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I Finally Have My Boy.

David Pet Lover said:
wish i knew more. I'm sure theirs better knowledgeable people on here who will help you. keep strong. he's a little fighter. x
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Thank you, he definitely is bless him. He's so fed up though, breaks my heart having to man handle him every 5 minutes.
 
So after another vet visit for my almost 6 month old little man we've found that the struggle continues. Although his bottom is a bit better there is still pus present, and in his urine we suspect too.

He's still not eating much, if anything, on his own and his weight isn't really improving even with my help.

His current twice daily weigh in record:
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We're trying another week of the same routine, 0.3 metacam and 0.2 baytril in the morning. Syringe feeds and probiotic mix as often as possible throughout the day (I work full time and have enlisted mum to help). Evening enema with a saline solution from the vets plus all his meds again.

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He's getting a bit fed up of me unfortunately :( He does not look impressed when he sees me any more and makes heartbreaking sounds of distress during his evening routine.

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That's him after I've man handled him tonight, he hides from me when I get home from work now which is really sad.

He's rather enjoying his syringe feeds now, on his terms and making quite a mess you understand.

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He got it all round his chops tonight when I used a new, bigger syringe!

I know this is a bit of a weird one but I feel so helpless as I have no idea what's going on inside of him. If we're still in the same place next week I'll have to find another way to make him better somehow, maybe a different antibiotic?

Can anyone help? I really don't want him to suffer any more than he has. He's certainly a pint sized fighter and I'm sure we'll beat the infection soon (and then we may have to have scans to check he's okay inside) but I feel like I'm letting him down.
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
So after another vet visit for my almost 6 month old little man we've found that the struggle continues. Although his bottom is a bit better there is still pus present, and in his urine we suspect too.

He's still not eating much, if anything, on his own and his weight isn't really improving even with my help.

His current twice daily weigh in record:
View attachment 65009

We're trying another week of the same routine, 0.3 metacam and 0.2 baytril in the morning. Syringe feeds and probiotic mix as often as possible throughout the day (I work full time and have enlisted mum to help). Evening enema with a saline solution from the vets plus all his meds again.

View attachment 65010

He's getting a bit fed up of me unfortunately :( He does not look impressed when he sees me any more and makes heartbreaking sounds of distress during his evening routine.

View attachment 65008

That's him after I've man handled him tonight, he hides from me when I get home from work now which is really sad.

He's rather enjoying his syringe feeds now, on his terms and making quite a mess you understand.

View attachment 65007

He got it all round his chops tonight when I used a new, bigger syringe!

I know this is a bit of a weird one but I feel so helpless as I have no idea what's going on inside of him. If we're still in the same place next week I'll have to find another way to make him better somehow, maybe a different antibiotic?

Can anyone help? I really don't want him to suffer any more than he has. He's certainly a pint sized fighter and I'm sure we'll beat the infection soon (and then we may have to have scans to check he's okay inside) but I feel like I'm letting him down.
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Would your vet consider a stronger antibiotic like zithromax or marbocyl? Baytril is obviously not strong enough to cut through it and you have nothing to lose. Zithromax has saved my Hywel's life after a bodged neutering operation, and despite two courses of it and several months on metacam, Hywel did pull through and went on to have the happiest of boar lives for another 5 1/2 years, dying shortly before his 7th birthday.

@furryfriends (TEAS) @Jaycey @helen105281 @Freela
 
I'm not sure, I didn't ask as I've not heard of marbocyl before and only vaguely heard of zithromax. Baytril is the only one I've ever needed to have so far.

Is one better at fighting these kinds of internal infection than the other?
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
I'm not sure, I didn't ask as I've not heard of marbocyl before and only vaguely heard of zithromax. Baytril is the only one I've ever needed to have so far.

Is one better at fighting these kinds of internal infection than the other?
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Zithromax is the strongest and can work where other antibiotics fail. it is a last ditch antibiotic. marbocyl is basically a stronger version of baytril. @FurryFriends (and her treating vet) has had success with combining these two with really bad and stubborn abscesses. She is our Abscess Queen with the biggest experience through looking after so many guinea pigs with chronic dental disease where abscesses are not uncommon at all.
 
Wiebke said:
Zithromax is the strongest and can work where other antibiotics fail. it is a last ditch antibiotic. marbocyl is basically a stronger version of baytril. @FurryFriends (and her treating vet) has had success with combining these two with really bad and stubborn abscesses. She is our Abscess Queen with the biggest experience through looking after so many guinea pigs with chronic dental disease where abscesses are not uncommon at all.
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Okay thank you, would it be best just to go for the zithromax straight up? I don't know if weight would make a difference?

I'm still at a loss with whether this is an internal abscess or what it is... Either way it just isn't an accessible one which is frustrating!

Thanks for the tag too :)
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
Okay thank you, would it be best just to go for the zithromax straight up? I don't know if weight would make a difference?

I'm still at a loss with whether this is an internal abscess or what it is... Either way it just isn't an accessible one which is frustrating!

Thanks for the tag too :)
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The dosage for zithromax is 0.1 ml per 100g of body weight. It has saved the lives of several of mine (including Hywel needing it for his persistent recurring jawbone abscess in the last year of his life).

If your vet is prepared to prescribe it (you may need to sign a consent form that this happens on your responsibility), then please go for it!
 
Wiebke said:
The dosage for zithromax is 0.1 ml per 100g of body weight. It has saved the lives of several of mine (including Hywel needing it for his persistent recurring jawbone abscess in the last year of his life).

If your vet is prepared to prescribe it (you may need to sign a consent form that this happens on your responsibility), then please go for it!
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Why would I need to sign a consent form, are there risks attached to using it? If there are I don't know if he would be strong enough :(
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
Why would I need to sign a consent form, are there risks attached to using it? If there are I don't know if he would be strong enough :(
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Zithromax is an unlicensed medication for guinea pigs, but the only officially licensed antibiotic is baytril.

It simply means that you cannot legally complain about your vet if the treatment is not working. I am signing them all the time as medical knowledge has surged far ahead in the last few years.
 
Wiebke said:
Zithromax is an unlicensed medication for guinea pigs, but the only officially licensed antibiotic is baytril.

It simply means that you cannot legally complain about your vet if the treatment is not working. I am signing them all the time as medical knowledge has surged far ahead in the last few years.
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Ah okay that makes sense, I was worried it was risky. Thanks for clearing that up!

I'll see what my vet says.

What do you think about his weight? I know he's pretty underweight. He just covered me in his syringe food as he didn't want a last feed before bed. That boy is exhausting!
 
Been following this thread for a couple of days and just though i would say I am sorry that your little fella is poorly but sounds like he has come to a loving and caring home and hope that he feels better soon.
 
Kylie80 said:
Been following this thread for a couple of days and just though i would say I am sorry that your little fella is poorly but sounds like he has come to a loving and caring home and hope that he feels better soon.
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Thank you, that's so kind of you :) I'm hoping so too, then I could get some proper sleep and not be covered in yuck for a day! :))
 
like Kylie80 I've been watchin this thread since the start. i have no medical knowledge and little gp health to help. But I admire your continue fight to help this cute beautiful guy. Wiebke is amazin and great to know if when I need help I can ask. Pls keep tryin I'm sure you will turn the corner soon. Deep down the piggie knows you are helpin him with love tlc. to all especially piggie dig deep and fight this. COME ON. Kath and I send you our love and support.
 
Thanks David it's certainly appreciated :)

Apparently he's being really naughty today and not taking his syringe feed for my mum while I'm at work. So mean ol' me will be chucking food down his neck when I get home!

Yes you're right, I don't know where I'd be without Wiebke! A total life saver, literally :)
 
@Wiebke sorry to bother you.

He's not really eating his veggies now. He left last nights food but ate a little grass but not the dandelions that was picked for him, he's largely refusing the pellet mix I'm making for him too.

Help :(
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
@Wiebke sorry to bother you.

He's not really eating his veggies now. He left last nights food but ate a little grass but not the dandelions that was picked for him, he's largely refusing the pellet mix I'm making for him too.

Help :(
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Please keep trying and upping the syringe feed if necessary, do it more often while you are at home and use the piggy whispering techniques to assert your authority (after you have told him how much you loved him in piggy language).
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language
Tips on how deal with uncooperative piggies: Administering Medications

All the best!
 
Oh yes I'll definitely keep trying, I just need a little more from him too!

That's great, I'll have a good read through those. Thank you so much x
 
Update: Hopefully we're on the road to recovery now!

We're off all meds and enemas! :yahoo:

I've still got to watch him in case it comes back, plus he's still not eating much on his own but hopefully his appetite will return now that he's off the baytril.

He's still not drinking (even though he has 3 bottles, one normal with water, one normal with pro c which he likes and a different bottle with water) so I'm syringing him which he loves... Drink on your own boy!

So fingers crossed!
 
Oh Man you have been busy. Really well done and hopefully hes turned the corner. you done that little guy proud. :nod: What's his name. This is to piggie. Right you got to be a good boy. eat drink and show us all that you a winner. Keep it up. xx
 
Little Ignotus, such a cute boy! :love:
And one of the Peverell brothers, I see... Where are the other two then? ;)
 
Powerpigs said:
Little Ignotus, such a cute boy! :love:
And one of the Peverell brothers, I see... Where are the other two then? ;)
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Why thank you for noticing ;)

Just the one Peverell brother I'm afraid! However I do have two from the Tonks family and two from the Black house as well! :D

Also two death eater snails, a lot of dark magic over here :))
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
Why thank you for noticing ;)

Just the one Peverell brother I'm afraid! However I do have two from the Tonks family and two from the Black house as well! :D

Also two death eater snails, a lot of dark magic over here :))
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I do appreciate your naming tactic I have to say! :tu:
Maybe start a new line with the Order members to balance it off? You already have one! :))
 
Powerpigs said:
I do appreciate your naming tactic I have to say! :tu:
Maybe start a new line with the Order members to balance it off? You already have one! :))
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Maybe I'm a secret death eater at heart :twist:

Well I did debate whether to go with Kingsley for young Iggy but he kind've picked his own name! I'll definitely have to get more piggies for the new names :P

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However, Iggy's invisibility cloak appears to be broken today :hmm: I don't think he realises his butt is hanging out :))
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
Maybe I'm a secret death eater at heart :twist:

Well I did debate whether to go with Kingsley for young Iggy but he kind've picked his own name! I'll definitely have to get more piggies for the new names :P

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However, Iggy's invisibility cloak appears to be broken today :hmm: I don't think he realises his butt is hanging out :))
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I fully support the new piggies for new names plan! :nod:
Poor Iggy! Maybe Harry has it still? Iggy needs to find him and demand his cloak back! :))
 
Powerpigs said:
I fully support the new piggies for new names plan! :nod:
Poor Iggy! Maybe Harry has it still? Iggy needs to find him and demand his cloak back! :))
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He really does! It's getting worse, more and more of his butt is showing! Where is the chosen one when you need him?!

:help:

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:))
 
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