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Poorly Piggy :( Possible Bladder Stone?

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CocoaandMalibu

CocoaandMalibu

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Hi everyone,

My piggy Coco (around 5/6 yrs old - we don't know exactly as he was adopted) was taken to the vets a week ago with what looked like a possible UTI. He had pink urine, and just wasn't himself but he was eating fine and wasn't showing any signs of pain when going to the loo!

The vet gave him antibiotics for a week, and said to contact them again if it hadn't worked so they could do an ultrasound! I think they are looking for bladder stones?

So today he isn't any better, and hes off his food - I've given him some critical care and he is nibbling hay and veg but nowhere near as much as usual! my question is does he need to be put to sleep for the ultrasound? (he is a VERY tame and friendly piggy so I don't have concerns about him sitting still if thats an issue) and also how much does the ultrasound cost on average? I just want to be prepared for when we speak to the vet in a bit!

I'm also concerned about possible treatment options - he weighs very little (650-700g) and is quite poorly today (and quite old anyway). Is operating always essential? I'm just so worried he won't pull through if they operate :(

Thanks,

Coco and his human! x
 
CocoaandMalibu said:
Hi everyone,

My piggy Coco (around 5/6 yrs old - we don't know exactly as he was adopted) was taken to the vets a week ago with what looked like a possible UTI. He had pink urine, and just wasn't himself but he was eating fine and wasn't showing any signs of pain when going to the loo!

The vet gave him antibiotics for a week, and said to contact them again if it hadn't worked so they could do an ultrasound! I think they are looking for bladder stones?

So today he isn't any better, and hes off his food - I've given him some critical care and he is nibbling hay and veg but nowhere near as much as usual! my question is does he need to be put to sleep for the ultrasound? (he is a VERY tame and friendly piggy so I don't have concerns about him sitting still if thats an issue) and also how much does the ultrasound cost on average? I just want to be prepared for when we speak to the vet in a bit!

I'm also concerned about possible treatment options - he weighs very little (650-700g) and is quite poorly today (and quite old anyway). Is operating always essential? I'm just so worried he won't pull through if they operate :(

Thanks,

Coco and his human! x
Click to expand...

Hi! Please have your piggy seen as soon as possible. If he has stopped eating, then he is in MAJOR pain and needs treating asap!
It is very likely that it is a stone and will require a scan and - most likely - an operation as quickly as can be scheduled. Your problem has just gone from a remote maybe to an emergency, I am very afraid to say.:(

Sorry for the bad news, but unfortunately, stones don't go away on their own once a piggy has got them. We all dread this kind of news, but the best and kindest thing you can do right now is to make sure that your little boy is not kept suffering unneccessarily, whatever your own concerns and despite the fact that you are not emotionally prepared.
None of us ever is when something like this happens! All we can do is put our piggy's needs before our own fears and put our trust in the treating vet team for the sake of those we love so dearly. I have been in your situation several times with bladder piggies of my own (all of which have thankfully made it through the op), so I fully sympathise. :(
Tips For Post-operative Care
 
Thanks both of you - been trying to get hold of the vet - unfortunately all their systems at the branch I go to are down so Its been difficult (and they close over lunch)! he is booked in for an 'op-slot' for an ultrasound tomorrow at 8:30, which is the earliest they can do. I'm guessing if an op is needed they will discuss this with me on the phone after he's had the scan? I'm really nervous and scared for him, and just worried in general. I've heard bladder stones are notorious to treat. I didn't mention to the vet as I completely forgot - I'm wondering about kidney failure? his brother went to the bridge from this earlier this year and had the exact same symptoms and course of medication (apart from he was a lot more ill).
Should I ask them to do the scan without anaesthetic? I don't know what they usually do...
Thanks
 
CocoaandMalibu said:
Thanks both of you - been trying to get hold of the vet - unfortunately all their systems at the branch I go to are down so Its been difficult (and they close over lunch)! he is booked in for an 'op-slot' for an ultrasound tomorrow at 8:30, which is the earliest they can do. I'm guessing if an op is needed they will discuss this with me on the phone after he's had the scan? I'm really nervous and scared for him, and just worried in general. I've heard bladder stones are notorious to treat. I didn't mention to the vet as I completely forgot - I'm wondering about kidney failure? his brother went to the bridge from this earlier this year and had the exact same symptoms and course of medication (apart from he was a lot more ill).
Should I ask them to do the scan without anaesthetic? I don't know what they usually do...
Thanks
Click to expand...

A scan is usually done with minimal anaesthetics anyway, but you can ask whether it is possible to do it without. Results may not be quite as sharp and clear though.

Please try to not to panic and concentrate on sending Coco comforting and healing thoughts and on making him as comfy as you can; be strong for him! Continue with syringe feeding, as much as he will take in one go. Any op won't be possible before tomorrow anyway; it is most likely that if an operation becomes necessary, your boy will be kept in for that.

Bladder stones ops in boars very much depend on where the stone is located. Boars have got an inglenook in their longer urethra where a stone can get stuck. If the stone is in the bladder, then it is usually a pretty straightforward operation with generally good recovery chances. Kidney failure you usually notice by increased drinking and very watery urine. It is up to your vet to find out whether the UTI symptoms and the sudden loss of appetite are linked and where the problem sits exactly. A stone is just one possibility, although from what comes through this forum, it is the most frequent outcome.

Until you have a vet diagnosis, all you - and we - can do is guess and speculate; none of which is really productive, as it is not something we can influence or control and it usually only serves to drive you round the bend as you are inevitably drawn towards any worst case scenarios. In your current state, I would strongly recommend NOT to go and do any online research in this situation. Reading lots of horror stories is the last thing you want to do right now. :(

All you can do is play it as it comes; right now this means looking after Coco as best as you can. Give him your love now!

PS: Contact another vet or an out-of-hours vet promptly in case there is a marked deterioration before your scheduled appointment - hopefully that won't be necessary, though!
 
Hi Wiebke, Thanks for all your helpful advice and support yesterday - you offered me a lot of comfort and direction at a time of panic! Unfortunately Coco went to the bridge last night - he was peaceful, sleeping and didn't look to be in pain. We and the other piggies will miss him so much, especially as we rescued him - he was very special. But I'm comforted that he is out of pain now, and with his brother, who he missed very much despite having new friends to play with!

Thanks again for your help - its wonderful to come onto the forum at a time of need and know somebody will be here to offer advice. xx
 
I am very sorry that Coco has passed away, but I hope that you can take consolation that he has been spared a possible operation that in his weakened state would have come with an increased risk.

You are welcome to post a tribute to him in our Rainbow Bridge section if and whenever it feels right for you. Everybody is grieving differently, so it is there for those who wish to set a little memorial to their beloved pets and to share what has made them so special with people who understand at any time.
 
I am so so sorry you've lost Coco.
It will get better with time, & all the support you need is on the forum.
Sleep tight Coco.
 
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