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Piggie Off Her Food

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sewandsew

sewandsew

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Hi my piggie has been off her food for about 3 weeks she squeaks with excitement when it arrives but nibbles a little, drops it and turns her back on it. She has had her teeth checked and an xray and they can find nothing wrong. She hasnt been given anything different to eat and I have seen her drinking. Her poo is more teardrop shaped and darker, anyone have any ideas.
 
I would ask for more tests. Did you go to an exotics vets? If not I would recommend trying one, there is a vet locator at the top with some very piggy savvy vets!
 
Thank you Briony, I just checked and she is at an exotic vet. They just rang to say they are going to try an feed her with a syringe to see if this can help kickstart her appetite, fingers crossed.
 
Wishing your poorly girl all the best - her symptoms are making me rather think about teeth problems, a mechanical obstruction in the mouth/throat area, a rash in the mouth/throat area or fungal problems in the same area, as she still has the appetite, but clearly cannot chew/swallow well.

I am very sorry about your odyssey and your first vets not being aware that you need to syringe feed as soon as a piggy goes off food. The shape of the poos is clearly indicating that she is eating too little, but at least she still has been getting some food through, so all is not lost!

Fingers firmly crossed that your new vets can get to the bottom of it all and save her life.

PS: With members from all over the world, we are grateful of you added your country, state or for the UK your general area to your details, so we can always give you the appropriate advice and recommendations stright away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details/location. Thanks!
 
I agree with Wiebke it sounds like something is wrong in her mouth or throat, possibly oral fungal, or even dental issues. I think pain relief is a priority, is she staying at the vets? Do you know if her breath smells at all?
 
These are very similar symptoms to what Minky had in December. It turned out her mouth was badly ulcerated & after being put on a 14 day course of Itrafungol (0.5 ml per Kg of body weight) she was eating properly again 36 hours later. It might not be this but it's worth asking the question.
 
Thanks everyone, she has been sedated and they checked her mouth but there's no obvious signs of anything, we have her home now and she's a bit wobbly she has eaten two spinach leaves and a dandelion. They have given me some Zantac to give her to try and kick start her eating, hopefully she will be more alert in the morning.
 
Are you syringe feeding? If not it may be worth making some pellet mush with water and pellets and putting it in her cage on a saucer. You could also try offering it to her on a teaspoon
 
Do you also have any Fibreplex. I find it a great product at times when they're not eating. Your vet will probably stock it or you can get it from Vet UK. I tend to give 3 1ml doses for 2 days these 1ml a day until they're fully back to eating again. If you haven't used it then a phone call to your vet would be best to see what they think about it. In the meantime I'm be doing daily weight checks plus feeding with critical care or recovery plus to keep weight stable or to raise the weight.
 
I dont have Fibreplex but will look into getting some, i have heard critical care mentioned before, what is it and where can I get it. Thank you.
 
On the Internet last time I got it I think it was from one of vet websites you may need to shop around as prices vary a lot. Fibreplex is usually sold at most vet websites so you should be able to get both at same place.
 
Have they suggested any other tests if they don't know why she has stopped eating?

I recommend Metatone tonic too as it is brilliant for stimulating the appetite. You can get it from Tesco etc in the vitamin aisle. Dose is 0.5ml once a day for 1 week and then drop to 0.3ml for the second week.

Is she on any pain relief?

This is critical care:

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/rabbit-suppl...197/oxbow-critical-care-for-herbivores-p-2426

Or

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/rabbit-suppl...97/oxbow-critical-care-fine-grind-100g-p-2747

Or

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/guinea-pig-f...1321/supreme-science-recovery-10-x-20g-p-5643

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/rabbit-food-...supreme-science-recovery-plus-10-x-20g-p-5644

Fibreplex

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/rabbit-suppl...ibreplex-for-rabbits-and-small-rodents-p-1180
 
Nothing more to add, just hoping you find out what the problem is and get it sorted out as soon as possible.
 
She is on pain relief but vets are a bit stumped as to whats wrong with her, she's settled for now as still drowsy I will update in the morning. Thanks for all your advice and concern everyone.
 
Please weigh her daily and please top her up with hand feed, ideally startng now.
You can use mushed up pellets (use boiled, cooled water) until the Critical Care arrives, but it is very important that you keep her guts going as much as possible. Also syringe her 1 ml of water for every 3-5 ml of hand feed to keep her hydrated.
 
Poor little piggie died last night still a mystery as to what was wrong with her. Thanks for everyone's advice it really helped. RIP Squeak.x
 
I am ever so sorry! What an upsetting experience on top of your loss! Not knowing what caused the death always makes it harder to come to terms with. You tried your best. :(

You are welcome to post a tribute in our Rainbow Bridge section anytime you feel up to sharing your girl's life and your sorrow with us.
 
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