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Impaction

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Werezal

Werezal

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hey all,

I posted last week about my male boar Frank who is 2 years and 4 months who was subdued but got the all clear from the vet. He became really quite poorly Thursday and I found his Anus was impacted. I cleaned out the mass and took him to a different vet (recommend on here - thank you so much) who flushed it all out and gave him a general health check. Other than impaction his breathing and teeth were fine. Since then he hasn't really eaten and isn't drinking unless I give him liquid in a syringe. He will eat once I've cleaned out his sack but he is subdued and won't come out for food unless prompted.

Can anyone make any suggestions as to anything I can do to help him? I'm sure he may be feeling a little sore but I just want to make sure I do what I can for him.

Any advice is appreciated x
 
Is he on any pain relief? I'm wondering if he is in pain somewhere, which might have made him eat less & therefore not pass many poops which have slowly started to back up in this way :)
 
Thank you for replying! They haven't given him any pain relief, she advised I give him extra vitamin C and lots of vitamin C rich veggies. She seemed to think his impaction was the product of him being a bit of an older chap now. His faeces are getting softer, the last two days they seemed quite firm and a solid mass whereas today they were quite ploppy and easier to clean out. Do you think it might be worthwhile seeing if I can get some pain relief for him?x
 
Werezal said:
Thank you for replying! They haven't given him any pain relief, she advised I give him extra vitamin C and lots of vitamin C rich veggies. She seemed to think his impaction was the product of him being a bit of an older chap now. His faeces are getting softer, the last two days they seemed quite firm and a solid mass whereas today they were quite ploppy and easier to clean out. Do you think it might be worthwhile seeing if I can get some pain relief for him?x
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It is certainly worthwhile to contact the vet again and until then to continue syringe feeding. If your boy has got a healthy companion, you might want to collect some fresh poos of his and soak them in a little bit of water; then syringe the water to your poorly boy to help restock the guts with good bacteria. it is a bit gross, but the best way to help his digestion. Extra probiotics may also help. Impaction typically affects the redigestible poos. A high fibre diet and very regular feeding of exactly the same veg at the same time can help to reduce the impaction somewhat. It is however a chronic issue.
I would recommend to mainly go with the just daily veg in our recommended balanced diet unless your boy has a favourite veg.
Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-syringe-feeding-guide.115359/ (with probiotic information at the end)
 
I took him back to the vets so said he was severely dehydrated and that the kindest thing for Frank would be to put him to sleep. I'm feeling heartbroken right now but I know it's for the best. Thank you so much for all of your advice and help, I really appreciate it xx
 
That's a shame, sorry you were faced with that decision. :(
 
BIG HUG

I am ever so sorry that it has all gone pear-shaped for your beloved boy!
 
I am so sorry you have had to go through this. RIP Frank. Sending you hugs, they leave such a big hole in our hearts when they leave us.
 
That is very sad to hear and must have been very upsetting. The more I see of poorly boys, it seems that impaction can be a side issue when something more sinister is going on but because piggies hide illness the main problem is not always clear. Sleep well Frank and popcorn all you want.
 
So sorry to her you've had such an awful time. Sleep well Frank.

I agree with Laura, it is likely the impaction was a result of another problem which ultimately made him very unwell. I know my old boy suffers more with his impaction when his arthritis isn't managed well and hasn't had enough pain relief and other piggies I've had have become impacted when unwell, often because they aren't eating normally and aren't comfy enough to tidy themselves up.
 
Very sad to hear that you lost your much-loved Frank.:(. All the forum members will know how upsetting this is for you. As I have posted to somebody else today whose piggy has passed away, Frank may have left your life but he will never leave your heart. Big hugs. x
 
Thank you all for your kind words and hugs - I need them! he really does have a special place in my heart. Missing his little face lots this morning but also imagining he's popcorning someone with an unlimited supply of dandelions :)

I think you're all right though, he hasn't been right for months and it's only since the impaction he's deteriorated. You've all been wonderful with your advice and support so infant thank you enough. I need to think about how best to look after Charlie now, thank you again for being so kind x
 
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