Specialist Possible Diabetes

[katew]

Our alpha female Juno has lost quite a lot of weight over the last few weeks, seems to have phases of being very thirsty and is a bit withdrawn. She is still eating but not as much as before.

I have just taken her to the vet and everything is superficially normal. The catch is that she was overweight before and is now a 'normal' weight. The vet has suggested sedating her to check her teeth more thoroughly and take a blood sample. I don't want to rush into this as I know there is a risk with anaesthetic. He thinks it could be diabetes.

I have decided to keep weighing her over the next few days and if she looses any more weight, I will take her back. I was also wondering if she could have kidney stones and will try and get a look at her wee.

What I was wondering is if anyone has experience of a diabetic pig ? - what the prognosis is and how or if it can be treated ?

Thanks

 

[Flutterby]

Aww poor girl. I don't have any experience with this, but sending healing vibes to her.x x

 

[Elwickcavies]

Diabetes can be tricky to diagnose in Guinea pigs. A high sugar level in the urine is not definitive as diet can have a huge effect. What makes your vet think it's diabetes? If it is, it can be controlled with insulin and is not a reason to pts.

Most vets will want to sedate in order to check the molars Although it is possible to do this conscious, it is not embraced by the vet community. Simon @ the Cat & Rabbit Clinic in Northampton is the only one that I know of that does conscious dentals.

It may be worth getting a second opinion.

 

[flintstones]

I lost a guinea pig to diabetes sadly the diagnosis took to long because I was to scared to do blood's. Before my vet put to sleep he made a small cut at the back of her ear and tested her glucoses, also he checked her Urine both Urine and blood was off the scale for glucose. Sadly the guinea pig was to far gone to save.

Now if any of my piggies need investigation work I get everything done at once under Ga. You need a knowledgeable vet, I wouldn't let just any vet do blood's but I would get it done if your vet has the experience.

I have had numerous piggies over the years who have needed bloodwork and never had any problems.

 

[katew]

I lost a guinea pig to diabetes sadly the diagnosis took to long because I was to scared to do blood's. Before my vet put to sleep he made a small cut at the back of her ear and tested her glucoses, also he checked her Urine both Urine and blood was off the scale for glucose. Sadly the guinea pig was to far gone to save.

Now if any of my piggies need investigation work I get everything done at once under Ga. You need a knowledgeable vet, I wouldn't let just any vet do blood's but I would get it done if your vet has the experience.

I have had numerous piggies over the years who have needed bloodwork and never had any problems.

Thank you that is really good to know.

 

[flintstones]

The good thing about bloodwork is it can diagonise a range of problems including kidney if it's far enough gone. I had a guinea pig who was due to have an operation. The vet decided to check his kidney function before the operation as he didn't want my little pig to suffer. The blood's showed his kidneys where severely damaged and it was in my pig's best interest to put to sleep. As his kidneys would have failed shortly after the operation.

 

[katew]

The good thing about bloodwork is it can diagonise a range of problems including kidney if it's far enough gone. I had a guinea pig who was due to have an operation. The vet decided to check his kidney function before the operation as he didn't want my little pig to suffer. The blood's showed his kidneys where severely damaged and it was in my pig's best interest to put to sleep. As his kidneys would have failed shortly after the operation.

I will probably take her later this week - problem is that she hates the vet - I think it has to be done though. Thank you for your help.

 

[flintstones]

Make sure the vet is extremely piggy savy, as blood's are taken from the main artery in the neck. You want whoever is taking the bloods to be very experienced. It's not something that bothers me now as I've had it done so many times but I always use the same vet.

 

[katew]

Make sure the vet is extremely piggy savy, as blood's are taken from the main artery in the neck. You want whoever is taking the bloods to be very experienced. It's not something that bothers me now as I've had it done so many times but I always use the same vet.

Thanks - I will check that out.