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Lump in intestine...

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He seems to be a lot worse today, he hasn't been the same since he had the anesthetic (which i've since learned wasn't necessary). He's not eating or drinking at all aside from what he's having through a syringe. His head is constantly down and it seems to be an effort to pick it up :( . Could this be from the anesthetic that he had yesterday afternoon?

We decided against taking him back for the operation today as he's far too weak to cope with it. Not sure what to do for the best really. I've spoken to a local rodentologist (who was recommended by Vedra at Cambridge Cavy Trust) who says the operation is probably the way forward...Surely it's not fair to put such a sick pig through that? Was thinking of monitoring him over the weekend and making a decision on Monday.
 
In my experience, a pig that is unable/unwilling to lift its head is very ill.
Things are not looking good for him. I would do what you are doing, watch, wait and hope. However, you must try to get fluids into him, preferably the Dioralyte.
 
So sorry to hear about him being unwell. Did he just have an anesthetic for the scan? My vet usually just gives them a little gas instead to make them sleepy.

I am keeping everything crossed that he is just recovering from yesterday. However, you need to keep his intake of fluids up, very carefully by syringe if necessary with added nutrients in it to help his strength.
 
torieraa said:
He seems to be a lot worse today, he hasn't been the same since he had the anesthetic (which i've since learned wasn't necessary). He's not eating or drinking at all aside from what he's having through a syringe. His head is constantly down and it seems to be an effort to pick it up :( . Could this be from the anesthetic that he had yesterday afternoon?
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Did the vet give metaclopromide after the anaesthetic? An anaesthetic slows the system down, and can play hell with the guts. A gut stimulant medication is very useful for limiting this.

Also, he's going to need syringe feeding (and fluiding), floppy and refusing can be system slow down (metaclop needed at the minimum, and maybe a steroid jab too), weakness through not eating, dehydration, and even "just" a pain reaction depending on what's going on.

If the deterioration has been more noticeable post anaesthetic then I think you can definitely point the finger in that direction. And yes, anaesthetic shouldn't be necessary, but if the only way you can get necessary treatment from a vet is to let them use gas, then it has to be done. I hate it, but I feel short of taking over the surgery at gunpoint and forcing them to do things the right way sometimes you just have to take the risk.

I'd suggest 0.5ml Metatone (available at chemists, and some supermarket pharmacy departments) and as much food/ water as you can syringe into him. Either ground down pellets or off the shelf powders such as Critical Care will do, right now you need to be giving him nutrition and trying to provoke his guts into working again. If you can get a vet, then a metaclopromide injection is something I would very much push for.

Floppy head is never good, but I have managed to get one or two through it (also had more than one or two not come through it). Most notable was Piggedy, who was floppy, not moving, not chewing when things were put in her mouth. Cracked out my whole kit that night, and put her back in the cage expecting the worst. Next morning she was in the back corner of the cage, I assumed she'd crawled there and given up. Reached in prepared for the worst... And she bit me and ran off to the hay!
 
I'm sorry things are not looking good. Is there any news on him this morning?
Stinklepig gave some great advice. We can only hope that one day, most vets will opt for the safer route of wrapping instead of anesthetising. Fingers crossed that your little man picks up soon, Torieraa.
 
Unfortunately Huxley was put to sleep this afternoon, he was suffering far too much and it seemed much kinder to do this. He didn't pick his head up for 2 days and was squeaking with pain when touched....as sad as it was to see him go, we couldn't let him go on and suffer like this.

Huge thanks to everyone for their help and advice, really appreciate everything that you've all done.

Thanks.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. It is such a hard decision to make. Rest well, dear Huxley. xx
 
I cannot think of anything else you could have done for him, which maybe some consolation to you.
 
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