Katiedid
Adult Guinea Pig
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2014
- Messages
- 1,265
- Reaction score
- 1,640
- Points
- 725
- Location
- Jersey - Channel Islands
I had worried about my vets but living on an island its limited in choice.
The exotics vet is vey good but minimal intervention (needs a push). Some of the other vets just don't know.
BUT on Saturday I saw one of the vets who specialise in equine medicine and she was fab - I hadn't realised she had an interest in guinea pigs and had another crazy guinea pig family as a client. She was so happy when I said I would hand feed, she talked about her magic box for x-rays without sedation and about 3 am emergency ops on piggies.
The exotics vet today came into his own. I had emailed him after the last consultation (where he suggested a wait and see) and said I can't, I know she is old but she is lively and happy so can we try a non invasive procedure. It needed an ultrasound first and I was sent all the forms for a GA/Sedation, which I wrote on that I would rather she wasn't or the lightest possible was used. The vet nurse pulled a face and said its often less stressful if they go under. All of my piggies are used to being handled, and they are generally really good so I was a little worried. He called me an hour later - all done, no sedation just a cuddle and a little shave. She was as right as rain when I picked her up and he listened when I made a suggestion about going forward and made it work.
So I now have a go to vet for knowledge and one for trying when the odds are against us. Both of whom so far aren't keen to sedate or put under a GA unless really required.
The exotics vet is vey good but minimal intervention (needs a push). Some of the other vets just don't know.
BUT on Saturday I saw one of the vets who specialise in equine medicine and she was fab - I hadn't realised she had an interest in guinea pigs and had another crazy guinea pig family as a client. She was so happy when I said I would hand feed, she talked about her magic box for x-rays without sedation and about 3 am emergency ops on piggies.
The exotics vet today came into his own. I had emailed him after the last consultation (where he suggested a wait and see) and said I can't, I know she is old but she is lively and happy so can we try a non invasive procedure. It needed an ultrasound first and I was sent all the forms for a GA/Sedation, which I wrote on that I would rather she wasn't or the lightest possible was used. The vet nurse pulled a face and said its often less stressful if they go under. All of my piggies are used to being handled, and they are generally really good so I was a little worried. He called me an hour later - all done, no sedation just a cuddle and a little shave. She was as right as rain when I picked her up and he listened when I made a suggestion about going forward and made it work.
So I now have a go to vet for knowledge and one for trying when the odds are against us. Both of whom so far aren't keen to sedate or put under a GA unless really required.
