My old boys rumbling belly

[ThePiggyPalace]

My boy is 5 and he was poorly about a month ago with the beginnings of gut statis. There was a clear slosh sound in his belly when I picked him up. Medicine, Critical Care and massages cleared that up, but I can still hear his belly rumbling often when he has snuggles with me. Not especially loud but loud enough for me to hear.

I've cut grains out, so no commercial guinea pig food, just hay, the occasional veggies- bell pepper and cucumber, ie nothing cruciferous that can cause bloating.

He also has the occasional treat from a bag (the burgess excel ones), which have grain in them bit as an occasional treat I'd hoped he'd be fine, sprinkles of grass, marigold mix and also porridge oats mixed with water. I do give him the occasional bit of Critical Care too when his stomach is growling.

Should I be doing anything different? I lost my wonderful boy in June to gut stasis and quite honestly, I'm not ready to go through that again. It terrifies me to think my boy here now is in pain.

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

I'm sorry your boy has a rumbly tummy. I don't know the answer to your question but bumping and notifying a member who hopefully does @Piggies&buns

 

[GuineaDobbin]

If he seems comfortable, he is probably not in pain. You seem like an attentive and caring pig-keeper, and you would notice the signs of discomfort.

We have had a couple of bloaty pigs, who needed less brassica and regular massages. They always sloshed and made bubbly noises, but neither of them were taken by gut stasis in the end. That said, vet visit is good if this is a new phenomenon or something has changed.

 

[ThePiggyPalace]

Thank you both for your help. Tonight his belly is rumbling so much and he's quiet and a bit hunched over.

 

[Piggies&buns]

The fact you are seeing signs of discomfort, it would be best if he was checked by a vet
I hope he is ok

 

[GuineaDobbin]

How are his poos?

Gentle massage and vibration, if you have the equipment, can help pass the gas through. Also pinch test the skin to check hydration.

 

[ThePiggyPalace]

My boy passed away early this morning. His poos were OK although they had been runny and shorter in length in the past. There's a real lack of knowledge about guinea pigs with some vets I find. Meloxicam and Critical Care were prescribed. I don't feel this was adequate.

I can't believe he is gone forever. Five years of a bond, a friendship and a love more than I could ever have for another living creature or person gone. I desperately hope I'll see him again one day.

 

[YvonneBlue]

So sorry to hear that you lost your boy, it is the hardest part of sharing our lives with these fragile little animals. Piggies are so good at hiding their illness that even with the best veterinary care it is often an uphill battle to save them. You gave your piggy a great life and he was loved and cared for and that is the most important thing. Take time to grieve for your friend and remember all the joy he brought to your life. xx

 

[GuineaDobbin]

My boy passed away early this morning. His poos were OK although they had been runny and shorter in length in the past. There's a real lack of knowledge about guinea pigs with some vets I find. Meloxicam and Critical Care were prescribed. I don't feel this was adequate.

I can't believe he is gone forever. Five years of a bond, a friendship and a love more than I could ever have for another living creature or person gone. I desperately hope I'll see him again one day.

I'm so sorry, sometimes there is nothing we can do for our loved ones, even when we do everything, even when we are lucky enough to have a great vet.

Please take comfort that he knew he was loved and cared for, and if his poos were good that means he had a full belly, which is so important for a comfortable pig.

Please do look at the forum sections on grief, how you handle it now can really help with processing your loss. Squeak Dreams has done some good videos on loss and how it feels, but give yourself some time.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry your piggy has left for the rainbow bridge. Popcorn high over there.