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Poorly piggie, advice needed

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Sharon.Mackay

Sharon.Mackay

Teenage Guinea Pig
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Hi everyone,

I haven't posted for a while, so am sorry just to jump in like this.
I noticed our pig Spike had a wound on his chin, it looked nasty and was smelly so I took him to the vet. He said it's an abscess from one of his bottom teeth that he had been having problems with. After a good look and washing out the wound he said that all he could do was give us strong antibiotics for two weeks, asked us to keep it clean, and keep an eye on him. He hasn't been eating properly for a while but he has had a lot of upheaval lately and a new cage mate, and he seemed healthy, was active etc. The vet said that if it hasn't cleared up when we go back he will probably need to put him to sleep. I was so shocked that I didn't take a lot of what he said in. He said that it was inoperable, because of the position (i think) He is a good vet, small animal specialist and he has treated Spike before. I know he would only suggest that as a last option.
As you can understand we are very very upset, and wondered if anyone has had the same experience, and what did you do etc? He ate his vegetables last night, but not this morning. I just don't understand, he's such a happy boy. Always chirping and chats away to me! Why would he need put to sleep? Sorry for the long post.
 
Hi again, sorry that your return to the forum is due to an upsetting situation. As you've felt it hard to take in all that the vet said it is probably a good idea to speak to them again over the phone. If you call and explain that you need to discuss Spike's case then you will at least have a fuller picture.

If the infection has caused changes and weakness in the jaw and tooth root then there may not be an easy fix, if his level of pain is high because of it then you may have a difficult decision to make. Perhaps an xray to confirm whether the site of the problem is within his jaw would be a way of helping with the decision. If it is not in the jaw hopefully there are some alternatives for Spike such as regular dentals with a specialist that doesn't use GA so he can have it dealt with 'little and often'.

HTH

Suzy x
 
oh no! i feel your pain

i hope everything works out alrigt. i know how you feel and i'm prying your piggie gets better.

in the case of an abcess (sorry about any spelling mistakes) you could grate his/her fruit and veg and then feed it to him/her.make sure you piggie eats and drinks-its alot of patience and determination but i'm sure your guinea pig is worth it!


hope everything goes okay and your GP gets better soon.
russell,rupert and rodney x
 
Oh I'm sorry about this news. Even the mention of putting your piggy to sleep must have been distressing. Firstly, I hope the anti-biotics help in clearing up his abcess and that he makes a full recovery.

I would definitely ask for xrays and further advice if it doesn't though. I know there are always ways to tackle problem teeth but it may mean shopping around for a more experienced vet.

In the meantime, all fingers and paws crossed for a full and speedy recovery for Spike

x
 
Thanks everyone, I find it hard to understand putting him to sleep because he is still so happy. I refuse to give up so easily on him, I love him far too much for that!
 
Poor Spike, am really hoping he picks up with his current treatment.

As regards to dental and mouth problems, If it contnues I would certainly get an x-ray as this will show up any root issues etc... And if needs be find a vet who has vast experience of dental issues.
We had a dental piggie who had serious root problems, these were only shown up after an x-ray. It is always distressing when the vet mentions euthanasia, and before we had to make that choice with Pitch we had exhausted every single avanue first, I could never have forgave myself if we hadn't.

I know how much you care for your piggies and you'll fight for Spike all the way, Sending lots of healing vibes Spike's way, hoping he is getting better. x
 
Gosh what a shock that must have been for you. I really hope he manages to get better.
 
Hope hes okay this evening and he pulls through x
 
Firstly BIG HUGS FOR YOU XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
and please you don't have to apologise cause you've not been on for awhile :)

Secondly......

HEALING WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKS AND LOVES FOR LITTLE SPIKE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
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