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Pig with dental issues, not eating/swallowing?

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Pug_in_a_bed

Pug_in_a_bed

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I'm just sick about this.

My boar Norman had lost weight, took him the vets last week who found his back teeth had overgrown and sort of curled round so he hadn't been able to eat properly.

I've felt so awful that I didn't pick up on this sooner. I'm afraid in ten years I've never had a pig with dental problems so didn't pick this up until, it seems, too late.

They clipped his teeth, and as soon as I got him home he was much perkier, eager to eat. I also started giving him the science recovery high fibre syringe food. He has been a bit ginger eating but been interested, and loves the science recovery. took him back today to find he had lost more weight, they gave me some metacam and advised me to keep syringe feeding.

This evening he has become very lethargic, and sleepy, and I don't think he's even swallowing the liquid food at all, maybe a tiny bit, the rest is dribbling down his chin. No interest in solid food or the science recovery at all.

I'm just sick about this , I should have been more on the ball re: the weight loss.

what else can i do tonight before back the vets in the morning, he's got a hot pack and a blanket and I am trying to feed him every hour but I really don't think he is swallowing anything. The vet looked in his mouth today but said she couldn't see much as there was food in there; she wasn't my usual vet and I feel really worried now.

I feel like he might not make it through the night and its absolutely my fault.
 
Hi. It might be worth trying to get hold of Debbie from Furryfriends (Excellent Adventure Sanctuary) - she is really good with dental piggies. Have a look at her contact details on the forum. You probably need to see another vet asap.

Hope things work out ok xxxxx
 
Very sorry to hear about Norman. Dental problems can be extremely frustrating and difficult to treat. Is he still on Metacam? Piggies mouths can be very sore after dental work and it can take a while for them to start eating again.... Is your vet experienced with dental piggies? Some are better at it than others and they may have missed something the first time round.

The thing that sounds worrying is the reluctance to swallow syringe food, try doing it in little bits and not forcing it in, hopefully giving him time to chew. If he cannot swallow I would advise you visit the emergency vet this evening.

Please don't beat yourself up about this, piggies unfortunately get poorly, you have spotted this and are taking action. I hope he will be ok x
 
They didn't give me any metacam until today so for all i know he was uncomfortable all that time.

I'm debating whether to call the emergency vet, but my oh thinks Norman is on his way out soon and I should let him be at home with his other pigs.
 
The fact he doesn't seem to be swallowing does concern me, but it could be due to his mouth being sore if there is a spur rubbing. Your vet could've easily missed this.

Where do you live? How experienced is your vet in dental work? So few vets seem to have a clue when it comes to dental issues in guinea pigs. What syringe food are you feeding him?
 
In Liverpool, feeding him supreme science recovery. My vet is actually quite good, on occasion she has called Alan at Village Vets in Woolton, who I know is recommended, for advice.

She knew it was his teeth straight off last week and whipped him in immediately.

The fact that he has continued to lose weight this week when he was eating basically until yesterday makes me concerned that something else isn't quite cricket. Letting him just sit wrapped up now as he doesn't like the force feeding one bit.

He seems to have taken a little bit of the food, followed tips on guinea lynx to listen out for the teeth grinding and to push the syringe near the back of the mouth, will keep trying shortly.

He's an old chap, nearly 6, but has always been such a robust pig
 
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Poor Norman passed away not long after I posted, laid out on my lap.

He had a great personality and got into everything.

He was a lovely pig with blue eyes, came from our local rescue a few years ago - they liked his punk hair do so much they use his pic on their site

Thank you for all your kind and helpful suggestions x

Capture-3.jpg
 
Oh no! I've just found this thread and it damn near broke my heart. I'm so sorry to hear this sweetie, what a handsome little thing he was too! Love those eyes :))
Run free over the bridge Norman, eat up and know that my Fudge, Goggles and Arnold will be watching over you. Xxxxx
 
really sorry for your loss Norman was a Lovely pig. It's recommended that you syringe feed 120mls per day to maintain the weight of a pig which is quite difficult to do if not experienced. You did all you could for him and unfortunately i suppose you'll know what to look out for now :-( x
 
Just caught up with this thread. I am really sorry you lost your beautiful boy. *hugs*

RIP Norman
x x
 
awww I'm so sorry you lost your guy, i love his punk rock hair, what a dude.

Rip Norman, sleep well fella x
 
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