga]

I am happy to report that, after a restless night sleep, I went into work early today, 5/8/10, to find the boar in question in the same condition – his condition appears to be stable. After a thorough examination, and discussion with the vet, it would appear he is of a healthy weight, but has lost a significant amount of muscle, particularly around his hind quarters.

Unfortunately, it is evident that he requires around the clock care, which I am not able to provide due to my work load. However, he is my priority, and he has received a day of ongoing care. I left work tonight much more optimistic – and, I believe, the boar in question is in a healthier and happier condition.