Rupert Doesn't Walk Properly And He Is Impacted

[Togepi]

Rupert is in a bit of a pickle and I would like some advice. He is just over three years old and a PAH pig (thinking this could be a reason for him being somewhat sickly. Never again).

He is literally a bag of bones and has been for a while now, although he still eats haye, nuggets and veggies and drinks as normal. I have made him a jumper out of a wooly sock to try and keep him warm.

I have been gently squeezing his poops but it is a daily reoccurrence and I have read it is common in older male pigs.

He has vitamin c in his water and I bought vitamin b complex today (I'm hoping this will help with his impaction and help him put on weight).

He is walking like a rabbit at the moment, hopping along if you like. Has anyone ever seen this?

Lastly, his grease gland looks blocked, I took him to the vets a little while ago and was sent home with iodine after his gland had been squeezed out but it has returned to the way it was before I took him.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Poor Rupert. I hope he get's better soon, we'll be thinking of him.
xx

 

[biscandmatt]

i would go back to the vets again. especially if he's losing weight and bunny hopping alot. poor little guy. sending him vibes x

 

[helen105281]

I think he needs to go back to the vets for a conscious xray. Bunny hopping can be a sign of a few different things including vitamin c deficiency and bladder stones. He will also need pain relief.

I would not put the Vitamin C in his water but try to give it to him separately by syringe.

Is your vet Cavy savvy? if not please have a look on our recommended vet locator.

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Which vets are you using? If you can drive I would recommend getting him to see my vet Sarah Pellett at Animates (Under recommended vets) or get him across to see Simon at the Cat & Rabbit clinic, although I am not sure if they are on holiday at the moment. Bunny hopping is usually an indicator of something seriously wrong. Please get him seen tomorrow if you can

 

[PiggySmitten]

Hi I can't offer much help other than to say I would myself definitely go to a piggie savvy vet with symptoms like those if you haven't already.

I just wanted to say poor you and Rupert. Hope you get everything sorted soon.

 

[Togepi]

I took Rupert to Andersons Vets in Orpington.

Luke gave him a thorough check and he came up blank, Ruperts teeth are good, no lumps or bumps.

Luke agreed Rupert is thin and seems a little dehydrated even though he drinks a fair bit so it could either be his kidneys or some sort of parasite, he also has soft poops.

Luke sent us home with the following but I am worried about using them for fear of them finishing Rupert off, I told Luke I didn't want Baytril for this reason.

- Panacur 0.3ml once daily for 7 days
- Cisapride 0.15ml twice daily for 7 days
- Septrin Paediatric 0.4ml twice daily for 7 days

Rupert is still eating and drinking and since being home I topped him up with cucumber for the water content.

I also bought some barley hoops and oats to try and fatten him up this way too, he is just over 800g.

Sorry for the long post. Could I have thoughts on the medication please.

 

[helen105281]

I can see how the vet is thinking and none of what he has prescribed should do any harm so definitely go ahead with it. I am just a bit worried about the bunny hopping. Did he not suggest an xray?

 

[Togepi]

I can see how the vet is thinking and none of what he has prescribed should do any harm so definitely go ahead with it. I am just a bit worried about the bunny hopping. Did he not suggest an xray?

I forgot to mention his bunny hopping I am going to call them tomorrow for advice on that.

Thank you for responding.

 

[Togepi]

Bump

Does anyone else have an opinion too?