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Problems getting piggy to eat after dental

Jozza1972

Jozza1972

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Aug 28, 2018
Messages
36
Reaction score
44
Points
170
Location
York, UK
Hi there. I’ve just joined the forum today and it’s such a great piggy community. I’m looking for reassurance regarding one of my piggies. We have two boars aged 2 (Dobby & Peter) and recently Dobby started to lose weight and seemed to be struggling with eating.

After several vet visits last week, Dobby had dental surgery last Thursday where they found a large molar tooth spur had grown into his cheek and tongue. The vet burred the tooth down and she said his others were fine. Because the op was late afternoon, they kept him in overnight for syringe feeding.

We picked him up on Friday and brought home metacam, fibrplex and some rescue feed for syringe feeding him. He had lost a little more weight when he had his post op check on Sunday. The vet was a bit puzzled and thought his appetite should be improving. She upped the metacam to twice daily and recommended continuing syringe feeding and possibly trying to tempt him with baby food as well as all his fave treats.

He put weight on (30g) yesterday but had lost it again this morning. It’s probably my fault as I had reduced the syringe feeding as he was much more his normal self. He’s still favouring soft food such as cucumber and looks uncomfortable when he’s chewing. We’re syringe feeding regularly. He won’t attempt hay and he takes tiny bites out of veggies and takes ages chewing them.

I guess I’m asking if this is normal to take a while for a piggies eating to improve post dental? We’re so stressed out about it. His behaviour is good. He is purring, rumble strutting, chuntering etc. The vet didn’t trim his front teeth as they were fine so it’s not that causing problems. I do just think it’s discomfort but I just want him to get better. Any advice greatfully received. Thanks in advance xx
 
Hello
Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you are having issues. Dental problems are horrible.

Front teeth shouldnt be trimmed and are rarely problematic

Can I ask you location please?
 
You need to increase the syringe feeding first and foremost, we have a really helpful guide here Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Piggies can take a while to eat post dental sometimes but the metacam should be taking care of any mouth discomfort so it would lead me to think there may still be a teeth issue at play.

i am tagging in a lady who runs a Guinea Pig dental Sanctuary for advice @furryfriends (TEAS) She isn't on forum this evening but will see this tag when she next logs on and can hopefully offer advice
 
sport_billy said:
Hello
Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear you are having issues. Dental problems are horrible.

Front teeth shouldnt be trimmed and are rarely problematic

Can I ask you location please?
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Hi thanks so much for the reply. I’m in York, UK.
 
Yorkshire & Humberside

Battle Fts Veterinary Clinic
Mark Naguib
Buttercrambe Road
York
YO41 1AN
01759 371066

Holly House Vets
Segio Silvetti
468 Street Ln
Leeds
Yorkshire
LS17 6HA
0113 2369030

Springfield Vet Group
William Taylor
39 Moorgate Road
Rotheram
Yorkshire
S602AD
01709 377241

Millcroft Veterinary Group
Vicki Temple
Wakefield Road
Cumbria
CA13 0HR
01900 826666
MILLCROFT VETERINARY GROUP CUMBRIA - Cumbria Vets - Home
 
vets from our locator in your area, unsure on their dental expertise however
 
we have had two piggies with dental issues, it is so horrible and stressful. It is emotionally draining, but it sounds like you are doing the right thing. Keep up with the syringe feeding, try cutting the veg into smaller pieces or strips.

Is Dobby eating any hay at all? Maybe try some Oxbow Orchard grass to try and tempt him a little. When he is eating does he look like he is still masticating? Over Chewing?
 
Thanks very much. I see one of them is in York. I may give them a ring to see if they have experience in dentals. I don’t really have a complaint with his treatment so far at our vets. They’re very caring and have checked him over thoroughly when we’ve taken him in. He is taking his syringe feeds like a champ and I’m hoping that he’ll be stimulated to start eating ASAP. He’s such a fab little chap.
 
You’re not kidding. I’m in such a state about it. It’s awful.

I’ve noticed since the dental that he is drooling when he does eat. He often has a wet chin. Does that sound normal post dental?
 
I understand that. I really do, we had a good vet but they didn't have dental experience, it took us ages to find one with dental experience

It's great you aren't battling with syringe feeding and he is taking them well, that can be half the battle. You sound like such a caring owner Dobby is obviously in safe hands
 
Jozza1972 said:
You’re not kidding. I’m in such a state about it. It’s awful.

I’ve noticed since the dental that he is drooling when he does eat. He often has a wet chin. Does that sound normal post dental?
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I know, I am sorry you are going through it.
Keep up with the metacam and the fibreplex as that will be giving his guts the fibre missing from hay. What syringe feed are you using out of interest?

Not really. I am hoping @furryfriends (TEAS) can offer a little more guidance she works in conjunction with a vet in Northampton who is regarding as one of the best Guinea Pig vets in the UK he is also excellent at piggy dentistry
 
@sport_billy we were given recovery plus by the vet, but I’ve ordered some critical care to come tomorrow and also some of the orchard grass to try and tempt him.

It’s really lovely to have somebody who understands. The guinea pigs are actually my daughters, but I’m so in love with them. They’re like my babies!
 
I'm sorry I wasn't online yesterday, but so busy with work at mo (I am a petsitter).

If the teeth have been filed correctly, the guinea pig should be eating immediately, or certainly within 24 hours of the dental. The drooling is a strong indicator that there is still a dental problem present.

Unfortunately, most vets have no idea about guinea pig teeth and people end up spending huge amounts of money with no success.

I know this sounds crazy, but is there anyway you could get your piggy down to Northampton, to be seen by Simon Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic? Simon sees guinea pigs, with dental issues, from all over the UK, and he succeeds where all other vets have failed. Only a couple of weeks ago, we were contacted by someone from South Devon, asking for help. It was suggested that they should try and get their guinea pig to see Simon. This they did and the guinea pig is now eating well and they say they wish they'd come at the start of the problem, rather than spending many hundreds of pounds on vets who didn't make any difference at all.

www.catandrabbit.co.uk
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
It will definitely be worth the journey. He’s currently on holiday but back on Monday.
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Just to update. I took Dobby back to our vet on Wednesday. They’ve tried him with some antibiotics in case there was infection. He’s still not eating. He drools a lot when he does try eating and he’s very slow chewing and pulls funny faces with his mouth. I’m keeping him going with critical care, but as he’s lost weight since yesterday I’m going to increase the amount as I was giving on the low side to try and get him to eat in between.

Our vet recommended taking him to a guinea pig specialist and we’re seeing one on Monday in Stamford Bridge (bit closer than Northampton). I’m really hoping he can sort Dobby’s mouth issues out for us. I’m mentally exhausted 😩

If he can’t help, my only option will be to make the journey to Northampton. Keeping everything crossed for my fab little guy ❤️
 
Sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time with Dobby. I can't offer any help but just wanted you to know we are all here on the forum to offer our support.
You are doing your best for him with the syringe feeding and i know it must be tiring but hopefully the vet in Stamford Bridge will be able to help. If not i agree with the others on the forum that Simon is your best option to get Dobby eating again.

Sending healing thoughts for poor Dobby and hugs for you.
 
I hope things get better for Dobby. I really know how you feel, you will find out most people think there piggies are there babies. Lol when you see your vet, some vets will work with Simon, if there are any problems get him to ring Simon. Although like Teas says he on holiday till Monday. Keep us updated.
 
Hope all goes well with the specialist. If you have no luck with him then I would definitely have him seen by Simon.
 
I don't mean to sound negative, but I worry that you will spend many hundreds of pounds, seeing a 'specialist' and be no further forward. This is something I see day in, day out! So many people contact TEAS, after visiting many vets, including specialists, who have done lots of expensive tests, but haven't actually done anything positive.

Simon is back in work on Monday, although I know appointments, for next week, are booking up really fast. I know it's a long way, but you can be almost 100% sure of a positive outcome. The piggies who see Simon, in the earlier stages of the dental issue, are the ones who cure. Sadly, many wait and go to him as a last ditch attempt before putting the guinea pig to sleep and although they do well, they can take a lot longer to come right, as Simon is seeing them when things are really bad.

I don't want to look like I am telling you what to do, but I do have a huge amount of experience in dealing with guinea pigs with dental issues.
 
I just feel so helpless. Can I book an appointment to see Simon next week? I’m supposed to be at work mom-wed next week and the kids are back at school on Wednesday so I’ve no idea how we’re going to manage feeding Dobby next week. I would have driven down this week if he was there. I don’t know what to do for the best. If there were any appointments early next week I would come for sure
 
@Jozza1972 You should give them a call, hopefully Simon has an appointment free. Mention that your pig isn't eating so an appointment asap would be really helpful 01604 478888
 
What Teas has said is the best thing Jozza, but that doesn't mean it's pulling you back on forth. It is apparent that you love dobby & have a lot of pressures on. We do have a piggy train, where piggies are transported to be rehomed or for vet visits. Hang on I'll see if anyone can help.
 
Tiamolly123 said:
What Teas has said is the best thing Jozza, but that doesn't mean it's pulling you back on forth. It is apparent that you love dobby & have a lot of pressures on. We do have a piggy train, where piggies are transported to be rehomed or for vet visits. Hang on I'll see if anyone can help.
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Thank you so much. I have managed to get him in, but not until next Friday. I’m hoping we can maintain his weight until then. I’m so thankful for this forum.
 
Just wanted to wish you luck and offer support. I have a piggy with dental issues and I remember at the start (before we got him sorted) the terrible worry and trying to keep his weight on x
 
That's great, think the only worry I'd have is whether he will be OK about syringe feeds while your working. Is there anyone who can step in with the feeding?
 
I’ve had Dobby’s history emailed across ready for next Friday. My only question now is should I still go to the vet at Stamford Bridge on Monday on the offchance he can help, or is it wasting money?
 
Hello
Sorry you are going through the it, with your boy and his teeth. One of my boys Ted had problem with his teeth back in July. Our local vet did GA and filed his teeth, also cut front teeth. He could not eat veg or hay, had to syring feed him, he lost lots of weight. Joined this forum desperate for help. ADvised by Debbie at Teas to see Simon Maddox in Northampton. I live in the far west of Cornwall, it was a 6.5 hour drive and a stay in a hotel overnight. The journey was REALLY worth it, Simon filed his teeth without Anesthetic, it took 10 minutes, and he was eating hay within 5 minutes of his appointment. He has been fine since, and has put on 150gms and nearly back to pre problem weight). It's cost £40, very cheap! Not that money comes into it really. I wouldn't waste my time with any vets with regard to dental issues now, I will always go to Simon Maddox in Northampton.
Wishing you and your piggie all the best, it's an awful time for you both X
 
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