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Old age pig

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alcesterpigs

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A local vet telephoned me earlier today to ask if I would have a look at a pig with dental problems. She was reluctant to have a look at him because he was "rather old".
A short while later the pig arrived with his two owners who told me that Bandit was eleven years old.
He had overgrown molars and incisors and he weighed 1lb 13oz, about 850gm.
He also had a mite problem and he was impacted. His pellets were small and covered in mucous, indicating that he was dehydrated.
Dental treatment was deliberately kept simple and quick just to get him out of immediate trouble. In view of his low weight I gave him only one drop of Ivomec.
We syringe fed him water and Science Recovery and within 15 minutes he had improved. (It only takes a small amount of fluid to rehydrate a pig.)
With that he was sent home with instructions to return next week for further treatment.
He is the oldest pig I have ever seen. Unless someone "out there" knows of a pig that is even older.
 
Gosh I don't but that's something isn't it - 11 years. What a stong old man. Hope he finds it easier with what treatment he did have and well done.
 
I thought I was doing well with my pig who is somewhere betweem 7.5 years and 8 .
 
What a fantastic age. Heres hoping this pensioner has a good few years left yet!
 
It certainly is an outstanding achievement for both owner and cavy. However, and not to draw attention away from the above accomplishment, I seem to recall the oldest cavy to date died at the age of fifteen. Nevertheless, I do hope that Bandit's condition continues to improve and, providing Bandit is not suffering, that Bandit continues to enjoy life for sometime to come. However, I am saddened that Bandit is experiencing problems at his time of life.

Congratulations on successfully treating Bandit, Alcesterpigs. However, would I be correct in believing that this is only the beginning of Bandit's treatment and that Bandit will require treatment for the unforeseeable future, possibly for the reminder of his days?

In addition, simply out of interest, may I enquire further as to the type of cavy Bandit is?
 
Having performed an internet search, I discovered the following statment: "It says in The Guiness Book of World Records that the oldest guinea pig known was 14 years old, 10.5 months and was named Snowball." Therefore, unfortunately, Bandit is not quite old enough to steal the record. However, I believe Bandit to be a strong contender for the title.
 
When I examined Bandit's teeth I found that his molars were slightly leaning inwards towards his tongue, his upper incisors were curling backwards and his lower incisors were not meeting the upper incisors.
There were also a couple of rough edges on his upper molars.
The overall assessment was that his problems were not too severe, in spite of the list of "faults".
It was important to decide which were the priority areas for treatment because I feel it is important not to adopt a "one visit cures everything" approach when there is time consuming treatment to be performed. It is remarkable how pigs do get used to dental treatment if it is a little but often, it makes it so much easier for them (and for me!)
I decided to leave his upper incisors alone because they did not occlude (meet) his lowers, therefore, for the time being, do nothing, whilst his lower incisors grow to the correct length. This will give a reference point for the upper teeth.
The rough edges on the upper incisors were fairly minor and to trim, or file, them ran the risk, albeit a small risk, of making the matter worse.
However, the inward growing molars demanded attention. Whether he could mange to get food into his mouth either by his own efforts or by syringe feeding, he would not be able to either eat or grind the food to any worthwhile extent because his tongue was sore and would remain so, from the ledges on the molars.
With those facts in mind, I trimmed the molars and I am leaving the other treatment until next week.
I spoke to his owners a short while ago and he has been taking syringe food, with no complaints and that he is looking much better. I strongly suspect that, as in the original post, his fluid levels are almost back to normal.
 
Firstly, Alcesterpigs, may I say how inspiring I find it to discover that a local veterinary practice and an individual like yourself have established a working relationship. I have previously found it difficult in attempting to form a similar relationship between practices. Secondly, I would like to declare how delighted I am, considering Bandit’s age and current health, that euthanasia was not viewed as the only option by the veterinary practice. Finally, I would simply like to state how pleased I am that you are able to provide the treatment Bandit requires. I do not believe any of us are able to imagine the discomfort Bandit has endured and continues to endure for the time being. However, I am certain the small procedure you have performed on Bandit has been of great relief. Furthermore, while I am still saddened Bandit cannot simply enjoy his senior years for the foreseeable future, I cannot wait to hear of any improvements.
 
AP, you are a legend, albeit misunderstood at times....:)):)):))

A local man where my parents live (who has had guineas on his farm since records began - whenever that was) says that they can live up to 20 years (Guinea pigs, not my parents).

I personally haven't experienced that. 8 1/2 was my oldest piggy.

AP, please keep us updated on Bandit's progress.
 
A legend??
Firstly, I am not that old!
Secondly, and more importantly, I am still alive!!

Bandit is a tri coloured Dutch, complete with a rosette.
I forgot to mention, he also has a cataract. When I see him next week I intend to ask his owners about his diet to see if there is anything that may explain why he has lived for such a long time.

PS MrsM
I like your photo, where did you have that taken?
 
Wow...a legend in your own lifetime! ha x

Will look forward to hearing about this little guys secret to long life diet.
 
alcesterpigs said:
A legend??
Firstly, I am not that old!
Secondly, and more importantly, I am still alive!!
...

PS MrsM
I like your photo, where did you have that taken?
Click to expand...

what? that old thing? in the back garden, it's my housework outfit...:)):)):))

I didn't mean to be disrespectful... :( I meant it as a compliment. Having said that, I'm sure you're only teasing! ?/ you're only trying to confuse me cos I'm a) foreign and b) honest but candid...")

AP, you have us all on tenterhooks re Bandit's special miracle diet. Long live Bandit!
 
AP WOW this is amazing i do hope you can help little Bandit :)
To get to the grand ole age of 11 with out problems, must be also a credit to his owners in feeding him the correct foods and obviously taking care of him so well x)x)

AP you always play things down........for once take the credits that are so apt for what you have done and will do for Bandit xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>
 
If any of my pigs reach four and a half years old I consider that they have lived a long life. There doesn't seem to be any specific reason why some line so much longer
MrsM. Comment ca va?
Combien d'argent?
I will not say how many years it has been since I wrote in French, except to say it was in the days when there were 'O' Levels!!
 
AP, ca va bien merci, et vous?

I'm not sure what you're asking about money, but to put your mind at ease, I'm OK, ta... Like you suggested many moons ago, that's what the OH is for! hahaha... I suppose he could be seen as 'old' as he too took O levels (well O grades as he is form north of the border!
 
I also had a boar that lived to 8.5 years and i thought that was amazing. Good luck with Bandit. I know you will do your best with him.
I am also waiting to see where his fountain of eternal youth is - I could do with some of that!
 
well now that is a challenge - i'd love to help my piggies into double figures.
 
I wondered what you charged.....for an autographed photo!!
I am wondering if you born when WW was first on TV?
I must look on Google, just checked and WW was on TV from 1975 until 1979. I can see which photo you use!
I feel even older now..
Back to serious matters. I should be seeing Bandit again in the next couple of days and I will see how much information I can find about his background.
 
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