Managing Impaction & Arthritis

[JaseChase]

Tofu has been to the vet with impaction and arthritis and I’m really just looking to see if I’m doing everything I can for him

He’s about to turn four, he isn’t neutered, and he’s had suspected arthritis for about a year or so. He’s been on daily metacam at 0.2ml (dog strength) to manage it

A few weeks ago I noticed he had what looked like the start of impaction so took him to the vet. He was given liquid paraffin and emeprid for a few days to get things moving, which worked initially, then a couple weeks later the impaction was back. I also noticed he was walking differently - he hops with his back legs, though he’s still fully mobile and popcorns and zooms a lot with his younger cagemate

Took him back to the vet, she checked his back legs and found them very stiff and arthritic, and said the arthritis was likely causing the impaction. His metacam was upped to 0.3ml daily and she advised me to check him every few days to keep him clean. I also found and read through the very helpful forum impaction guide, which I’ve been following

Initially I was only needing to clean him out every week or so. Now it’s more like every 2-3 days. I’ve also noticed that his poops are a lot smaller, not runny just smaller, and that hasn’t changed with more frequent checks and cleaning. His weight is stable, but on the low end (his normal is 1.25-1.3kg and he’s been at 1.24kg the last couple of weeks)

I know he’s getting older and they can start to lose some condition, and he is monitored regularly by the vet for the metacam + his ongoing eye condition. I’m wondering if I should take him back for the smaller poops and the slight weight loss, or if I continue to monitor and see what happens? He hates the vet, so I don’t want to put him through another visit unnecessarily

Here he is. Luckily he is a very mellow boy and isn’t too bothered by the frequent handling - as long as he gets coriander anyway

 

[Roselina]

Tofu is delightful
I have a piggy Geoff who will be five in January
He has impaction and I clean him out every 3 days - he’s very good and just accepts it and loves the treat after.
I was told by the Vet that as piggies get older those anal muscles become a bit slack so sometimes help is needed.
If Tofu is ok, no runny poops and is monitored for his arthritis meds anyway then I’d tend to monitor him. Extra Vet visits are stressful bless him
As you said his weight is within his normal range
Just my opinion I’m sure other people will come along with some advice

 

[Wiebke]

Tofu has been to the vet with impaction and arthritis and I’m really just looking to see if I’m doing everything I can for him

He’s about to turn four, he isn’t neutered, and he’s had suspected arthritis for about a year or so. He’s been on daily metacam at 0.2ml (dog strength) to manage it

A few weeks ago I noticed he had what looked like the start of impaction so took him to the vet. He was given liquid paraffin and emeprid for a few days to get things moving, which worked initially, then a couple weeks later the impaction was back. I also noticed he was walking differently - he hops with his back legs, though he’s still fully mobile and popcorns and zooms a lot with his younger cagemate

Took him back to the vet, she checked his back legs and found them very stiff and arthritic, and said the arthritis was likely causing the impaction. His metacam was upped to 0.3ml daily and she advised me to check him every few days to keep him clean. I also found and read through the very helpful forum impaction guide, which I’ve been following

Initially I was only needing to clean him out every week or so. Now it’s more like every 2-3 days. I’ve also noticed that his poops are a lot smaller, not runny just smaller, and that hasn’t changed with more frequent checks and cleaning. His weight is stable, but on the low end (his normal is 1.25-1.3kg and he’s been at 1.24kg the last couple of weeks)

I know he’s getting older and they can start to lose some condition, and he is monitored regularly by the vet for the metacam + his ongoing eye condition. I’m wondering if I should take him back for the smaller poops and the slight weight loss, or if I continue to monitor and see what happens? He hates the vet, so I don’t want to put him through another visit unnecessarily

Here he is. Luckily he is a very mellow boy and isn’t too bothered by the frequent handling - as long as he gets coriander anyway

View attachment 262851

Hi

Old age sadly doesn't often come on its own; it comes with plenty of uninvited hangers-on...

You are doing fine; arthritis in the lower spine and hips can trigger or aggravate impaction.

Additionally to dog metacam from my vets for the arthritis, I use Johnson's 4joints strong dog liquid for the glucosamine support in my arthritic oldies (available online or in UK pet shops but comparable brands are available in most countries). It is easiest to give with good results. 0.4 ml once a day for a 1 kilo piggy (weight adjusted).

Here is a bit of an overview of common age related problems with practical care tips, which you may find helpful:

Thread 'Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection'

May 7, 2021

1 Caring for Older and Frailer Piggies
- Overview of old age and its particular challenges (Guinea Pig Magazine article)
- In-depth care information
- The importance of regular health/weight monitoring and saving up for euthanasia/vet access
- Signs of illness/pain, emergency and hot weather care
- Common old age issues and practical care advice
2 Facing the End and Dealing with Dying and Loss
- Overview of the challenges and practical approaches...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Grooming Care & Health Monitoring

• 

 

[JaseChase]

Thank you both, that’s reassuring he seems fine in himself so I didn’t want to drag him back to the vet needlessly

When he was last seen, the vet advised to keep him drinking plenty of water and as active as possible - easy to do with his new cagemate Patches who is constantly zooming around the cage!

I’ll look into the glucosamine as well, thank you. The metacam seems to keep him happy and he doesn’t mind getting cleaned out too much. If his weight keeps trending down I’ll mention it at his next checkup but he feels in good condition still when I’m handling him. He’s a cuddly delight these days so it’s nice to have the bonding time

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you both, that’s reassuring he seems fine in himself so I didn’t want to drag him back to the vet needlessly

When he was last seen, the vet advised to keep him drinking plenty of water and as active as possible - easy to do with his new cagemate Patches who is constantly zooming around the cage!

I’ll look into the glucosamine as well, thank you. The metacam seems to keep him happy and he doesn’t mind getting cleaned out too much. If his weight keeps trending down I’ll mention it at his next checkup but he feels in good condition still when I’m handling him. He’s a cuddly delight these days so it’s nice to have the bonding time

The enhanced glucosamine is for coating the joints where the bare bones rub against each other, which really makes a difference in terms of mobility and comfort - not instantly, as it takes several weeks to gradually build up.

 

[Roselina]

Piggie parcels make a pellet with glucasamine in it - could be worth trying ( link below)
Lovely Tofu…… boars are so lovely and just age gracefully and gently

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/new-pellet-piggie-pellets-with-joint-aid.210123/

 

[JaseChase]

Ooh thank you, glucosamine is a good idea

Tofu’s weight dropped again today (it was weekly weigh day). The last five weeks have looked like this:
1268g
1243g
1230g
1240g
1219g

His usual range has always been 1.25-1.3kg as an adult

Is this enough of a drop to be concerning, or is it likely to be just part of aging? He has just turned four and he still seems happy in himself, he’s mobile and comes running for veggies and treats

Thinking of weighing him daily for a bit just to keep a closer eye on him. He doesn’t feel bony, but I’m a bit nervous as we lost his brother very suddenly in October after a gradual weight loss too. But I don’t want to drag him to the vet needlessly either

 

[fluffysal]

My go to is daily weighing when I have any concerns.
My boys are absolutely loving the joint support pellets and I'm pretty certain they are benefiting from them.

 

[HeatherW]

Ooh thank you, glucosamine is a good idea

Tofu’s weight dropped again today (it was weekly weigh day). The last five weeks have looked like this:
1268g
1243g
1230g
1240g
1219g

His usual range has always been 1.25-1.3kg as an adult

Is this enough of a drop to be concerning, or is it likely to be just part of aging? He has just turned four and he still seems happy in himself, he’s mobile and comes running for veggies and treats

Thinking of weighing him daily for a bit just to keep a closer eye on him. He doesn’t feel bony, but I’m a bit nervous as we lost his brother very suddenly in October after a gradual weight loss too. But I don’t want to drag him to the vet needlessly either

Those weights look and sound okay, based on what you've said. You could offer him some Critical Care (Sustain) to help him keep his weight on if you're worried. As he has runny poops, don't add as much water; just add enough for it to have the consistency of mash potato.

 

[Roselina]

Ah

Ooh thank you, glucosamine is a good idea

Tofu’s weight dropped again today (it was weekly weigh day). The last five weeks have looked like this:
1268g
1243g
1230g
1240g
1219g

His usual range has always been 1.25-1.3kg as an adult

Is this enough of a drop to be concerning, or is it likely to be just part of aging? He has just turned four and he still seems happy in himself, he’s mobile and comes running for veggies and treats

Thinking of weighing him daily for a bit just to keep a closer eye on him. He doesn’t feel bony, but I’m a bit nervous as we lost his brother very suddenly in October after a gradual weight loss too. But I don’t want to drag him to the vet needlessly either

I think a daily fluctuation of 50g is ok but I agree I’d offer some critical care or porridge oats - readigrass is also worth using to help him - if he’s eating well and pooping well then I’d keep a close eye on him and weigh him at the same time every day just to be sure - these piggies do worry us don’t they !
I

 

[JaseChase]

Thank you all his weight today is 1217g so 2g less than yesterday. I think I will offer him some oats later. His heft felt alright, he’s maybe a little bony but I might also be overthinking it

Going to place an order for some readigrass and the glucosamine support, and keep weighing daily for a bit. I’ll also check I have in date critical care around just in case. Cleaned out his impaction today and there was quite a lot so I might also up how often I’m doing that. His poops are still very small but they’re not runny or wet and he’s very interested in food and veggies still

He got a bit of carrot for his 4th birthday yesterday and was very happy

 

[Wiebke]

If the slow weight loss continues, you and your vet may want to consider upping the pain meds just a little. Arthritis is all about management.

 

[JaseChase]

If the slow weight loss continues, you and your vet may want to consider upping the pain meds just a little. Arthritis is all about management.

Thank you, I think I’ll mention this to my vet next checkup. It’s hard to know when the weight loss becomes concerning but I would say it’s a definite trend at this point. He hasn’t been up at 1.3kg in several months, but he was regularly at 1.27-1.28kg before the last five weeks

Today he weighed in at 1224g, so better than yesterday he had a few oats last night but wasn’t that enamoured with them. (Patches was - snatched them right out of my hand ) I’ve got readigrass and the glucosamine pellets arriving in the next few days to try him with and he’s tucking into his veggies now

He is a bit more sedentary at the moment. Lots of napping on warm fleece, not so much joining in with Patches’ zoomies. But he does come out for veggies and to investigate whenever I come in the room. I do wonder if he’s in more pain at the moment

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, I think I’ll mention this to my vet next checkup. It’s hard to know when the weight loss becomes concerning but I would say it’s a definite trend at this point. He hasn’t been up at 1.3kg in several months, but he was regularly at 1.27-1.28kg before the last five weeks

Today he weighed in at 1224g, so better than yesterday he had a few oats last night but wasn’t that enamoured with them. (Patches was - snatched them right out of my hand ) I’ve got readigrass and the glucosamine pellets arriving in the next few days to try him with and he’s tucking into his veggies now

He is a bit more sedentary at the moment. Lots of napping on warm fleece, not so much joining in with Patches’ zoomies. But he does come out for veggies and to investigate whenever I come in the room. I do wonder if he’s in more pain at the moment

I would consider upping the daily maintenance dose of metacam just a little.

 

[Roselina]

Ah lovely Tofu
I hope he’ll enjoy the readigrass and glucasamine pellets when they arrive
Freddy has the readigrass to help his weight but Geoff loves it too so expect Patches to want some

 

[JaseChase]

I would consider upping the daily maintenance dose of metacam just a little.

I've emailed my vet today to ask about putting the painkiller up a bit. When I'm handling Tofu, he's squeaking and nipping me when I touch him around his back legs/hips so I think he is in more pain at the moment. We'll see what his weight is at later

Freddy has the readigrass to help his weight but Geoff loves it too so expect Patches to want some

Haha yes I fully expect Patches to steal some of the readigrass as well Geoff and Freddy are so lovely together, even if they are cheeky - Patches refuses to let Tofu have anything unless he gets a bit too

 

[Roselina]

I hope you can increase the pain meds …. dear Tofu

 

[JaseChase]

Tofu’s weight is 1225g today, basically the same as yesterday. I’m glad he’s maintaining though it’s still lower than I’d like

Not heard back from the vet yet. I cleaned him out again today and he’d managed to accumulate a lot of muck in two days (including a giant sperm rod) so he’s hopefully more comfortable now. He definitely doesn’t like me touching his legs and hips at the moment and he was flinching when I touched the base of his spine too. Hoping the vet will suggest a bit of a higher dose

However, he popcorned for the first time in ages when I put him back in the cage. Out of defiance probably

 

[Wiebke]

Tofu’s weight is 1225g today, basically the same as yesterday. I’m glad he’s maintaining though it’s still lower than I’d like

Not heard back from the vet yet. I cleaned him out again today and he’d managed to accumulate a lot of muck in two days (including a giant sperm rod) so he’s hopefully more comfortable now. He definitely doesn’t like me touching his legs and hips at the moment and he was flinching when I touched the base of his spine too. Hoping the vet will suggest a bit of a higher dose

However, he popcorned for the first time in ages when I put him back in the cage. Out of defiance probably

The giant sperm rod coming out will have been the cause of the acute pain and his discomfort as it will have made the arthritis worse.

 

[JaseChase]

The giant sperm rod coming out will have been the cause of the acute pain and his discomfort as it will have made the arthritis worse.

Oh that makes sense! Hopefully he’ll be feeling a lot better with it out. I hadn’t seen one that big before (though the boar guide shows some, I think)

Will keep monitoring his weight over the next few days and see what the vet says too

 

[JaseChase]

The vet got back to me today with two suggestions

1) Up his metacam, but as he’s already at the top dose (0.3ml) it would be off label (she did say she knows of exotic specialists that use higher doses with success) options would be increasing the dose anywhere up to 0.6ml and/or giving it twice a day instead of once

2) add in gabapentin starting at 0.7ml while keeping his metacam at 0.3ml and see how he does with that

I was inclined to wait and see if he bounces back now that sperm rod is out. He has been brighter today, pottering about the cage instead of sticking to one spot, but his weight is down at 1217g again so I’m not sure if prolonging the meds changes will just leave him in pain needlessly

He got some readigrass today for the first time and loved it

 

[weepweeps]

I agree wait to see if the sperm rod removal perks him up.

I had a piggy who weighed 1.2kg who was on 0.4ml of dog metacam twice a day for a tooth root abscess. This was prescribed by a guinea pig specialist vet. Hope that helps.

 

[HeatherW]

The vet got back to me today with two suggestions

1) Up his metacam, but as he’s already at the top dose (0.3ml) it would be off label (she did say she knows of exotic specialists that use higher doses with success) options would be increasing the dose anywhere up to 0.6ml and/or giving it twice a day instead of once

2) add in gabapentin starting at 0.7ml while keeping his metacam at 0.3ml and see how he does with that

I was inclined to wait and see if he bounces back now that sperm rod is out. He has been brighter today, pottering about the cage instead of sticking to one spot, but his weight is down at 1217g again so I’m not sure if prolonging the meds changes will just leave him in pain needlessly

He got some readigrass today for the first time and loved it

0.3ml once a day is a very low dose. Is it dog or cat Metacam? The latter is a third of the strength of the canine version. My Luna is currently ~850g and on 0.5ml of dog Metacam twice a day... Guinea pigs need the stronger dose and more frequently due to their metabolism.

 

[fluffysal]

Sir George had 0.35 twice a day on his last metacam prescription, he averages 1300g.

 

[JaseChase]

It’s dog strength metacam. I should say as well that I think she was talking about a long term maintenance dose of 0.3ml being the recommended highest for his weight - he has been on higher short term doses before (0.5-0.6ml for a week at a time during infections)

She’s happy to put the metacam up just told me it’s off label to do so for a long term daily dose. I’ve read elsewhere on here that piggies do better with twice daily doses though. My vets aren’t piggie experts but they’ve been good about doing research and referring me on when needed (I didn’t have to ask for dog strength metacam, they prescribe it that way).

I think I’d rather increase the metacam if he doesn’t perk up in the next few days than introduce gabapentin - but I don’t know much about its use in guinea pigs. Thank you for all the advice and if anyone has experience I’d love to hear it - just want to do the best for him

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

The vet got back to me today with two suggestions

1) Up his metacam, but as he’s already at the top dose (0.3ml) it would be off label (she did say she knows of exotic specialists that use higher doses with success) options would be increasing the dose anywhere up to 0.6ml and/or giving it twice a day instead of once

2) add in gabapentin starting at 0.7ml while keeping his metacam at 0.3ml and see how he does with that

I was inclined to wait and see if he bounces back now that sperm rod is out. He has been brighter today, pottering about the cage instead of sticking to one spot, but his weight is down at 1217g again so I’m not sure if prolonging the meds changes will just leave him in pain needlessly

He got some readigrass today for the first time and loved it

My Squeaks was on 0.4ml dog Metacam twice a day for arthritis and dental pain for over a year, then when the arthritis got worse my local vet added in gabapentin. It was awkward as it was in powdered form and difficult to mix evenly in water - I was very glad when Cat&Rabbit gave me some liquid gabapentin.
(His weight started at about 1100g, in his last 6 months it gradually declined to under 900g)

 

[HeatherW]

It’s dog strength metacam. I should say as well that I think she was talking about a long term maintenance dose of 0.3ml being the recommended highest for his weight - he has been on higher short term doses before (0.5-0.6ml for a week at a time during infections)

She’s happy to put the metacam up just told me it’s off label to do so for a long term daily dose. I’ve read elsewhere on here that piggies do better with twice daily doses though. My vets aren’t piggie experts but they’ve been good about doing research and referring me on when needed (I didn’t have to ask for dog strength metacam, they prescribe it that way).

I think I’d rather increase the metacam if he doesn’t perk up in the next few days than introduce gabapentin - but I don’t know much about its use in guinea pigs. Thank you for all the advice and if anyone has experience I’d love to hear it - just want to do the best for him

My Jasmine was also on 0.4ml of dog Metacam twice a day long term. She was about 1kg and must've been taking it for two years. I think you'd be right to give him 0.3ml twice a day; the current dosage won't be lasting him 24 hours.

 

[JaseChase]

That’s really good to hear it can be higher long term as well, thank you my local vets aren’t the most piggy savvy but they are always willing to research and try things

I think next port of call will be putting up the metacam if his weight doesn’t recover. He’s brighter today again, lots of pottering around the cage and sniffing for treats, but he’s still squeaking when I handle him. This was him enjoying his post-weigh veggies last night

 

[JaseChase]

Tofu’s weight is 1228g today! Still low for his average but the highest it’s been since I started weighing daily. Must be all that readigrass

He was still flinching and nipping when I touched his back legs and hips so I suspect he is in pain. The impaction is more severe as well. Current plan is to monitor him tomorrow and then get back in touch with the vet on Monday to put his metacam dose up

 

[JaseChase]

Tofu’s still losing weight. Down to 1208g today which is the lowest I’ve seen him since he was a teenager. I’m debating getting him on some syringe feed - he eats his veggies but isn’t interested in pellets or oats. I tried giving him readigrass out of the cage (so that Patches wouldn’t eat it all!) and he had a few strands and then gave up on that too. I worry he isn’t getting enough hay-based foods into him

I emailed the vet back this morning to put the metacam up and switch to twice daily, just waiting for her to give me specific doses, and told her about the weight loss too. Because it’s so gradual I’m not sure at which point to step in

He does seem brighter since the sperm rod was out, behaviour-wise. He’s been pottering around the cage and even climbing the bars again (he struggles to get up on his back legs these days)

Here he is grumbling after getting his impaction sorted tonight