Metacam

[Guinea Slave]

Hi

My little girl Thelma is very old and suffering from all manner of conditions until its time for us to let her go. One of her conditions is bladder related, she has a history of stones and has recently started to have them again together with sludge. We are keeping her fluids up to try to flush the bladder through twice a day and so far so good. However, her bladder is very sore and thickened so we are really talking about her quality of life now and not long term so she is now on Metacam twice a day and she seems much happier in herself.

However, since starting this dose (0.2m twice day of 1.5mg/ml) on Friday she now has very very soft poops could this be caused by the Metacam? I have dropped her dose slightly this morning. She is very well in herself, sprightly, excellent appetite and eating and drinking very well. In the past I have always been a fan of Rimadyl tablets and not had these issues but clearly you cannot deliver as accurate a dose with the tablets.

She weighs 900g and is nearly 7.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated as its the last thing she needs now:...

x

 

[Abi_nurse]

I have had a piggie get soft poop with metacam. Try some probiotics, it may help.

If you think that rimadyl may be better on her tum then ask your vet for some. You can dose accurately if you split it well enough and both metacam and rimadyl as the same type of drug (non steriodal anti inflammatory)

x.

 

[Guinea Slave]

Hi Abi Nurse

Thanks for that. I ut her on Rimadyl last night and within 12 hours she has improved and nearly 24 hours later she is almost back to normal so I think I will stick with Rimadyl for the time being.

I spoke to my vet and she did say that they can react this way sometimes so I now have a stock of Rimadyl! Last night she was very sick with excess fluid and hooting (she has heart problems controlled by Fortekor and Frusol) so I really thought today would be the day to say goodbye and was up most of the night in tears....came down this morning and she is fine..There are days...mallethead

Thanks again |)

 

[paulag]

Poor little soul. With the oldies all you can really do is treat any symptoms and keep reviewing the situation. It's good news she's perked up. I find my vet a great support because he's always willing to tell when he feels it's time to say goodbye or when there is a good chance of success.

Paula

 

[Guinea Slave]

Thanks Paulag

I know, its the hardest thing. Trouble is she is so, so full of life still. She is one of five and tiny, so skinny as she is so old and sick but they all respect her still. I introduced a new boar three weeks ago, he is 18 months old and tried to boss her about, she told him where to go and now he runs to her when he is scared. When they are like this how can you possibly make that decision? She just loves life and she lives for cuddles.

My vet gave me some great advice though, she said the day she stops eating is the time. I tend to agree, as she loves her food so much. Tears me apart though when she has a bad day I just dread her going, I know I will be devastated. :...

 

[paulag]

She sounds like Guiness - tiny and completely alpha female. I gave up trying to get her and Stella in with my much younger pair when she bit poor prissie's nose.

Now she's running around and lively there's no decision to make.

I think your vet is right. It has its place but I don't think syringe feeding is appropriate in end of life care for piggies.

Just remember she's having a lovely life with you with lots of space and companions and when the time comes it's the kind thing.

Paula

 

[Guinea Slave]

Oh yes, exactly like that..always has been! Funny are'nt they? just love the attitude but so loving with it. I agree, I will let her go with the respect she deserves when the time is right