Not Eating After Dental Extraction

[Coteamorning]

Hi everyone, my piggy (6 years old) just went through a dental extraction and jaw repair surgery 9 days ago.

My exotic vet instructed me to avoid hay, leafy greens and hard foods during recovery to protect the surgical site and bone graft. Pellets and some soft vegetables are still being offered, but he is eating non of them. I tried soaking hay, mashing pellets with shredded carrots or veggies juice, and offering finely diced bell peppers and tomatoes… but nothing has worked. He just doesn’t want to eat, although he seems liking the smell of vegetables. Perhaps he simply dislikes any mushy texture.

He’s taking 30ml of Critical Care 3 times a day, under vet’s instruction. He is pretty alert, active, and behaving normally. He explores, responds to us, and doesn’t seem lethargic. He’s definitely become leaner but his weight is relatively stable.

Has anyone experienced a similar recovery after jaw fracture repair, bone grafting, or incisor extraction?

How long did it take for your guinea pig to resume eating vegetables, pellets, or hay on their own?

I have a recheck appointment scheduled, but any tips, suggestions, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated as I try to help this poor little gentleman through his recovery.

 

[Truffolo]

I don't have experience of dental work, but would like to send supportive vibes I hope it heals quickly and he starts to eat confidently again soon

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry your piggy is still not eating. That does sound like a big operation.

I have had two piggies with dental issues. One was a tooth root abscess and the others teeth had overgrown, trapping his tongue.

Both of them took at least two weeks to start to eat again. It’s a long slow road. I just offered anything they would eat plus lots of syringe feeds.

Have you tried a little grass or dill or coriander. Are you cutting his veggies into strips so it’s easier for him to eat them. Also one of my boys needed two types of pain meds. Is your boy on a good amount of pain meds?

One of them was given cisapride to help with his appetite.

Mashed banana was a hit too.

Both my boys also lost an incisor. But they managed to eat well without it once they started eating again.

If you are worried definitely have another chat with your vet. Good luck I really hope he’s soon feeling well enough to start eating for himself.

 

[Coteamorning]

I don't have experience of dental work, but would like to send supportive vibes I hope it heals quickly and he starts to eat confidently again soon

Thank you for the kind words! I knew it will be a frustrating recovery but didn’t know it is this level… really hope he can recover well and soon

 

[Coteamorning]

I’m so sorry your piggy is still not eating. That does sound like a big operation.

I have had two piggies with dental issues. One was a tooth root abscess and the others teeth had overgrown, trapping his tongue.

Both of them took at least two weeks to start to eat again. It’s a long slow road. I just offered anything they would eat plus lots of syringe feeds.

Have you tried a little grass or dill or coriander. Are you cutting his veggies into strips so it’s easier for him to eat them. Also one of my boys needed two types of pain meds. Is your boy on a good amount of pain meds?

One of them was given cisapride to help with his appetite.

Mashed banana was a hit too.

Both my boys also lost an incisor. But they managed to eat well without it once they started eating again.

If you are worried definitely have another chat with your vet. Good luck I really hope he’s soon feeling well enough to start eating for himself.

Thank you for sharing your experience! It makes me feel less stressed about his situation.

I haven’t tried grasses, but gave him dill without the stem and shredded lettuce leaves. He seemed to be liking it! Definitely going to try mashed banana.

He was prescribed with anti-inflammatory and two types of pain meds. But still he has issues with eating veggie dice or stripes…

I noticed that whenever he tries to eat, he repeatedly sticks his tongue out and makes exaggerated chewing or jaw movements, almost as if he is trying to reposition food in his mouth or dislodge something. After taking a few bites, he then refused any additional vegetables.

 

[weepweeps]

Pebble was doing this before his dental and when he came home he was still doing it for at least a week. I thought the vet hadn’t filed them enough. But slowly, slowly he stopped doing the exaggerated chewing. It must just feel odd and very painful to start with.

 

[Merab]

When my Phoebe had a dental it was suggested I cut her veggies into thin strips and stick to softer stuff like lettuce for a few days.
Also to chop the hay finely
I also added a ramekin dish with a mix of Critical Care and mashed banana into the cage for her.
Her cage mates always helped but she had enough until she could manage on her own.
Hope your piggy recovers quickly