putting together some sort of first aid kit.

[Craig David]

Hello everyone

iv started to collect some bits and bobs for the pigs just incase they get ill or anything so far i have got:

Naeem and manuka shampoo
naeem and manuka melt
lavender and myrr lotion gorgeous guineas
cannestan (used it to treat ringworm)
bephanthen
vitamin c supplement (pets at home)
probiotic supplement
optrex infected eyes (kept in the fridge)


what other things could i be advised to get? i was thinking of getting some of the cream for cuts from gorgeous guineas but would bephanthen act as the same thing?

 

[MidnightAngel]

How about Xeno 450 (spot-on) and Oxbow Critical Care. Having said that the Critical Care goes out of date quickly so to be honest every time I get some in the vets, when I come to needing it, it's gone out of date! grrrr

 

[missy]

It's a fab idea to keep a few bits, just in case. These days lots of things are even available off the shelf at Supermarkets, so I try not to get too carried away buying things which you can pick up very easily, unless I actually need to use them.

In addition to the things already mentioned, other stuff I've used and keep in case I need again include:
Dioralyte (replaces essential nutrients/electrolytes etc when dehydrated)
Buscopan (for short-term use with Bloat & Colic type symptoms)
Rescue Remedy (for reducing stress, especially good before travelling)
Metatone (used as an appetite stimulant)
Pearl Barley (to make a preparation for alleviating Cystitis-related discomfort)
Vicks ointment (for minor snuffles)
Otodex (drops for cleaning ears, available from some pet shops or online)
Vaseline (especially useful for boars)

It's extremely useful to have a few disposable syringes in case you need them, for syringe-feeding Critical Care etc & fluids, giving meds and even for containing urine samples! You can get these from your Vet, any pharmacy or online. I've found not all Chemists sell 1ml sized syringes and these are the best for guineas, so having a few handy is a good idea.

I'd also advise thinking about buying a couple of over the counter meds before you actually need them. From my experience, the last thing you want is the stress of going to the Chemist to be questioned by an over-enthusiastic & inquisitive Pharmacist (and having to fib convincingly!) if you have a very sick piggy at home needing your attention. Obviously you'd go to your Vet, for specialist treatment, but there might be times when you perhaps need something short-term, inbetween Visits (e.g. Children's Nurofen/Calpol or Sudafed Expectorant)

Hope this helps!

 

[Spishkey]

calpol.....? (pain relief and fever reducing, contains paracetamol)
i also keep things like nail cutters, scissors, gauze, cotton buds, small hand towel etc in there

 

[Wiebke]

Have you had a look in our reference section? We have a permanent thread there with other useful information threads!
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36634

 

[Craig David]

thanks people for the advice i will get some of the things mentioned.

were would i get some syringes from? I'm presuming they havent got a needle on the end lol.xx

 

[Craig David]

aah thanks missy seen it. illl go chemist xx

 

[missy]

thanks people for the advice i will get some of the things mentioned.

were would i get some syringes from? I'm presuming they havent got a needle on the end lol.xx

No you don't need a needle! Just the plastic bit. I think people mostly buy them for administering meds to babies/children. Supermarket pharmacies even sell them. They'll probably be around £1 each but if you buy online they're cheaper. Just make sure that they're properly wrapped up, so they're sterile.

 

[Craig David]

cheers missy will do. Fingers crossed i wont need them but I'm guna get some * never know do * xx