Kidney Stone, Arthritis & Heart Disease in One Day 😵‍💫

[kaz91]

Hi, everyone

I posted a while ago about my almost-4-year-old unneutered boar, Serj, who was having some difficulty with possible impaction/sperm rods/possible UTI's/possible neurological condition - you name it. We have been to the vet every single week this year, and have now been referred to a specialist about an hour from us as just not resolving. Turns out it was a whole other ball game (hence the new thread - I hope that is ok!)

We went today and the vet suggested a small amount of gas to be able to do a full scan. Got a call a few hours later with the following:

• He has a small stone in the wall of his kidney which is causing him a lot of pain (he was even reacting to it when he was under sedation) but is too small to be operated on
• His knees are thickened, which is a sign of arthritis
• He has an enlarged heart, which is a sign of heart disease

The vet has assured me that he will have a good quality of life with medication and regular check ups...but oh my days, I am a mess. I still have 2 hours till I have to collect him and his brother (who was there for moral support) and I am sitting in the car park of the vet like a weirdo.

Has anyone had experience of this? Was there something I could have done to avoid this? Does anyone have any tips, or adjustments they have made for the comfort of their piggies with similar ailments?

Sorry for the ramble wee pic of my boys - Serj is the aby on the left and Chester is the short on the right they are my pride and joy.

K x

 

[weepweeps]

Oh my goodness. What a shock for you. Sending you massive hugs.

The good news is that you can deal with these issues with medication and his quality of life should be very good. Hopefully for a long while yet. Serj will need lots of TLC and spoilt days ahead. Sending healing vibes.

 

[AidaB]

I am so sorry to hear your news. Thinking of you.

It sounds like the Vets are helping you, and have a plan going forward.
I hope you are all safely home now.

 

[kaz91]

Oh my goodness. What a shock for you. Sending you massive hugs.

The good news is that you can deal with these issues with medication and his quality of life should be very good. Hopefully for a long while yet. Serj will need lots of TLC and spoilt days ahead. Sending healing vibes.

Thank you so much, couldn't believe it my poor boy must have been in so much pain and still greets me every single morning with a wee lick on the hand.

We are home with 6 medications twice a day for 2 weeks. Plenty of hugs and kisses for him, avoiding his wee shaved tummy - looks like a plucked chicken on top of everything else!

 

[kaz91]

I am so sorry to hear your news. Thinking of you.

It sounds like the Vets are helping you, and have a plan going forward.
I hope you are all safely home now.

Thank you, Aida we are home with one very drunk piggy, a suitcase of meds and a follow up appointment for a fortnight. Some of the meds are capsule and tablet so just working out the best method as Serj can be a bit of a monkey when it comes to taking them.

Do you have any experience of any of these issues? Feels like they have all just came at once and can't get my head around it just now

 

[AidaB]

I hope you successfully navigated Serj’s meditation last night.

We have had piggies with arthritis before, we managed it with Metacam, for pain& inflammation along with Johnson’s 4joints liquid daily.

Afraid the others are not things I have experience with.
I hope someone will be along soon, who will be able to advise you.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

HUGS

I am so very sorry for the bad news.

Kidney stones in guinea pigs are so far not operable; we have never heard of a successful operation. I hope that with the correct medication for his heart, painkillers and glucosamine for his arthritis and urinary tract your poorly boy can still have some good quality of life.

 

[LucyP]

So sorry to hear this. I have a piggy with an enlarged heart (diagnosed last summer), she is on daily meds and coping ok so far. If I can be of any support let me know.

Your boys are gorgeous by the way.

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

I'm sorry to hear this. What a shock for you! I'd me a quaking mess in your shoes.
Your boys are very sweet!

 

[Merab]

What a shock you’ve had.
Holding you in my heart and offering support

 

[kaz91]

I hope you successfully navigated Serj’s meditation last night.

We have had piggies with arthritis before, we managed it with Metacam, for pain& inflammation along with Johnson’s 4joints liquid daily.

Afraid the others are not things I have experience with.
I hope someone will be along soon, who will be able to advise you.

We are definitely getting into the swing of things, and I am pretty sure he is sick of of me at this point

The vet didn't mention the Johnson's 4 Joints Liquid, but I will mention it to her at our next appointment on the 17th - thank you so much for the info! We were already on the Metacam but have been given Arthrocam, doesn't really seem to be much between them

 

[kaz91]

Hi

HUGS

I am so very sorry for the bad news.

Kidney stones in guinea pigs are so far not operable; we have never heard of a successful operation. I hope that with the correct medication for his heart, painkillers and glucosamine for his arthritis and urinary tract your poorly boy can still have some good quality of life.

Thank you so much, @Wiebke I did go down a bit of a rabbit hole with the operation side of things but agreed it is just not worth the heavy risk. The vet had said something about how guinea pigs are living longer with new medications being adapted for them, but how their bodies aren't always designed that way and it rocked me.

Sorry if I am asking a daft question, but is the glucosamine an additional supplement on top of the medication? Don't want to be missing anything and not heard of it. Currently, Serj is on a twice daily regimen of:

[ ] Vetmedin for heart (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Tralieve for pain (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Vetpro for kidney (1/3 capsule + water)
[ ] Co-Trimoxazole antibiotic (0.9ml)
[ ] Emeprid for sickness (1ml)
[ ] Metacam for pain (0.46ml)
[ ] Paracetamol for pain (0.6ml)

He is a chunky 1.4kg if that makes any difference, but he is quite tall and vet said he wasn't overweight for his size - mostly fluff

 

[kaz91]

So sorry to hear this. I have a piggy with an enlarged heart (diagnosed last summer), she is on daily meds and coping ok so far. If I can be of any support let me know.

Your boys are gorgeous by the way.

Thank you so much, Lucy know I am biased but they are just stunners, could watch them all day

So sorry to hear about your girly, can I ask how you noticed? Can't help but feel if we didn't have this kidney issue we would never have found the heart issue and that kinda freaks me out

 

[LucyP]

Dottie’s breathing was laboured compared to other pigs we’ve had. It wasn’t too bad at first but then it got worse and she was diagnosed following an ultrasound and examination. She’s on vetmedin to help her heart function better and frusol to help draw excess fluid from her/keep it from building up. The vetmedin has always been a stable dose and the frusol has been adjusted at different times according to how she’s doing.

I’d say if there were no visible signs for you, then that seems a good thing. With lovely Dottie you can tell by looking at her that breathing is more effortful.

We monitor her resting respiratory rate and her breathing effort and work with the vets to decide her medication regime.

We have a liquid version of vetmedin (we did have the dog tablets dissolved in water initially but then they ordered in a clear liquid version that is easier to give to small animals). Might be worth asking if they can do the same.

All the best

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much, @Wiebke I did go down a bit of a rabbit hole with the operation side of things but agreed it is just not worth the heavy risk. The vet had said something about how guinea pigs are living longer with new medications being adapted for them, but how their bodies aren't always designed that way and it rocked me.

Sorry if I am asking a daft question, but is the glucosamine an additional supplement on top of the medication? Don't want to be missing anything and not heard of it. Currently, Serj is on a twice daily regimen of:

[ ] Vetmedin for heart (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Tralieve for pain (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Vetpro for kidney (1/3 capsule + water)
[ ] Co-Trimoxazole antibiotic (0.9ml)
[ ] Emeprid for sickness (1ml)
[ ] Metacam for pain (0.46ml)
[ ] Paracetamol for pain (0.6ml)

He is a chunky 1.4kg if that makes any difference, but he is quite tall and vet said he wasn't overweight for his size - mostly fluff

No, there is no glucosamine included in your cocktail, most of which is pain relief.

I don't have the medical training to judge this but just under 0.6 ml of Johnson's 4joints strong dog liquid (UK only brand) once daily will help with the arthritis by coating the worn out bones and make movement less painful.
The liquid is not classed as a medication but as a food supplement (hence why it is not prescribed/dispensed by vets), so theoretically it shouldn't clash with any meds but it is easiest to give this way. It is easily available online or in pet shops - in the latter, please don't mention guinea pigs. It can make quite a difference in terms of mobility together with the pain relief. If you have any concerns, please double check with your vet.

You feel the BMI around the ribcage - ideally you just can feel the ribs but not every single rib standing out. If you can't feel the ribs at all, your piggy is overweight.
I have written this guide here specifically to explain how to judge the normal weight for your piggy, put any weight loss in the proper perspective to their actual weight, understand health monitoring and the different support feeding levels better; especially if you have a tendency to panic and to worry.
I think you may find it very helpful, especially as medical dosages have to also be weight adapted: Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support Levels

My Pioden was borderline underweight at 1.5 kg but he stretched from my hand to my elbow... Nevertheless, he lived to ca. 8 years.

 

[kaz91]

I'm sorry to hear this. What a shock for you! I'd me a quaking mess in your shoes.
Your boys are very sweet!

That is EXACTLY what happened! Dropped the phone when the vet was chatting me through the whole thing.

Thank you so much, they have definitely gave me more than a few grey hairs but they are worth every single one

 

[kaz91]

Dottie’s breathing was laboured compared to other pigs we’ve had. It wasn’t too bad at first but then it got worse and she was diagnosed following an ultrasound and examination. She’s on vetmedin to help her heart function better and frusol to help draw excess fluid from her/keep it from building up. The vetmedin has always been a stable dose and the frusol has been adjusted at different times according to how she’s doing.

I’d say if there were no visible signs for you, then that seems a good thing. With lovely Dottie you can tell by looking at her that breathing is more effortful.

We monitor her resting respiratory rate and her breathing effort and work with the vets to decide her medication regime.

We have a liquid version of vetmedin (we did have the dog tablets dissolved in water initially but then they ordered in a clear liquid version that is easier to give to small animals). Might be worth asking if they can do the same.

All the best

Initially, I was concerned about Serj's breathing as I felt it seemed more laboured than Chester but was told by the first vet that there were no issues and it was only more noticeable due to his crazy hair. Kept banging on about it but feeling like let him down by not pushing more. Respiratory was my concern, but it didn't even occur to me it could be a heart issue

Dottie is so lucky to have you so sorry to be a pest but is there anything you do in particular to monitor her resting respiratory rate other than keeping an eye out?

Will ask the vet on the 17th about the liquid option, and also the frusol

 

[kaz91]

What a shock you’ve had.
Holding you in my heart and offering support

Thank you so much, @Merab it really is such a comfort to have found a community who feel the same about their own piggies!

The boys are my first pets ever and honestly don't know what I would do without them!

 

[LucyP]

Initially, I was concerned about Serj's breathing as I felt it seemed more laboured than Chester but was told by the first vet that there were no issues and it was only more noticeable due to his crazy hair. Kept banging on about it but feeling like let him down by not pushing more. Respiratory was my concern, but it didn't even occur to me it could be a heart issue

Dottie is so lucky to have you so sorry to be a pest but is there anything you do in particular to monitor her resting respiratory rate other than keeping an eye out?

Will ask the vet on the 17th about the liquid option, and also the frusol

Happy to answer any questions so no apology needed! It took us a while to get to the heart diagnosis too, you can read more here: Dottie’s breathing and skin issues

...but we went round the houses and we also thought we were dealing with something more respiratory. I don't think it's always very clear cut even for the vets so it can take a while to get to it. I wished I had taken her for a scan sooner and felt annoyed with myself for getting distracted with 3 weeks of mite treatment (when she might not have had mites anyway) and then putting off the scan until the heatwave had finished, but they said an earlier diagnosis would not necessarily have changed much.

Our vets are really experienced with about 7 exotic specialist vets but they admit that heart disease is not well researched in pigs and diagnoses can be a bit vague and unclear, and it is not always easy for vets to know exactly what is normal and what is not structurally. They told us Dottie has an enlarged heart and a galloping heart beat and explained this means her heart has to work a bit harder than other pigs.

Re the resting respiratory rate (RRR) I count it for 30 seconds, and times it by two to get the rate and make a note on my phone, usually daily but if you haven't noticed anything this may be not needed for Serj. Please don't do what I did and become obsessed with counting as it will drive you mad and not help! My understanding is you're looking for sustained changes, so several readings (over days) of significantly higher than normal can be worth raising with your vet, but not just a few 'off' readings as they will naturally vary quite a lot. Also only to count when he's properly resting, and not when their little chops start going for food either! RRR range in piggies seems to vary; for Dottie her normal is anything between 65-100, with 80-90 most common for her these days. I assume that is higher than non-heart piggies but the vets are aware and have seen her, (plus videos of her) at her worst and hardest breathing, and they don't think there is a cause for concern, just to keep up with the meds and keep an eye on it. If your Serj looks to be breathing reasonably well you may not need to check RRR so often, do maybe just keep an eye out. Dottie has a lot of full body breathing/head bobbing so I think her situation may be more advanced, bless her.

Emergency red flags in heart pigs (or any pig really I suppose) are things like gasping for air, or other signs of major respiratory distress, but it sounds like that would be very obvious and not a symptom any of us would ignore anyway, regardless of diganosis.

We were also advised that although she is an older lady and has become quite sedentary with her issues, gently encouraging her to move around a bit (like coaxing her with food scattered a bit further away from her hidey) is good for things like circulation and overall health.

She seems happy enough and although her breathing is clearly effortful, she is engaging, eating well, and seems relaxed rather than distressed. The scan in Dec showed she had no excess fluid which I was pleased about, and an appointment in Jan showed clear lungs too. If she gets worse or crackly we will go back to the vets but for now we're managing it at home. They are happy to answer emails and look at videos etc if I am having a bit of a wobble and need reassurance that this is normal for her condition. (I have been stressed generally with human stresses, so I think I have become overly hyper vigilant with Dot in a way that is not that helpful and am trying to be a bit less so!).

Hope helpful - I have no medical knowledge and your situation might be quite different so do check with your own vets etc but this is our approach so far.

I am trying to focus on the fact she is having happy days and not fixate too much on the future. It is really hard, but going from the mindset of 'I need to fix this and cure her' to a new mindset of 'I can't fix it, but we will manage it, and we will always do right by her and help make her days comfy and happy' is the new mantra.

Feel free to ask anything else.

Your Serj sounds like he's in great hands with you and the vets.

All the best.

Thank you so much, @Merab it really is such a comfort to have found a community who feel the same about their own piggies!

The boys are my first pets ever and honestly don't know what I would do without them!

 

[kaz91]

No, there is no glucosamine included in your cocktail, most of which is pain relief.

I don't have the medical training to judge this but just under 0.6 ml of Johnson's 4joints strong dog liquid (UK only brand) once daily will help with the arthritis by coating the worn out bones and make movement less painful.
The liquid is not classed as a medication but as a food supplement (hence why it is not prescribed/dispensed by vets), so theoretically it shouldn't clash with any meds but it is easiest to give this way. It is easily available online or in pet shops - in the latter, please don't mention guinea pigs. It can make quite a difference in terms of mobility together with the pain relief. If you have any concerns, please double check with your vet.

You feel the BMI around the ribcage - ideally you just can feel the ribs but not every single rib standing out. If you can't feel the ribs at all, your piggy is overweight.
I have written this guide here specifically to explain how to judge the normal weight for your piggy, put any weight loss in the proper perspective to their actual weight, understand health monitoring and the different support feeding levels better; especially if you have a tendency to panic and to worry.
I think you may find it very helpful, especially as medical dosages have to also be weight adapted: Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support Levels

My Pioden was borderline underweight at 1.5 kg but he stretched from my hand to my elbow... Nevertheless, he lived to ca. 8 years.

Thank you so much, @Wiebke with all of your guides and tips I have told my boys that you are their godparent

I am sorry for another question, but I have been researching glucosamine and have found I should either order as a supplement via syringe or in a form like the Piggy Parcel Pellets Joint & Urinary Support, or Oxbow Natural Science Joint Support (these are two I found readily available, I am in Scotland - unsure if that makes any difference). In your experience, is there a preference? Serj is getting MUCH better at taking his medicine, just conscious of spooning so much liquid into such a wee tummy. And would this be in addition to the Johnson's 4 Joints?

I absolutely do have a tendency to panic when it comes to my boys, but your guides are always my first port of call for any concerns

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much, @Wiebke with all of your guides and tips I have told my boys that you are their godparent

I am sorry for another question, but I have been researching glucosamine and have found I should either order as a supplement via syringe or in a form like the Piggy Parcel Pellets Joint & Urinary Support, or Oxbow Natural Science Joint Support (these are two I found readily available, I am in Scotland - unsure if that makes any difference). In your experience, is there a preference? Serj is getting MUCH better at taking his medicine, just conscious of spooning so much liquid into such a wee tummy. And would this be in addition to the Johnson's 4 Joints?

I absolutely do have a tendency to panic when it comes to my boys, but your guides are always my first port of call for any concerns

No - it's what works best for you.

The Piggy Parcel pellets are the new kid on the block but they contain the right amount of glucosamine as well (other than the Oxbow ones). Not all piggies like those pellets; that is always the gamble and why it is good to have alternatives.
Some piggies don't like the 4joints fluid but it is generally going down well and easier to get into an uncooperative piggy. Long term cost can also play into it.

 

[kaz91]

Happy to answer any questions so no apology needed! It took us a while to get to the heart diagnosis too, you can read more here: Dottie’s breathing and skin issues

...but we went round the houses and we also thought we were dealing with something more respiratory. I don't think it's always very clear cut even for the vets so it can take a while to get to it. I wished I had taken her for a scan sooner and felt annoyed with myself for getting distracted with 3 weeks of mite treatment (when she might not have had mites anyway) and then putting off the scan until the heatwave had finished, but they said an earlier diagnosis would not necessarily have changed much.

Our vets are really experienced with about 7 exotic specialist vets but they admit that heart disease is not well researched in pigs and diagnoses can be a bit vague and unclear, and it is not always easy for vets to know exactly what is normal and what is not structurally. They told us Dottie has an enlarged heart and a galloping heart beat and explained this means her heart has to work a bit harder than other pigs.

Re the resting respiratory rate (RRR) I count it for 30 seconds, and times it by two to get the rate and make a note on my phone, usually daily but if you haven't noticed anything this may be not needed for Serj. Please don't do what I did and become obsessed with counting as it will drive you mad and not help! My understanding is you're looking for sustained changes, so several readings (over days) of significantly higher than normal can be worth raising with your vet, but not just a few 'off' readings as they will naturally vary quite a lot. Also only to count when he's properly resting, and not when their little chops start going for food either! RRR range in piggies seems to vary; for Dottie her normal is anything between 65-100, with 80-90 most common for her these days. I assume that is higher than non-heart piggies but the vets are aware and have seen her, (plus videos of her) at her worst and hardest breathing, and they don't think there is a cause for concern, just to keep up with the meds and keep an eye on it. If your Serj looks to be breathing reasonably well you may not need to check RRR so often, do maybe just keep an eye out. Dottie has a lot of full body breathing/head bobbing so I think her situation may be more advanced, bless her.

Emergency red flags in heart pigs (or any pig really I suppose) are things like gasping for air, or other signs of major respiratory distress, but it sounds like that would be very obvious and not a symptom any of us would ignore anyway, regardless of diganosis.

We were also advised that although she is an older lady and has become quite sedentary with her issues, gently encouraging her to move around a bit (like coaxing her with food scattered a bit further away from her hidey) is good for things like circulation and overall health.

She seems happy enough and although her breathing is clearly effortful, she is engaging, eating well, and seems relaxed rather than distressed. The scan in Dec showed she had no excess fluid which I was pleased about, and an appointment in Jan showed clear lungs too. If she gets worse or crackly we will go back to the vets but for now we're managing it at home. They are happy to answer emails and look at videos etc if I am having a bit of a wobble and need reassurance that this is normal for her condition. (I have been stressed generally with human stresses, so I think I have become overly hyper vigilant with Dot in a way that is not that helpful and am trying to be a bit less so!).

Hope helpful - I have no medical knowledge and your situation might be quite different so do check with your own vets etc but this is our approach so far.

I am trying to focus on the fact she is having happy days and not fixate too much on the future. It is really hard, but going from the mindset of 'I need to fix this and cure her' to a new mindset of 'I can't fix it, but we will manage it, and we will always do right by her and help make her days comfy and happy' is the new mantra.

Feel free to ask anything else.

Your Serj sounds like he's in great hands with you and the vets.

All the best.

Your Dottie is absolutely precious! My Serj has a similar half and half look under his chin

I think you may have gotten me down to a T there, @LucyP my partner has been questioning why I have been researching 'Best At Home Stethoscopes'. I have also have my scales taken away instead of obsessively weighing them both. Piggies seems to be really quite intuitive animals so I am determined to not cause him any more stress than is necessary. Your mantra is beautiful and I hope you don't mind but I have copied it into my notes, couldn't live with myself if I caused any harm due to my own selfishness of not wanting to let him go.

You have no idea how helpful all of this has been, can't thank you and your beautiful Dottie enough

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much, @Wiebke with all of your guides and tips I have told my boys that you are their godparent

I am sorry for another question, but I have been researching glucosamine and have found I should either order as a supplement via syringe or in a form like the Piggy Parcel Pellets Joint & Urinary Support, or Oxbow Natural Science Joint Support (these are two I found readily available, I am in Scotland - unsure if that makes any difference). In your experience, is there a preference? Serj is getting MUCH better at taking his medicine, just conscious of spooning so much liquid into such a wee tummy. And would this be in addition to the Johnson's 4 Joints?

I absolutely do have a tendency to panic when it comes to my boys, but your guides are always my first port of call for any concerns

PS: No there should only be one form of glucosamine. Either Piggy Parcel Pellets, Johnsons 4joints dog liquid or Oxbow - the latter of which is the weakest in strength.

 

[kaz91]

PS: No there should only be one form of glucosamine. Either Piggy Parcel Pellets, Johnsons 4joints dog liquid or Oxbow - the latter of which is the weakest in strength.

I have found in my piggy snack room Science Selective Joint & Mobility Care which contains Glucosamine 8,000/kg - will this suffice until I can get my hands on some Johnson's 4 Joints?

K x

 

[Wiebke]

I have found in my piggy snack room Science Selective Joint & Mobility Care which contains Glucosamine 8,000/kg - will this suffice until I can get my hands on some Johnson's 4 Joints?

K x

Yes you can if you haven't got already any other form of glucosamine to give them. But you can only give one source of glucosamine additive at once.

It takes several weeks to build up gradually in the body so please do not panic if you have to wait a few days. Glucosamine is not an instant magical sprint ingredient but it is very effective for the long term health marathon.

I hope that thelps you keep the perspective and not get too bogged down. The glucosamine in whichever form is going to contribute to the quality of life but it is not a medication.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[LucyP]

Your Dottie is absolutely precious! My Serj has a similar half and half look under his chin

I think you may have gotten me down to a T there, @LucyP my partner has been questioning why I have been researching 'Best At Home Stethoscopes'. I have also have my scales taken away instead of obsessively weighing them both. Piggies seems to be really quite intuitive animals so I am determined to not cause him any more stress than is necessary. Your mantra is beautiful and I hope you don't mind but I have copied it into my notes, couldn't live with myself if I caused any harm due to my own selfishness of not wanting to let him go.

You have no idea how helpful all of this has been, can't thank you and your beautiful Dottie enough

You're so welcome And it sounds like you're doing a great job. Lol about the stethoscope, I have googled the same! But I wouldn't trust my lack of knowledge to know what to do anyway. It's so easy to spiral with anxiety when they're unwell isn't it.

It sounds like you have a good care plan for Serj and are doing all the right things to give him a happy and healthy life. Keep us updated. And Dottie says thanks for all your kind words!

 

[kaz91]

Hi, everyone sorry for yet another issue, but I am not sure if I am making things up or have a genuine reason for concern - could really use some input from people who know piggies.

When Serj was scanned on the 2nd, his tummy was shaved. I remember looking at it because it was irritating him and I wanted to make sure there were no skin issues. Two days ago, I found a patch by his left hip which looks like it has been barbered. The photo with his food was the night he came home from the vet (2nd) and then photo of the patch was from last night (13th). Feels like this is something I would have noticed, but I am doubting myself.
He has been a bit more feisty over the last few days and has a chunk of boar glue stuck to his tummy which I have softened and applied coconut oil to. He is still eating and drinking fine but he is being very off with me and needs to be coaxed into his treats which has never happened before.

Think my concerns are;

1. I know it is hard to see from the pics, but does this hair patch seem like a recent development?
2. Is it possible the arthritis is progressing or he is now used to the pain medication and his nippy behaviour towards me and his brother are because of pain/stress?

We are back at the specialist vet on Tuesday 17th but is this a more urgent matter? Or am I being paranoid?

Sorry for the ramble, as always!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, everyone sorry for yet another issue, but I am not sure if I am making things up or have a genuine reason for concern - could really use some input from people who know piggies.

When Serj was scanned on the 2nd, his tummy was shaved. I remember looking at it because it was irritating him and I wanted to make sure there were no skin issues. Two days ago, I found a patch by his left hip which looks like it has been barbered. The photo with his food was the night he came home from the vet (2nd) and then photo of the patch was from last night (13th). Feels like this is something I would have noticed, but I am doubting myself.
He has been a bit more feisty over the last few days and has a chunk of boar glue stuck to his tummy which I have softened and applied coconut oil to. He is still eating and drinking fine but he is being very off with me and needs to be coaxed into his treats which has never happened before.

Think my concerns are;

1. I know it is hard to see from the pics, but does this hair patch seem like a recent development?
2. Is it possible the arthritis is progressing or he is now used to the pain medication and his nippy behaviour towards me and his brother are because of pain/stress?

We are back at the specialist vet on Tuesday 17th but is this a more urgent matter? Or am I being paranoid?

Sorry for the ramble, as always!

Hi

Please point it out to your vet at your visit in 3 days. This is not an emergency. All the best.

Barbering (Eating Hair)

 

[Merab]

Hope it’s ok
Holding you in my thoughts

 

[kaz91]

Thank you so much, everyone

We had our appointment and think it went fairly well. Serj seems a lot more comfortable to touch but still reacts when the vet went near his kidney - she said that, although the stone is less than 1mm in size, there is a cyst around it which is causing the pressure and the pain. He had also lost a bit of weight (from 1.39kg to 1.31kg) but the vet said it was not enough of a swing in a fortnight to be concerning.

The vet agreed the barbering was unusual and something we would keep an eye on, but nothing major (thank you once again to the incredible @Wiebke for calming me down!).

She also agreed with me that his breathing seems somewhat laboured more than a simple stress response. There was no crackle in his chest and suggested a diuretic (super impressed when I mentioned Frusol, told her my friends @LucyP & Dottie had mentioned it )

Our new regime is:

MORNING
[ ] Vetmedin for heart (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Tralieve for pain (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Furosemide for fluid (0.12ml)
[ ] Arthrocam for pain (0.46ml)
[ ] Paracetamol for pain (0.6ml)
[ ] Johnsons 4 Joints for arthritis (0.5ml)

EVENING
[ ] Vetmedin for heart (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Tralieve for pain (Quarter crush + water)
[ ] Vetpro for kidney (1/3 capsule + water)
[ ] Furosemide for fluid (0.12ml)
[ ] Arthrocam for pain (0.46ml)
[ ] Paracetamol for pain (0.6ml)

There is no heart murmur or irregular beat so I have paused my hunt for Stethoscopes atm!

As it stands, we are booked in for another appointment on the 27th and will be doing bloods & scans every 4 months to keep an eye on things - does this seem frequent enough? Don't want him to have to go through it too much but seems like an awfully long time between checks!

K x