Please Help With Advice On What I Should Be Asking/expecting From Vet Very Poorly Piggy

[Emfitz]

Hi my piggy Wellard went to vet last Friday as squeaking when going to the toilet. He was put on a course of Norodine and seemed to be getting better. Weds he wouldn't eat much veg but I thought that was because I was putting the tablet in his food and he had cottoned on. Last night he was acting very strange sat in corner fur all puffed up wouldn't come to me for food. I did manage to get him to eat some lettuce but only when I placed it right by him. This morning still the same, I cant see many poohs or wees in the cage another thing he seems to be chewing although has nothing in mouth and he doesn't normally do that. He really does not seem well him and his brother are the first pigs I have had so am not sure what I should be asking vet. Also I'm not sure if it is a reaction to the antibiotics or the original illness that is the problem. PLEASE HELP ASAP AS I LEAVING FOR VETS IN 45 MINS THANKS EMMA

 

[Wiebke]

Please ask your vet for an x-ray to check whether he has got a bladder or urethral stone stuck somewhere; he may need an emergency operation. He is certainly in major pain (the puffiness and not eating).
http://www.guinealynx.info/stones.html

Could you please tell us which country you are in and medical brands etc vary a lot, as well as access to vets?

Here are tips for hand feeding and post op care if you need them:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-hand-feeding-guide.115359/
http://www.guinealynx.info/postop.html

I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for Wellard and you! It is always such an anxious time.

 

[Pebble]

Norodine is anther name for septrin - the drugs in both are
Trimethoprim
Sulfadiazine

I agree that an Xray to rule out a possible stone needs to be done as a matter of urgency given the apin he is in. Also discuss some heavy duty pain relief

Paws all crossed here for Wellard.

 

[7squeakers.]

How is Wellard now? How did you get on at the Vets?

 

[Emfitz]

How is Wellard now? How did you get on at the Vets?

I didn't see the reply about asking for an x-ray before I left for vets. Basically the vet examined him he squeaked when she pressed bladder area she checked his wee no blood so she didn't think it was stones. She put him on baytril, metacam, and critical care food. She also said his temp was a little low. Seems a bit better tonight still not that bothered on eating but is ok with me hand feeding him the critical care. Any ideas on how much I should be giving him? Vet said if he doesn't get any better will need an x-ray or an ultra sound (I don't know which is best?) but obviously I am hoping it wont come to that. Thanks everyone for your advice. I have only had Wellard since October and this is his 6th vet visit don't know if I am doing something wrong my end but I do look at the forum all the time for advice. Anyway will keep you all posted best regards Emma

 

[Wiebke]

I didn't see the reply about asking for an x-ray before I left for vets. Basically the vet examined him he squeaked when she pressed bladder area she checked his wee no blood so she didn't think it was stones. She put him on baytril, metacam, and critical care food. She also said his temp was a little low. Seems a bit better tonight still not that bothered on eating but is ok with me hand feeding him the critical care. Any ideas on how much I should be giving him? Vet said if he doesn't get any better will need an x-ray or an ultra sound (I don't know which is best?) but obviously I am hoping it wont come to that. Thanks everyone for your advice. I have only had Wellard since October and this is his 6th vet visit don't know if I am doing something wrong my end but I do look at the forum all the time for advice. Anyway will keep you all posted best regards Emma

You can find advice/guidelines on how much and how often to feed in our detailed hand feeding guide; it depends on the circumstances, like how severe is the loss the of appetite (total or only partial), how ill/weak/old is the piggy, how much can take the piggy on board in one session etc. With any bladder issues it is also extremely important that you keep him watered so any bacteria gets flushed out as much as possible.

An x-ray or scan is certainly recommended if the problems persist or return.

 

[Emfitz]

Hi everyone just to tell you some sad news after more trips to the vets and lots of tears Wellard just passed away he was in our arms was very sudden we were only at the vets this morning. Thanks for all your advice Emma

 

[Wiebke]

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry; you have done your best - and that is sadly all you can do.

You are welcome to post a tribute to Wellard in our Rainbow Bridge section whenever it feels right for you.