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my sow has congested lung + bad prognosis from vet

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libertyharry

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My 18 month Rex sow has had noisy breathing on and off over the last few weeks. Her breathing is also rather laboured and jerky She has been on Baytril and Metacam for 10 days (and I also gave her a diuretic (10mg) as recommended by Vedra), but she is still making the noise from time to time, although eating well and reasonably active. This morning I took her to vet for x-ray and they have just phoned with the results. Apparently her left lung is completely congested and useless and they can't tell what is causing it. They say they were unable to see her heart because of all this congestion. I have to go back to see them this evening to discuss it but they tell me the prognosis is not good. Anyone able to offer any advice or had similar problem? I'll post again when I have been in to see them.
 
My Zippy has had something last week that sounds similar, treated with Baytril, Metacam and Bisolvon powder, he's now much better though.

If she is eating well and reasonably active, as you say, then I would continue to treat (if appropriate) and let nature take its course. A lot of pigs with bad prognoses live for some time longer than expected!

Are you seeing a vet or Vedra?

Good luck

Sophie
x
 
The very best antibiotic for respiratory problems is Zithromax. Piggies who have failed to respond to other antibiotics have made a recovery after a course of Zithromax. Unfortunately very few vets use this antibiotic. If you want any further information regarding dosages etc please PM me. My vet is always willing to speak with other vets about his experience of using this drug.
 
Sorry to read that your piggie is having health problems, I'm afraid I can't offer any practical advice but just my best wishes for your vet visit tonight.
It is good to hear that your piggie isn't being held back by this condition, hopefully this is a good sign :)
 
I'm sorry to hear your girl is quite poorly. I agree that it's good she's doing ok and not letting it get to her.

I used to believe a diuretic was the treatment for "fluid in the lungs" but there's debate on whether an expectorant is of more use - perhaps worth discussing with Vedra?

Good luck with your sow, I hope she recovers fully soon.
 
I pointed out the fact that a diuretic drains fluid from the tissue of the lung but not fluid in the air space of the lung, for which an expectorant is needed.
 
Which is good to know, but it's made me think that surely it means either one (diuretic or expectorant) could be of use with the pig in question here? Bearing in mind a diuretic has already been given?
 
Thanks everyone for your posts, it helps to have some support at times like this. Have just arrived home from visiting vet to look at my guinea's x-rays. The left lung appears to be completely obliterated by something and the vet could not be sure whether it was inflammation, infection or whatever else there could be! He thinks whatever it is will not be cureable, just a case of managing it to keep her comfortable. Seems like we are giving in a little early on an 18 month old piggie! I mentioned alternative antibiotics (Zithromax) and Sudafed but the shutters came down as they are not licensed etc. etc. He is newly qualified so I guess I can understand it. He has sent me home with more Baytril 0.4ml already diluted 1:1 once a day, Metacam 0.6ml once a day and Furosemide 2.5mg three times a day. I know Vedra suggests a much higher Baytril dosage, so I will phone her for advice i.e. whether to include Sudafed Expectorant etc..
I don't think I mentioned earlier that she had never had any mucus or discharge from eyes/nose, and is not sneezing. She does however cough very occasionally but only when eating, more like it is caused by food.
 
Recommended dose of 2.5% Oral Baytril for an adult weight pig is 0.4ml, twice daily.
 
Have just spoken to Vedra and she thinks I should carry on with AB's, anti-inflammatories and diuretic for a few more days, and when I next see my vet (Friday) suggest the possibility that it may be a fungal infection. The reason Vedra is considering this is that she is always such an itchy pig and almost has a fit if you scratch her back etc. - almost leans on you to get you to do it! If this leads nowhere I will make an appointment to visit Vedra.
 
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