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Pig Unable To Close Mouth Fully

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TheBoysMum

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I have a four year old male pig, 10 days ago he suddenly stopped eating a few weeks after the death of his mate. I put it down to being lonely etc and treated him for gut stasis with metoclop, pain relief, subcut fluids, Zantac oral and syringe feeding CC. He began eating tiny amounts and I got his teeth checked, he had some small Spurs but does have overgrown tooth roots. He had an X-ray which revealed arthritis in his TMJ which isn't allowing his mouth to fully shut and he is unable to pick up food/veg/hay although he still tries :(

I am continuing with syringe feeding CC and metacam oral and he is bright in himself although he is down to 740g!


He won't eat CC on his own from bowl at the moment, he is interested in grass and little peices of carrot but just gives up after chasing them around a bit.

I don't want him to suffer but I don't want to give up too soon!

I need to give him at least 150ml of CC per day but he chews so slowly that it's very time consuming and as much as I would love to syringe Feed him all day I have to work! Although he does come with me so I can do it fairly frequently.
I have given him a little fruit baby food to keep his interest.

Is there anything else I can give?

Any more medication that has been used in a similar case?

Any suggestions for a syringe feeding routine?

Any other suggestions in general?

Thank you
 
I am somewhat concerned about his mouth not closing properly and I am not convinced with the arthritis in the TMJ diagnosis. I have recently had a piggy stay here as a temporary resident who was given the same diagnosis and his dental problems have been completely cured after dental work by Simon Maddock, who is the vet the sanctuary use. Another reason the mouth may not close is if the very back teeth are overgrown and are forcing the jaw open. I think you need to get another opinion on this. Is there any way you could get your guinea pig to Northampton to see Simon at The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic www.catandrabbit.co.uk

Simon has worked wonders with so many of the sanctuary residents and he is able to do dental work without the need for GA.
 
My first thought was overgrown back teeth too. A visit to Simon is well worth it - he is the expert in the UK!
 
TheBoysMum said:
To be honest it's not really viable, I'm over 3 hours away! Thankyou anyway
Click to expand...

Sorry,I didn't get notication of your post till this morning.

The Piggy Train has volunteers all over the country & several on the route from Chester to Northampton. If you do want him to be looked at by Simon we will be able to help with transport. It is definitely worth it. I first went there last December making the 3 hour journey fromnear Middlesbrough. I can back with a pigy who was back to eating properly & just under a year later she's thriving.
 
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