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Lethargic Piggie

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Esther Papworth

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Hi, I never thought of grow so fond of a Guinea pig! We got two pigs about 18 months ago for our little boy and they have totally different characters. Daphne is bossy but v shy around us, whereas Velma is smaller, but much more vocal and curious, and a real character. We've had to take her to the vets today as she's lethargic and not eating. They've told us she's dehydrated and has a distended abdomen. They're keeping her overnight but say it doesn't look good. it's cost us 250 for the investigations so far and overnight stay & I've turned down the £700 emergency vet ultrasound - If she does survive the night, does anyone have any suggestions or experience of this? Thanks x
 
Hello and welcome,

Sorry to hear about poor Velma and while I cannot help I will tag some of the other members who may be able to

@helen105281 @AbiS @Adelle

Not sure if you guys can think of any other members who should be tagged that may be able to help ?

Meantime sending you 'healing vibes' for Velma and 'hugs' to you and your family xx
 
Welcome to the forum! Could you tell us where in the country you are as it helps us give better advice (not all countries have the same meds). My concern is that your vets don't appear to have much experience with guinea pigs. Abdominal distention is often caused by bloat, which if left untreated can be very serious. Do you know if they have given her any gut stimulants? It is really important for guinea pigs to have throughput to keep their gut working and if Velma isn't eating it is vital to get something into her by syringe if necessary. An X-ray would be better than an ultrasound to diagnose bloat. Would you be able to phone and ask them about bloat and if they are syringe feeding at all? Have a look at our vet locator tab at the top of the page for reccommended guinea savvy vets - I would suggest a second opinion.
 
Sorry to hear your little one is unwell. Without investigations it's hard to say for sure what it could be, it would be worthwhile the vets taking a quick X-ray to see if this is a gastric bloat or a blockage which you would be able to see on radiography. Hopefully your vet has given her some pain relief and syringe feeding her potentially.

Really hope you get some answers. £700 for an out of hours ultrasound sounds a little bit steep to me (unless they are thinking of anaesthetising her which sounds like a little risky without further knowledge of her condition), but even with anaesthesia I couldn't even see it at this price.

Let us know how she gets on. Thinking of you.

x
 
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I agree with @Abi_nurse that its steep, and that she shouldnt be anaesthetised in her condition- if shes so flat then she could have it conscious. I would suggest at least an xray as this would really help pinpointing the problem. I know it will be hard to contact the vet at this time of night but it would be worthwhile checking if they have done any xrays and if she is being syringe fed and/or treated for a bloated abdomen. Hope you hear from them soon x
 
Thanks for all the replies - I wish I'd come on earlier to ask advice. I've tried calling and can't get a reply, but they did mention a lump which could be faecal matter, something she shouldn't have eaten (we're really careful, don't think it will be that) or a cancer. I'd give her water by syringe myself if I could get her. I'm going to check the list of local vets and if she survives the night will get her to one asap. Thanks again, appreciate the advice x
 
Hi. Poor Velma doesn't make it. Time to get a big insurance package for Daphne and make sure we find a specialist vet. Thank again everyone for your help x
 
Sorry to hear about Velma :( thinking of you xx
 
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