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Post Vet Analysis: Casran

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TheAurora

TheAurora

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I'd appreciate all thoughts, comments, expert opinions...

The vet is very concerned about Casran for two reasons:
1. He's not responding at all to antibiotics.
2. Because of his bulgy-out eye ... which, apparently, doesn't do what a guinea pig eye should do when she puts pressure on it leading her to believe there is a swelling, obstruction behind the eye. This could be caused by a)abscess, b)tumour, c)swelling caused by infection, mucas build up, bruising... all these could also be constricting the airways and causing his current breathing problems.

Casran had a full body x-ray today (awake). Conclusions:
1. There's no build up of fluid on the lungs.
2. There's a large build up of gas in his stomach (one side).
3. There was nothing in the x-ray which showed an obvious growth behind the eye.
4. There is no way of ruling out a growth behind the eye tho because of the type of x-ray Casran had and how much it can sho... the vet said the only way to conclusively see what's happening behind the eye is to do an x-ray under GA which she is not willing to do because of Casran's breathing issues.

Ongoing treatment:
Casran is to continue on Baytril for a while longer. He is now on Metcam too. And, because I've finally been able to get Casran in front of a vet, Bisolvin as well.
The vet said she can give him something for the tummy gas but is reluctant to put him on too much medication at once, especially seeing as he is eating and poo-ing fine. But if there is still no improvement by early next week to go ahead and add that to the mix.

Future:
If Casran shows no improvement by this time next week, it will be time to consider the growth behind the eye prognosis.
Things get a little more complex in terms of diagnosis and treatment if that is the case and a lot will depend on what it is and where it is.
The vet did say it may be a case of referring me to Animates as they are specialists in treating more complex cases when it comes to guinea pigs.

I have to say that with the poppy out eye thing, I'm leaning towards it being a growth.

Any thoughts?
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
If he's not responding to the antibiotics, why are they not changing it?
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Gosh, I didn't know to ask for this. I didn't even know there were other antibiotics! What others are there so I know what to ask for next time. Oh dear, I find this all so confusing. I've let him down! :-(


furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Bulgy eye sounds very likely to be retrobulbar abscess. Can be treated very successfully. Have you had a look at Cedric's thread? I'll find the link
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Could this be causing his breathing probs?

Maybe I should try and get an appointments with Animates regardless!

Thank you x
 
I'm no expert but could it be pressure in the sinus causing the eye to bulge? Or indeed an abcess.

With regards to breathing, they have said theres no fluid. Is there crackles in the chest when they listen? Could the congestion be upper airway causing his struggle to breathe and subsequently gasp as gpigs predominantly breathe through their nose? Or is the lungs definately compromised? If not then This could all be coming from the eye issue and could possibly be treatable- are u near TEAS? As @furryfriends (TEAS) has mentioned, they are excellent for those kind of things.

I think a second opinion for the antibiotics at least would be a good move.

I'm sorry to bombard you with suggestions xx
 
TheAurora said:
Gosh, I didn't know to ask for this. I didn't even know there were other antibiotics! What others are there so I know what to ask for next time. Oh dear, I find this all so confusing. I've let him down! :-(
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Can I just take the opportunity to say you have very far from let him down. You are doing your absolute best for your boy who is posing as a bit of an enigma to someone qualified in veterinary medicine (which you and I aren't). It's confusing, worrying and frustrating for you. I've no answers -just wanted to send you a virtual hug xx
 
The Aurora do you mean Animates Thurlby? If you book an appointment ask for Sarah Pellett, she is the Exotics specialist , she is my vet & she is brilliant. Please stress it is urgent. If you struggle to get down here if you can get a train from Lincoln to Spalding I'd be happy to pick you up but I am at work tomorrow so not sure how urgent you need to see her. Pm me if you want a chat x
 
Poppy'sMum said:
The Aurora do you mean Animates Thurlby? If you book an appointment ask for Sarah Pellett, she is the Exotics specialist , she is my vet & she is brilliant. Please stress it is urgent. If you struggle to get down here if you can get a train from Lincoln to Spalding I'd be happy to pick you up but I am at work tomorrow so not sure how urgent you need to see her. Pm me if you want a chat x
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What a beautifully kind thing to offer.

How wonderful you are!

x
 
So tonight I mushed up some of Casran's pellets with boiling water and mixed in a bit of bisolvon and the rest of the antibiotics he wouldn't take this morning ( he's taken to receiving it all in his mouth then throwing his head forward to so it falls down his chin).

He's absolutely lapping it up with a syringe (cut)... it must be so much easier for him than chewing when he can't breath.

x
 
Alternatively if Debbie at TEAS thinks it is retribullar abscess & seeing Simon at the Cat & Rabbit clinic would be better then we might be able to arrange a piggy train to Northampton if you wish? I'll tag @furryfriends (TEAS) to see what she thinks, would just need someone to pick him up at Peterborough probably x
 
agree that baytril may not be the best for this problem. it rarely is for anything to do with breathing problems. i can highly recommend sarah pellett aswell. she used to work at our vets a while back and she is excellent and very highly qualified. and lovely too :) x

you have not let him down at all. these kind of problems can be complex x
 
Sarah Pellet does prescribe Zithromax too & is an excellent surgeon, she has operated on 2 of mine including a full spay because of Pyometra x I'm off work Mon/Tues if you want to take up my offer @TheAurora x
 
So, it would seem the one drug that has a major impact on Casran's condition is Metcam... whatever the anti-inflammatory is anti inflaming, there is a significant improvement whilst the Metcam is working (then back to square one when it wares off). Even the bisolvon has no affect.

@Poppy'sMum you are an angel from heaven!

Organising time off from my job is a little tricky. Going to ring Animates at the beginning of next week and see if they will even see Casran. I might take him back to my own vet in the meantime and ask for another antibiotic anyway ... or at least ring them and ask for Zithromax.

I was led in bed getting very angry at the vet I saw Thursday... the more I think about the things she said the ANGRIER I become x
 
I am so sorry I have missed your posts, poor Casran and poor you going through all this. I've not been on the forum much lately as our routine has been changing (OH changing job). I am not surprised you are angry I would be too. I'm not very good at asking for what I want or offering an opinion but find once I get angry at bad service/advice I can put my foot down in a nice enough way to get some action. Hugs to you, Casran and Jemima from me and Spike and Peanut.
 
@TheAurora Sarah Pellet doesn't work Wednesdays don't forget. Trains are tricky from Spalding back to Lincoln, the best thing I can suggest if you come on an afternoon maybe get to Spalding about 1 or 2 ish (If you can get a half day off work maybe?) Get an appointment with Sarah about 2.30-3.00 & then get the train back afterwards? If you want to pm me times that you can do I'll give you an idea of whayt I can help with x
 
Poppy'sMum said:
@TheAurora Sarah Pellet doesn't work Wednesdays don't forget. Trains are tricky from Spalding back to Lincoln, the best thing I can suggest if you come on an afternoon maybe get to Spalding about 1 or 2 ish (If you can get a half day off work maybe?) Get an appointment with Sarah about 2.30-3.00 & then get the train back afterwards? If you want to pm me times that you can do I'll give you an idea of whayt I can help with x
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You've made me cry! I can't believe someone would help me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Finger's crossed Sarah will see us. x
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Please get a second opinion. Don't waste money and time on a vet you clearly don't trust. @Poppy'sMum has made a good and very kind offer of help. Please try and see the vet she suggests. How often are you giving Metacam and what dose?
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Yes, I'm going to do everything in my power to make this happen. Thank you for your support.

The Metacam dose is 0.6ml once a day. Could I split it?
 
I'll get him an appointment, don't worry :) I can speak to Sarah, I am sure she will fit him in, you just need to pm me what days/times you can do next week x

What type is it? Dog or cat Metacam? What does he weigh? x
 
TheAurora said:
Yes, I'm going to do everything in my power to make this happen. Thank you for your support.

The Metacam dose is 0.6ml once a day. Could I split it?
Click to expand...

Is that dog Metacam or cat Metacam? We give 0.25 ml dog Metacam twice a day, going up to 0.3 ml twice a day if necessary.
 
Yes split that in two, they tolerate quite high levels of Metacam & Sarah may well prescribe Tramodol too. Is his eye any worse? x
 
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