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Phoebe Is Off Pain Relief

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helen105281

helen105281

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My little skinny Phoebe has been on long term pain relief due to Interstitial cystitis and other inflammation issues. She has had numerous scans and xrays but nothing else has been found.

Now, due to the introduction of both a grain free diet and a supplement called Quercetin she is off all pain relief apart from when she is in season as her pain increases at this time.

My friend did lots of research into Quercetin and trialled this in her own pigs first of all (and discussed this with various vets) and noticed such a transformation in her own pigs that she suggested I try Phoebe. Now after a couple of months of having it every other week, we have been able to withdraw her pain relief.

We decided to go grain free too as grains can be heating which does not help with inflammation and also is not good for pigs with a history of Candida.

So basically thanks to the Quercetin and grain free diet we have our happy Phoebe back. She still has very sensitive skin but I think that even that has improved.

Quercetin is an ingredient in Neutracys which some vets are now recommending for IC.
 
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I have noticed such a difference since my pigs went on it, they all have more energy and I am getting normal urine test stick readings too. The pellets aren't cheap but they only have about 5 pellets each a day (the pellets are big). I will be including grainless pellets in my sticky alongside the normal ones and then people can decide for themselves based on personal circumstances.
 
I was thinking of changing mine to the ones you recommend but Matthew is concerned about Amelia Jane as she is elderly and may not react well to change.
 
It is worth a try but I do understand Matthew's reservations. You could always incorporate them slowly to see how she reacts while still having access to the pellets you usually feed.
 
That's really interesting! So glad that it has made such a difference! Also, when you say grain-free, which grains - any and all?
 
This is good news :) What is the name of the feed you are using? At the moment my bladder pig is on 0.1ml Metacam once daily & monthly Cartrophen injections. Things are complicated by the fact she also has cystic ovaries that need the odd jab & a Saccharomyces infection which is being managed with probiotics :)
 
Oh bless her. I feed a mixture of Bunny Guinea Pig Basic (was called Meadowfeast) and the Vitakraft Emotion Prebiotic pellets, both are from Zooplus and contain much more natural ingredients than most commercial pellets. They are both German but available to buy through the UK Zooplus website.
 
Great to hear, will mention this to Rosie our vet when we see her next, she is always keen to hear about new ways to tackle bladder issues.
 
It's great stuff, don't spill it though - I now have bright yellow pyjamas. Let me know if you need the link. Karen has also noticed big changes in her heart pigs from Quercetin too though I only have Phoebe on it at the moment.
 
helen105281 said:
Oh bless her. I feed a mixture of Bunny Guinea Pig Basic (was called Meadowfeast) and the Vitakraft Emotion Prebiotic pellets, both are from Zooplus and contain much more natural ingredients than most commercial pellets. They are both German but available to buy through the UK Zooplus website.
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Thanks Helen I shall certainly look into this, the link would be great. Is it ok if I ask my vet about the Quercetin? I am trying to get mine to eat the Science Selective food sticks that are supposed to be better for bladder piggies but they aren't too keen lol :)
 
The link to the foods:

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/food/guinea_pig/bunny/195679

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/food/guinea_pig/vitakraft/262148

The Quercetin I use:

http://www.worldwideshoppingmall.co.uk/body-soul/fsc-quercetin.asp

The dose I am giving is 50mg SID but I did work up to this dose. Feel free to discuss with your vet and the appropriate dose too, though one vet did apparently say that the dose can be much higher. Phoebe is also on 250mg of Vegan Glucosamine a day too.
 
Elwickcavies said:
That's really interesting! So glad that it has made such a difference! Also, when you say grain-free, which grains - any and all?
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Sorry, I forgot to answer this, I think it's all grains. The food is advertised as grain free, and I don't feed any extra ones.
 
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