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Guinea Pig Recovering From Surgery...?

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Rosie_Josie

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Hello!
My 18 month old pig Bea had an operation this afternoon to remove a tumour from her inner ear. The vets released her and the surgery went well (Phew!) but shes still VERY groggy. she seems completely out of it other than a few nose twitches and I'm wondering if you can suggest anything to help her come round? Obviously shes being keep nice and warm in a quiet, low-light area but i'd feel much better getting some sleep if she was up and about. Any suggestions?
Thanks! Josie xx
 
Hello, welcome to the forum! I understand your worry, one of my girls was spayed today, it is the first time I'd experienced surgery in a piggie so wasn't sure what to expect afterwards. Anaesthetic can take up to 48hrs to completely ware off, so in that time it's normal for them to feel groggy and be a bit down and sleepy. As long as she is eating and pooing that's the main thing. :)

It's good that she is in a warm, quite area. Obviously inspect the ear a couple of times a day but otherwise, try and leave her to settle and heal. Did she have any pain relief such as metacam/loxicom to take home?
 
Hello and welcome,

I would expect her to be groggy and depending on what drugs or dosages it can vary with how long they take to recover and get it out of their systems. You are doing all the right things, keeping her warm and quite.

Try offering all of her favorite foods, did the vet send you home with some recovery food? Was she eating well at the surgery post op? Has she passed any poo yet? Sorry for all the questions, may be able to help more with more info.

Main things to do and remember are. Give the medications as and when prescribed. Ensure she is eating and pooing and comfortable.

x
 
Thanks so much for replying :)
She was given a metacam and antibiotic injection whilst she was still under, and we have an appointment at the vets first thing tomorrow to assess whether she needs any more pain relief.
She hasn't eaten anything at all yet. I do have some critical care (and plenty of experience in feeding reluctant piggles) but the vet suggested not to syringe feed her until tomorrow as being so groggy she might struggle to swallow and she might choke. I'll try to tempt her with some carrot xx
 
Okay, but when exactly was the last time she ate?

I am surprised that if she is this sleepy they allowed her home. See if you can get her to eat veggies yeah, but i am concerned if she hasn't eaten since before surgery it has been some time. Did the vet not give any gut stimulants, do you know at all? Ranitidine (Zantac) or metoclopramide, or even cisapride?

Hope she picks up soon.

x.
 
i'm afraid I don't know about gut stimulants, i did't think to ask. but she has just eaten some lettace, with a little encouragement, and is trying on some carrot as I type. thanks! xx
 
Okay, please keep a close eye on her. I would personally syringe feed her, but i do not want to go against your vets advice. Try to get her to eat as much as possible. Hope shes feeling better soon.

x.
 
Don't worry if she doesn't eat or poop straight away - They might not for the first few hours. I definetely think additional pain relief is neccasery. Good luck!
 
shes just done a wee and a poo! :D I don't think i've ever been so happy to see pig poo! shes still a little unbalanced on her feet but as you said Leah it'll probably take 48hrs for everything to be out of her system completely, Thankyou! x
 
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