Post-op feeding up?

[Wendy2303]

My 2 year-old piggie had a kidney stone removed on Thursday. She has been eating well since she got home, but we weighed her for the first time today (we didn't want to stress her too much or handle her more than necessary when she was still feeling delicate) and she has lost quite a lot of weight, about 90g from her healthy pre-stone weight. Should we be supplementing her with Critical Care to build her back up or just leave her to put it back on naturally?

 

[weepweeps]

I’d weigh her tomorrow morning and if she’s lost weight then I’d start syringe feeding. Weigh her every morning and feed her more or less depending on what her weight is doing.

Tips For Post-operative Care

All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes please do syringe feed her. It is important post op piggy is fed often from day 1 of surgery if they aren't eating.

Weepweeps has added the post op care guide so I wont add it again but do give it a ready

 

[Wendy2303]

Thank you both. I think I maybe phrased it badly. She is eating well (and shoving her sisters out of the way for it!), so I am not concerned about that and the weight loss is expected after being unwell. My question was do we supplement as well as her normal feeds to try to get her back to her healthy weight quicker, or do we let her build it back up through her normal diet?

 

[weepweeps]

When I had a poorly piggy once it took him 6 months to get back to his pre illness weight. I’m pleased she’s doing so well. I’m sure in time she will get there herself with no additional feeding from you. Keep an eye on her weight that will tell you she’s definitely eating enough.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Regaining lost weight can take weeks. You don’t necessarily need to supplement for that if she maintained daily but you do need to feed her if she has lost weight again this morning

 

[Wendy2303]

She weighs the same today as she did yesterday. I will keep weighing her daily and as long as it stays the same or goes up then I won't worry about supplementing.
How long would you recommend daily weighing for if it does go up?

 

[weepweeps]

I’d weigh her daily for a few more days. Then twice a week until you’re sure she’s definitely on the up.

 

[Wendy2303]

She is maintaining weight, but not putting it on, should we add in some supplementary feeding?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Piggies lose weight within days but It takes several weeks for them to regain weight lost due to illness.
As long as she is maintaining, I wouldn’t worry about regaining just yet.
Check her heft. If she still feels good then I would not be concerned.

Some (although mostly it’s older piggies) just maintain at a new lower normal level rather than regain.