Hepatic / Pancreatic Function Problems

[Pearlsie 86]

Hi all, So .... to cut a long story short, after having a short stay at The Cambridge Cavy Trust with Verda it appears my pig may have some kind of hepatic / pancreatic function problem. He is being syringe fed at regular intervals as he is not able to eat solid food furthermore, he has lost alot of weight.

I am taking him to a rodentologist vet at Vets & Pets in Broxbourne tomorrow in the hope to get a blood test so we can confirm what exactly is wrong him him. I have been told blood is quite difficult to get from pigs so fingers crossed.

If it is a pancreas problem I have been advised that guinea pigs respond well to prednisolone and pancrax granuals.

I really would appreciate any information from people that have experienced with problem with their pig(s) and how they responded to treatment etc. I really am feeling a bit alone with it all.

Thank you.

Claire

 

[sport_billy]

Hi Claire

Sorry to hear you are going through this. You're seeing a vet tomorrow not a Rodentologist, yes? I would recommend getting your piggy checked out by a cavy savy vet as soon as you can and get some tests done. Although some qualified veterinary surgeons may have taken the BAR rodentology course the majority of rodentologists hold no professional veterinary qualification. The CCT is not a registered veterinary practice also, Whilst the forum accepts that members are free to seek help and advice for their pets from wherever they choose the forum does not condone or support the use of the CCT or BAR and encourages all members to seek advice from a qualified veterinary surgeon.,

Do you think you could get your piggy to Northampton. Simon Maddock is a vet there and one of the best in the country when it comes to piggies especially dental issues.

Sending lots of love and vibes to your piggy and hope you can get to bottom of it

Lee

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

How did Vedra diagnose that? What are the symptoms? Why does she think this is the issue? I am guessing you are seeing Amir at Broxbourne?

 

[Pearlsie 86]

Hi furryfriends and Sport_billy,

Yes i am seeing a cavy savy vet, Amir at Broxbourne tomorrow (Pets & Vets). I saw him last Tuesday where he trimmed by pigs molars but he is still not eating. He since went to see Vedra at CCT where he stayed with her for a few days because I have been away, she has been syringe feeding him. She tested his urine and says there does not appear to be any bladder related issues and she thinks he is not eating due to gastro intestinal problem and she recommended a test for hepatic / pancreatic functions. She said there was some vegetation in his mouth which had caused some oral thrush. He picks up food but cannot chew and has difficulty swallowing but he is keen to eat but just cant do it - very frustrating. I am trying to maintain his weight, but he has lost a considerable amount from his normal chunky self.

I will see what Amir says tomorrow.

Any other suggestions? Much appreciated.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I would really urge you to try and get to see Simon Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic. He's the most experienced vet for anything dental or mouth related and is also brilliant at diagnosing and treating other issues with piggies. People travel the length and breadth of the country to see him with their piggies. He is the reason that TEAS exists as we couldn't do what we do, without him.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

www.catandrabbit.co.uk

 

[Pearlsie 86]

Thanks for your help. Unfortunately due to work commitments I wont be able to get down there for over a week, this is out of my control and I don't have access to a vehicle at the moment. I am really hoping that Amir can help tomorrow.

 

[sport_billy]

Thanks for your help. Unfortunately due to work commitments I wont be able to get down there for over a week, this is out of my control and I don't have access to a vehicle at the moment. I am really hoping that Amir can help tomorrow.

Best of luck tomorrow, please let us know how he gets on. Sending lots of vibes

 

[Pearlsie 86]

So my pig was ravenous last night, I syringed him alot of mulched veg. He weighted 1010 yesterday and today he is 1033g but still not eating whole food stuff. He hadn't been pooing but these appeared when I fed him with morning. Opinions please?

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Thats great he is pooing! It is good to know his guts are working. The poos are irregular but that can be down to there not being much going through his guts and a low fibre content. keep syringe feeding him as much syringe food as you can. I would recommend using oxbow critical care, which is available on line.

I appreciate travel around the country can be difficult but if you are able to get over to northampton next week I also recommend you visit the clinic there.

Once you have a clearer diagnoses as to what is causing his problems I am sure you will find more advise here should you need it.