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Ginger

  • Thread starter Thread starter rw3399
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rw3399

Hi everyone. I just wanted to let you know that Ginger doesn't seem well. The last 24-48 hours seem to have been a bit of a struggle for her. I am now syringing critial care but could someone tell me how often this has to be syringed? Her body seems to have twisted again like what happened a couple of months ago so I have given extra Potters Tabritis to see if this might help. I just really want to make her more comfortable. Plus it looks like she has broken one of her front teeth. The teeth look ok length wise but the side of one her teeth looks a bit chipped. I don't think this is causing the problem for her earting though, she just doesn't seem interested full stop.
 
i would take ginger to the vet and see what is wring with her. as for the syringe feeding i would say every 2 hours give her some as her tummy must be continually turning over. really hoping ginger gets better, sending hugs and healing vibes to you both :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: and know we're thinking of you both :-* :-* :-* come on ginger girl get better and get back to your normal self. O0
 
Last night her appetite picked up and she ate half a tomato and 2 small pieces of carrot. She also ate some dried food. Am I ok to continue syringe feeding critical care to help her? Also she has bumblefoot in her front foot which now appears to be given her a bit of pain even though there has been a huge improvement after using Chrissie's cream from gorgeous guineas. Can anyone recommend a mild painkiller for her? I have taken her to 2 vets who both say to put her to sleep and wont give her anything for her foot. Maybe her time has now come?
 
She has now eaten some celery an is picking out the carrot in her dried food.
 
Oh poor Ginger :'( :'( :'( :'(
I use metacam, but it's for short use only O0 you purchase from your vets.
Keep offering plenty of foods in small pieces and even grated carrot if you're worried about her toofies :( :( :(
I'd keep syringe feeding or at least supplementing her diet, even try mushed up oxbow pellets with preboiled water cooled and then make up into a mushy paste i then add a couple of teaspoons of baby pureed food (i use apple - make sure there's nothing in it that's not good for piggies) and then offer on a spoon or again use the syringe :) Also make sure you offer water as well, they must stay hydrated.
Good luck sending healing wheeks and loves from us both :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:

btw there is things you can do for bumblefoot please check out here and do a search also on GuineaLynx they have wonderful threads on this.... don't listen to them re pts that's cruel :'( :'( if she can eat and move around without pain why do this >:( >:( You will know her better than anyone i'm sure if you can keep using the GG cream she will be back to her beautiful self in no time, just remember this takes time :) Keep up your good work love :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
I've used Metacam, but as Glynis says, it's only for short term really, and it's prescription only I think.

A lot of people have used baby nurofen but I can't remember what the dose is, sorry. I think it was just 0.1ml twice a day, but please don't take my word for it! It has to be the infant Nurofen though.

Edited to add:

With human medicines, I would definately text Vedra at the CCT 07721 026401 as I think the Nurofen is better used as an anti-inflamatory - she may recommend Calpol or Sudafed (again paediatric ones) but I would definately get her advise on dosage.
 
I've bought Calpol sugar free for 2+ months, would that be any good? I think it's her age, it's as if the whole left side doesn't work anymore and she's lost the circulation again in her bak right foot. Last time I tried the swiming therapy there was no response from the back legs but will try it again tonight. She did swim with her front legs though. I really don't want her to be pts, i'd rather she went naturally.
 
We cross posted - I just edited my post above :) I think Calpol is better, but don't know the dose, I'm sorry. Again I would definately seek proper medical help rather than self dose.

She couldn't have suffered a stroke, could she?
 
Oh no poor love hope she gets better sounds like you are doing everything you can x :smitten:
 
I think she originally had a stroke back in Janurary. This is when her mobility problems first started but the last two days she has been quite weak and lethargic. She deifnately has bumblefoot as I have been speaking with Chrissie and treating with the cream. The foot bad had gone black and now the pink is starting to come through it must be a bit sore for her. Not only that but some progress was being made with the possible stroke as her balance was better. She could stand up without losing grip on the one side but for the last two days it has gone back to how it was in January so it is quite possible that she may have had another stroke. None of the vets near me seem to want to help and just want her to be pts so I am not desperate and I suppose this is why I am medicating her myself.
 
I think she may have had another stroke because I have just just tried her with the swimming therapy and her front left leg doesn't move at all. I tried to manipulate it a bit and she did react to this and the leg/foot is still warm. Do I carry on doing what I was doing before to see if the front leg starts working or is this cruel? I have just cleaned her cage and she seems quite alert in herself and is sat munching on her hay. I have just syringed 2l of critical care, is that enough in one feeding?
 
Piggies need 6g of Critical Care per 100g of body weight (that's before you add water) so you'd ideally want to get a good amount more than 2ml into her. Remember to be careful about self-medicating, especially if the piggy is critically ill (strictly speaking it's against the law). Could you perhaps call the CCT and get a vet recommendation in your area? I'm not sure calpol will cut it with the pain, either.
 
I have tried calling Vedra but her mobile is off. I'll try again later. Is there certain times you have to call between?
 
Ok she's eaten soe dry food but only if I hand feed her, which is better than not eating at all at the moment. She's also had some cucumber and she really enjoys the critical care. I've offered her water but she hasn't had much but she's had some and from the veg/fruit. Will keep you posted and thanks for the support.
 
I don't think it's a stroke. I think maybe she's finding it a bit tough with the excess pressure of her back legs not working properly which means her front legs are working doubly hard. Maybe it's too much for her now? The last of the skin has come of this foot and luckily is not as bad as the other front one. Maybe its a bit sore. Will carry on manipulating the leg and using calpol for the next few days and see if there's any improvement. I'm not feeling very hopeful at the moment though :(
 
Awww no hope she picks up a bit come tomorrow. There's nothing worse then feeling helpless.

Just a thought but is she in a big cage? If so maybe you could try making her space smaller so she doesn't have to move around as much. :-\

I can't think of anything else but sending you lots of love I hope she picks up for you x :smitten:
 
really hoping ginger picks up :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: keep trying to get hold of vedra, am sure she can help you. O0 know we're thinking of you and ginger and sending you both hugs and healing vibes :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: come on sweet ginger you can do it sweetheart :-* :-* :-* and you are doing a wonderful job just keep doing what you're doing O0
 
Ginger's alot brighter today, dont know whether it was the calpol (0.5ml daily) or the critical care that gave her a boost but when she heard her food go in the bowl today she wobbled acrioss the hutch for it :) I am convinced the problem is Bumblefoot because the leg she wouldn't use yesterday has a new sore on it which is probably why she won't use it. Has anyone had any success stories with this problem? I use Chrissie's cream from GG twice a day. I have read the Chlorhexidine Gluconate works if you soak the feet in it. I have some but it is out of date - could I still use it? Also wrapping the foot so the sore is protected but I can't think of anything to use because her foot is so small? As I have mentioned previously the vets don't want to help me and I still haven't got in touch with Vedra. Any advice or help would be really appreciated by Ginger and me! Thanks.
 
It is impossible to cure bumblefoot,and often when the pad is just swollen with a dry scab over,it is best to leave alone.The pad will bleed profusely as well if the scab is removed.Sometimes the pad will get ulcerated and become painful.I have found the best treatment for this is bathing once a day in diluted Hibitane,drying thoroughly,the apply High Potency Manuka Honey.I have not had any sucess with putting a dressing on a pad because the piggy will just pull it off.The scabs provide some protection anyway.

Metacam,1 drop per day can be given short term.This is an anti inflammatory which has analgesic properties as well.It does have a side affect of liver damage,which is why it should not be used long term.
 
Thanks Maryh. Are Hibitane and Manuka Honey hard to get hold of? Sorry to sound dull but I have never heard of these.
 
wondering how sweet ginger is today? hoping she is feeling better the grand elderly lady :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: hoping her tooties are feeling better, sending hugs and healing vibes to you and ginger :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: girls send :-* :-* :-* you are doing a wonderful job with ginger O0
 
Hibitane/Hibiscrub are cleansers which are available from any High Street chemist.You will have to ask at the pharmacy counter.

Manuka Honey is available from Health shops.,you need the high potency one.They are using Manuka now in hospitals to clear up leg ulcers,amongst other things.It is a natural anti biotic and has very good healing properties.
 
I've been advised by Chrissie to get some Baytril and Rimadyl from the vet for her bublefoot as I've got a feeling it has spread to the joints but also explained to Chrissie that 2 vets will not give her anything for her feet and just put the problem down to age and pts :tickedoff: Will try calling Vedra again. Thanks for asking Chloe xx
 
Hi rw3399....I am so sorry that I just saw your post. I haven't been able to get on line these past few days. I hope Ginger is feeling a little better. I just ready the whole post. Poor Ginger. I saw you said it just may be her age. How old is Ginger? My vet said sometimes Guinea Pigs develop arthritis in old age. Is that Ginger in your picture next to your posts? What a gorgous guinea pig. I love her colors! I sincerely hope she is feeling better. I remember when I was torn about maybe putting Ricky to sleep. You were very supportive. While he still suffers from abscess, he is doing wonderful now, so you never know what can happen. I'll check back and hope to hear that Ginger is feeling better. Give her hugs and kisses from Ricky and myself! :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
Annie 59 - Yes that is Ginger and she is 8. I have seen 3 vets altogether since this problem started back in January and all of them have said pts. To be honest Annie 59 I'm not 100% sure what is causing her problems. I think it was a stroke back in January but have no concrete evidence. Also I know she has bumblefoot on both front paws but I don't know whether it has spread to the joints or whether it is arthritis ? I am reluctant to take her back to the vets as I know before I pay that they will say what they have already said :tickedoff:
 
I'm so sorry you have to go through this rw3399. What a tough decision. I guess it will come down to how much pain Ginger is in. I'm told 8 years old is a long life for a guinea pig. She could just be suffering from old age along with a stroke. I guess their bones get old just like us. I just hope she's not suffering. I heard of bumblefoot but don't really know much about it. I will say a prayer for you and Ginger whatever decision you make. I hope she feels better. Keep us posted... Love to you and Ginger from me and Ricky... :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
Good news - I managed to get hold of vedra who was really helpful. I spoke about all the problems Ginger has been having and she says it is probably degenerative bone disorder and she shoud be on rimadyl but no vet in my area/practice will prescribe it. She also said that it seems unfair to put her to sleep for this reason as medication is available. She suggested that I use baby neurofen 0.2ml twice a day for about 3 weeks and maybe reduce the dosage to 0.1ml daily from then on if progress is made. My fingers are crossed now that things might be more positive for her now. Thanks again to everyone xx
 
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