Just to let you know I’ve had a response from both vets regarding peppys care. Vet 1 (24/11) claim they took an appropriate course of action. They failed to diagnose impaction AND address weight loss. Although our peppy’s recorded weight is lower than the reported weight at the consult. Vet 2 claims they gave a guarded prognosis. I don’t remember this, nor does my daughter. This vet did NOT address the weight issue either. What she did do is ask how much metacam the previous vet gave as she couldn’t remember the ratio of meds to body weight. This calculation alone would have confirmed that Peppy had lost more weight between vet visits. The 2nd vet gave metacam, antibiotic (not penicillin) and gut motility drug. I did not think she gave a guarded prognosis and once impaction was removed she noted that he had passed a normal faecal pellet. We have since been informed that there is a vet in Lancaster at Bay Vets who treats all the rescue pigs at Animal Care and he is brilliant. Wish we had got an appointment with him! Can I ask if you think this is worth pursuing with the RCVS? I feel very strongly that the 2nd vet should, if she thought necessary, advise pts to save Peppy from suffering. We were left none the wiser, not informed about suitable ongoing care (return visit) or prognosis. There’s not much we can do for gps she said. What nonsense! I really think on reflection she couldn't care less. There was no compassion or empathy expressed when examining him for example. My daughter also came away with the same impression (quite independently - i know this because she has been reluctant to talk about it all) that it wasn’t a grave situation we were in. Although peppy greeted me cheekily on Sunday morning and my daughter spent all day on Saturday with him hand feeding and syringe feeding water, he was dead within 48hrs of seeing the vet 2. I have been through so many scenarios in my head ... can I ask if tou think I should pursue beyond my complaints to the practices? I have also found an exotics vet in Preston, Lancashire and I am thinking about asking if they would be prepared to comment on the care / lack of care given. I will pay. Any thought on this anyone?
Our remaining piggy cinnamon is doing ok so far - we have reconfigured our c&c cage so it is bigger and better than before! Root would love it! Both piggies knew our adopted rabbit.....we always monitor interaction of course! We are still considering adopting an older boar but keeping them in parallel cages - I’m told it is virtually impossible to pair up 2 strange boars? It is difficult to accept the loss of a pet in most cases but accepting a death - which I believe was avoidable - is even more difficult, especially knowing that he probably suffered. I think this will stay with me for life.
It is never pleasant to lose a guinea pig - but it is far worse when you feel you have been let down by the advice of professionals. I understand why you feel about taking this further - but I am not sure whether it will get you an outcome … and , It won't bring Peppy back.
i thought it was just a rant about rubbish vets
i understand you must be angry at me but i thought the thread was a rant about bad vets. I think i got mixed up with a similar titled thread, genuine mistake of mine. I have owned up already and removed my comment out of respect for you.
