Pig Off Pellets

[Piggylet]

Morning all!

My Guinea Pig, Suzy, has been off her pellets for a couple of days. She had an abscess just over a week ago which was lanced and she's been on baytril which finished on Saturday.

She's eating other food (veggies, grass and hay) but is not touching her pellets. This morning I mixed with water and softened and mushed them incase she was struggling to chew them (but then she's eating veg like carrot which is quite hard absolutely fine, so I don't think it's that).

Is it likely that the antibiotic has just put her off her food? Can this happen? She's pooping fine too. I don't know if I'm just over analysing as I've been watching her carefully over the last week since the abcess.

In all other ways she is totally normal, wheeking and happy. She's 6.5 years old, so is an older pig and she probably doesn't eat as much as she used to, but usually she tucks into her pellets excitedly.

I have read good things about Critical Care to kick start digestive systems - is this something I should give a go, do you think? Any other thoughts anyone could add?

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Do you weigh her regularly? It's probably worth weighing her daily as she's off some food. Baytril really puts them off their food so I would definitely supplement the diet with critical care.

I found a mixture of wheatgrass powder, critical care and mushed pellets to be a winner for Iggy (he was on it ages and took a dislike to CC after a while).

Critical care will keep her going and maintain her weight, there are some great syringing guides but Iggy ended up eating it off a spoon and then climbing into the bowl



Making a right mess!

 

[Piggylet]

Thank you!

Haha! What a mess! Perhaps I shall get some CC then to try and supplement while she's not happy with the pellets. I've just watched her spend 10mins eating a load of hay though (I got her one of those balls where they chew the outside sticks and it's made up of hay in the middle she loves it) so perhaps she's just being really selective at the moment.

Admittedly, I hadn't weighed her for a while (probably a year or so, I know it really doesn't pay to get lax). She's always been under 1kg. Vet weighed her last week and she was 910g, she's 900g today so I'm not too concerned by her weight at the moment but will keep a closer eye from now, which really I should have done the moment she went on the antibiotics.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Thank you!

Haha! What a mess! Perhaps I shall get some CC then to try and supplement while she's not happy with the pellets. I've just watched her spend 10mins eating a load of hay though (I got her one of those balls where they chew the outside sticks and it's made up of hay in the middle she loves it) so perhaps she's just being really selective at the moment.

Admittedly, I hadn't weighed her for a while (probably a year or so, I know it really doesn't pay to get lax). She's always been under 1kg. Vet weighed her last week and she was 910g, she's 900g today so I'm not too concerned by her weight at the moment but will keep a closer eye from now, which really I should have done the moment she went on the antibiotics.

That's okay, it's all too easy to forget these things! Has she been eating her normal hay too?

What kind of pellets do you use? You could also try a different kind of pellet to see if that spikes her interest

 

[Piggylet]

Yes, normal hay seems to be going down at it's usual rate too.

She has Burgess excel that I alternate between the ordinary and the blackcurrant/oregano ones. I literally swapped them over early from the flavoured to the ordinary thinking perhaps that would spike her interest but nope. Not even a nibble.

 

[Wiebke]

Please weigh her daily at the same time to monitor her acutal food intake; watching her eat can be very deceptive. If necessary top her off with syringe feed.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Baytril can impact on the appetite, but there is also a chance that it is has not cut through the abscess and it is refilling again and starting to cause pain again. That is something you have to keep in mind, especially if things don't go back to normal after you have stopped the baytril.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Yes, normal hay seems to be going down at it's usual rate too.

She has Burgess excel that I alternate between the ordinary and the blackcurrant/oregano ones. I literally swapped them over early from the flavoured to the ordinary thinking perhaps that would spike her interest but nope. Not even a nibble.

My pigs did go off the Burgess I must say, there are some fab ones on Zooplus that I use now which are also grain free goodness!

 

[Piggylet]

She picked up over the last couple of days and picked at her pellets and fresh veg. No weightloss currently as I have been weighing her daily.

We seem to have gone backwards today though and she’s only eaten grass (albeit loads and loads of it!) hay and a nibble of a pepper and carrot. No pellets and not even any cucumber. Going to get her to the vet tomorrow and see if they can shed any light. Poop is fine - not much of it obviously but it looks normal. She’s drinking fine and seems alert and her normal self.

I’m so confused as to what could be going on!

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Let us know how you get on at the vets, hopefully everything's okay!

 

[Swissgreys]

Good luck at the vets today - hopefully there is a simple answer and she is back to normal soon.

 

[Piggylet]

Hello! We've done the vets (I phoned at 8.30 and they saw me by 9 - I'm very impressed). She was a little unsure given that Suzi was fine when on the Baytril then seemed to go off her food afterwards - which seemed quite unusual. She weighed her and agreed that she isn't losing weight so all the hay and grass and nibbles of fresh she's having is obviously doing something and she isn't lethargic and is bright and alert. She was also surprised that Suzi is pooping fine.

So, with all that in mind she's prescribed Baytril and Metacam to see if that will help things and incase the old abscess site (which is healing nicely) is causing any discomfort. The metacam (cat) was 0.75ml once per day which seems a lot in comparison to the Baytril (0.15ml twice per day) - does this seem right? I did double check with her and she said yes that's correct but if any of you guys have any previous experiene that would ease my mind. She's prescribed this just for the weekend to see if it clears up whatever is going on and gets her eating again. I must phone her Monday with an update, or any time beforehand if anything changes.

If this doesn't help she said she'll have a proper look at Suzi's teeth (she had a quick look today but said that without quickly putting her under she can't see an awful lot) and will xray to check everything is as it should be. She had a good listen to her chest and a good feel of everywhere and couldn't hear/feel anything untoward.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Hello! We've done the vets (I phoned at 8.30 and they saw me by 9 - I'm very impressed). She was a little unsure given that Suzi was fine when on the Baytril then seemed to go off her food afterwards - which seemed quite unusual. She weighed her and agreed that she isn't losing weight so all the hay and grass and nibbles of fresh she's having is obviously doing something and she isn't lethargic and is bright and alert. She was also surprised that Suzi is pooping fine.

So, with all that in mind she's prescribed Baytril and Metacam to see if that will help things and incase the old abscess site (which is healing nicely) is causing any discomfort. The metacam (cat) was 0.75ml once per day which seems a lot in comparison to the Baytril (0.15ml twice per day) - does this seem right? I did double check with her and she said yes that's correct but if any of you guys have any previous experiene that would ease my mind. She's prescribed this just for the weekend to see if it clears up whatever is going on and gets her eating again. I must phone her Monday with an update, or any time beforehand if anything changes.

If this doesn't help she said she'll have a proper look at Suzi's teeth (she had a quick look today but said that without quickly putting her under she can't see an awful lot) and will xray to check everything is as it should be. She had a good listen to her chest and a good feel of everywhere and couldn't hear/feel anything untoward.

Cat metacam is quite weak, we normally get dog metacam. My Iggy is currently on 0.2mls of metacam and 3mls of baytril both twice a day. So you'd probably have to use more of the cat metacam than you would for dog. How much does she weigh?

 

[Piggylet]

840g (apparently my scales must be out!) but that was the same as her last visit, so no change. I’ve given it to her after a search on some other sites to ease my concerns (she quite likes it actually compared to the fight we have over the baytril) and all seems well.

Fingers crossed it’ll perk her up a bit. Not that you’d know she was ill from watching her.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

840g (apparently my scales must be out!) but that was the same as her last visit, so no change. I’ve given it to her after a search on some other sites to ease my concerns (she quite likes it actually compared to the fight we have over the baytril) and all seems well.

Fingers crossed it’ll perk her up a bit. Not that you’d know she was ill from watching her.

Ah okay so those are pretty low doses for her weight from my experiences. If she is unwell she might need a better dosage? Idk @Wiebke what do you think?

Generally it's recommended to split the metacam dosage in half and do it twice a day too. Their metabolism is quite quick so one dose doesn't really do a whole day. From my experience it's better that way. Iggy was given 0.6mls once per day so I ended up doing 0.3mls twice a day and he stopped showing signs of pain after that.

Yes my pigs rather like metacam! Never baytril though

Unfortunately piggies rarely show signs of illness due to them being prey animals. Even the illest of pigs can often go day to day without showing their pain. I wish they'd just tell us!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello! We've done the vets (I phoned at 8.30 and they saw me by 9 - I'm very impressed). She was a little unsure given that Suzi was fine when on the Baytril then seemed to go off her food afterwards - which seemed quite unusual. She weighed her and agreed that she isn't losing weight so all the hay and grass and nibbles of fresh she's having is obviously doing something and she isn't lethargic and is bright and alert. She was also surprised that Suzi is pooping fine.

So, with all that in mind she's prescribed Baytril and Metacam to see if that will help things and incase the old abscess site (which is healing nicely) is causing any discomfort. The metacam (cat) was 0.75ml once per day which seems a lot in comparison to the Baytril (0.15ml twice per day) - does this seem right? I did double check with her and she said yes that's correct but if any of you guys have any previous experiene that would ease my mind. She's prescribed this just for the weekend to see if it clears up whatever is going on and gets her eating again. I must phone her Monday with an update, or any time beforehand if anything changes.

If this doesn't help she said she'll have a proper look at Suzi's teeth (she had a quick look today but said that without quickly putting her under she can't see an awful lot) and will xray to check everything is as it should be. She had a good listen to her chest and a good feel of everywhere and couldn't hear/feel anything untoward.

The cat metacam is about right (which is why vet usually prescribe dog metacam), but the batril dose is about as low as she could safely go.

 

[Piggylet]

Hey guys.

So I returned to the vet and Suzy was booked in today for dental work. One of her teeth (bottom at the back) was in a bad state - wobbly and rotten so the vet has removed. Assuming she continues to recover fine (but said she was doing well but under longer than expected) I can pick her up late this evening. All other teeth fine.

I’m really apprehensive about looking after her from here. I love her to bits but what happens if I get it wrong, or can’t get her food or meds into her? Fortunately I’m off work tomorrow so I’m around all day.

Vet has said that she’ll need frequent dental treatment from here as the teeth continually grow and she couldn’t remove completely because there seemed to be a deformity in the jaw causing problems. I don’t really understand the ins and out to be honest, but I’m sure I’ll get some clarity when I pick her up later.

Looking for any advice on how to handle the next 24hrs while she’s recovering with me, and anyone who has come across this before in their pigs?

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I haven't had to deal with dental stuff but honestly with meds and recovery food it does become second nature so don't be too scared!

There are some great guides for syringing on here and providing you have a cavy savvy vet they can show you how to do it and give you a demonstration if you're nervous

I've been there myself, it's nerve wracking when you first have to do it but it becomes easier I promise

 

[Wiebke]

Hey guys.

So I returned to the vet and Suzy was booked in today for dental work. One of her teeth (bottom at the back) was in a bad state - wobbly and rotten so the vet has removed. Assuming she continues to recover fine (but said she was doing well but under longer than expected) I can pick her up late this evening. All other teeth fine.

I’m really apprehensive about looking after her from here. I love her to bits but what happens if I get it wrong, or can’t get her food or meds into her? Fortunately I’m off work tomorrow so I’m around all day.

Vet has said that she’ll need frequent dental treatment from here as the teeth continually grow and she couldn’t remove completely because there seemed to be a deformity in the jaw causing problems. I don’t really understand the ins and out to be honest, but I’m sure I’ll get some clarity when I pick her up later.

Looking for any advice on how to handle the next 24hrs while she’s recovering with me, and anyone who has come across this before in their pigs?

Please take the time to read our post-op care guide as well as our syringe feeding guide. They are both very step-by-step and as precise and practical as we have been able to make them.
Tips For Post-operative Care
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Make sure that you know how soon after the op you can step in with painkillers (they are a part of the operation cocktail, so you cannot use them straight away). Her mouth will be very sore at first.

 

[Piggylet]

Thank you, I was reading the post op stuff earlier in preparation.

I have been syringing metacam, baytril and mashed pellets over the last week but have found it so difficult. It seems to take forever as she is so reluctant for any of them and Just thrashes her head away. I’m hoping now that it’s a MUST I’ll be a bit braver and not let her say no (as the mashed pellets were just a top up before I didn’t force the issue too much)

 

[Lauren f]

I've seen a few posts were people have been able to give the pellets off a spoon, maybe once she's healed a bit you could try that

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Thank you, I was reading the post op stuff earlier in preparation.

I have been syringing metacam, baytril and mashed pellets over the last week but have found it so difficult. It seems to take forever as she is so reluctant for any of them and Just thrashes her head away. I’m hoping now that it’s a MUST I’ll be a bit braver and not let her say no (as the mashed pellets were just a top up before I didn’t force the issue too much)

Iggy always hated his medicine but a forum member (sorry I forgot who!) recommended this way and he's been a lot better since.

I pop Iggy on my lap and support his bum with my leg, his back with my tummy and hold him against me gently with a hand on his tummy and I pop a finger over his front paws (he likes to push the syringe away).

Hope that makes sense, it's a lot easier.

As for the feeding, I can only recommend trying the critical care with pellets mushed up and wheat grass powder. The wheat grass powder is the key, Iggy hated his feeding until I added this and now he eats off a spoon and a bowl now!

Hope this helps

 

[Wiebke]

I hold an uncooperative piggy the same way as @Cavy Kung-Fu; it gives you the best control.
Try mushed up pellets or a mix with recovery formula.

Baytril tastes awful; you can either give it with ribena in equal measure or give the baytril quickly and then immediately give something strongly flavoured afterwards.

 

[Piggylet]

Thanks all. I’ll try that syringe method. She’s just had a feed by the vet nurse so she’s suggested another about 11pm. Suzy is so bright and alert, I’m really surprised I thought she’d be really dopey but she’s wandered around her cage and investigated it all before settling down. Vet nurse said she’s had a pain relief injection. I questioned the fact I haven’t been given any pain relief meds - was I to continue with what I have here (metacam and baytril)? Vet nurse said nothing to be given tonight and the vet would phone me tomorrow to confirm any pain relief meds’ needed. I was sort of expecting a concoction of things!

I’ve been given the supreme science recovery food which apparently she’s been taking well at the vets this afternoon. So fingers crossed she likes it at home too!

I'm so relieved she’s ok and bright and alert

 

[Betsy]

That's really good news! Hope everything continues well!

 

[Piggylet]

I am so relieved. We fought over the syringe feeding last night and I managed to get half of the recovery food into her after a 2 hour fight! However she was showing interest in some slithers of carrot and cucumber grass and hay before I went to bed last night so I was reasonably happy.

This morning first thing I tried again with recovery food and she was even more obstinate. I decided to take a break and put her back in her cage where she just sat in her hidey house and didn't move. I was worried that if I didn't master the syringing I'd be doing her a lot of damage. Thank you for all your advice by the way, unfortunately Suzy doesn't ever like to be 'sat on her bum' and propped up, even when well supported, and always squirms to get out of the position. We have a siilar fight with clipping nails because she hates that position so much.

Somewhat panicked I did a YouTube search for awkward pig and found a video where a guy had wrapped his pig 'like a burrito'. I also mashed her pellets (Burgess Blackcurrant and Oregano) and mixed with some water instead of the recovery food. I tried this prior to her op and she'd had no interest in them so I wasn't feeling like it was going to make any difference. But, thankfully, once she settled into her burrito and realised she liked the food in the syringe - we were away without head tossing or squealing. I'm so relieved. She's only had about 30ml as when I went to refill the syringe the third time she then went off the idea, but I'm so relieved and will do some more in a couple of hours.

Thanks for all the help. I hope next times feed will go equally as well as the last. Those that have had pigs with dentals before - how long is it likely she'll be off her tougher food? Or is it just dependent on the pig?

 

[Betsy]

Well done in finding a solution that works. I use this method when giving my girlies butt baths and when clipping Christian's nails. I was going to suggest you use it then I read that you already were!

 

[Piggylet]

Hi guys.

Here's where we are at:

Suzy is still refusing to eat for herself other than some hay that I've noticed her munch on today (previous to today she hadn't appeared to have any interest in it - so I am thankful for a small victory). She goes off food very quickly, so even big hits like tomato and lettuce that I'm slicing small are a hit for about 2mins and then no interest shown. Even grass isn't getting a look in. We are currently backwards and forwards to the vet, the next appointment is tomorrow to check on how she is doing. She is tolerating syringe feeding but I know I am not getting enough into her (roughly 70ml per day). She always is keen first thing in the morning, but I guess that's because it's been a 5-6 hour gap since the previous feed (I still have to sleep as I do have a full-time job so some shut eye is necessary!). She doesn't like Critical Care, but will tolerate her usual pellets syringed. I've been adding some probiotic to them as well to try and help. She'll only take the mushed pellets syringed and not off a spoon which makes me think it must be the pain that is stopping her eating?

She is currently on .75ml metacam per day (although following advice I've seen on this forum I'm administering half the dose twice per day - that definitely seems to help, you can tell after she's had it as she's much more interested in life) and .2ml sulfatrim twice per day for infection as just under her mouth swollen.

A poop question. As of yesterday her poops are smaller, pointier and harder that usual (infact, they remind me of a slightly larger hamster poo!). What would this indicate in terms of what she's not getting enough of? I'm trying to syringe her water as well as I wondered if this could be a little dehydration. Also, would it have anything to do with the sulfatrim, as she started that on Saturday and these different poops have only appeared since then? I shall take some with me to the vet tomorrow so she can see them, as she's got a check-up on her swollen mouth and everything else. She's had no weight gain, but not weight loss either since Wednesday's surgery, which again, seems like a small victory.

I can't think of anything else I can do other than persevere with the syringe feeding and hope that things start to turn around. Any thoughts/advice are welcomed!

 

[Piggylet]

Hey guys.

We are still much the same although Suzy is beginning to eat a little more for herself and so she is taking less in the syringe, which is good I guess. She’s maintaining weight so we must be getting the right balance. However she really needs prompting to eat. (If I offer her veg/grass from my hand it’s fine, but if we just pop it in her cage she’s not interested).

It looks to me like she has slightly puffy cheeks - which she had at the weekend and that was why the sulfatrim was prescribed. We’re still on that but this morning I think she looks a little swollen again around the mouth. When I touch it it feels fine and she doesn’t show any signs that it’s painful to touch. Any ideas? The vet is going to ring at the start of next week to see how things are progressing and to double check the mouth area (this all started with an abscess so she wants to just check that isn’t refilling or causing any issues).

I would very much like to get back to normal one day!