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Rusty's Not Well

I've never had one have to stay like that before, it was really worrying. These vets know I can syringe feed and medicate, they wouldn't have kept him if it wasn't necessary. Poor little piggy had a canular so he could be given intravenous meds and fluids.
 
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Aw, poor little Rusty, he’s been through the mill! I’m sure he will feel better now he’s home with you and Peanut x
 
The news is not so good today. He went back to have his temperture checked this morning as they were worried about it being high yesterday. This visit has really upset him, he's stopped eating, after being so happy and bright last night and first thing this morning this is a major blow. The vet said this morning that his front teeth have started to overgrow and to stop syringe feeding to make him eat more hay. I left him this afternoon but he ate absolutely nothing, I've been sitting here reading a book and keeping an eye on him. I've just syringe fed him with a fight as I can't keep him any longer without food. This is the cycle I dread, I knew he wouldn't cope well with an operation it was so unfair of the vet to use emotional blackmail on me when I'd already decided PTS was the kindest thing to do.
 
I’m so sorry for you both, fingers crossed for Rusty, let’s hope he improves tomorrow x
 
I'm really shocked at the advice they gave you to stop syringe feeding him. Teeth can be sorted later, if needed, but for now he needs food going through his system. If he isn't taking it well, then feed little and often. I keep a tally chart when I need to feed like this, so you keep check of how much you are actually getting in. It's usually more than you think xx
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I'm really shocked at the advice they gave you to stop syringe feeding him. Teeth can be sorted later, if needed, but for now he needs food going through his system. If he isn't taking it well, then feed little and often. I keep a tally chart when I need to feed like this, so you keep check of how much you are actually getting in. It's usually more than you think xx
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Thanks Debbie, I wouldn't stop feeding him. I missed one feed to see if he would eat for himself but he wouldn't. I find syringe feeding stimulates them to have a go at eating for themselves usually. I've been syringe feeding and medicating one or other of my piggies now more on than off for the last eighteen months. I seem to have had a meds/feeding chart stuck to the kitchen door forever. I don't know how you manage with all those sick piggies at your sanctuary you can't ever have a break!
 
piggieminder said:
Thanks Debbie, I wouldn't stop feeding him. I missed one feed to see if he would eat for himself but he wouldn't. I find syringe feeding stimulates them to have a go at eating for themselves usually. I've been syringe feeding and medicating one or other of my piggies now more on than off for the last eighteen months. I seem to have had a meds/feeding chart stuck to the kitchen door forever. I don't know how you manage with all those sick piggies at your sanctuary you can't ever have a break!
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Things are good at the moment. Everyone eating well, for themselves, so just the drug round to do, each end of day! I’ve got a whiteboard which has a list of all the piggies, that need drugs! I tick them off, as I go! x x
 
Thanks everyone your support is appreciated. He's much the same today, it's heartbreaking. I'm trying to keep positive but we should be seeing an improvement now. He won't drink, I've been out and bought some different water filters, I've tried a bowl, there's 3 different makes of bottle at 3 levels on the cage, don't know what else to do. The most important weapon in the stone battle is drinking lots of water.
 
He's still not drinking and hardly eating anything for himself. I'm starting to feel a bit desperate, I'm so torn between the vets advice and what I know/think I should be doing. This vet has studdied guinea pigs and is supposed to be an expert! If there's no change in a day or two I'm going to take him back and try and see the vet I prefer there.
 
Oh no, sorry he’s not improving, was really hoping he’d be feeling better when he was out of the stress of the vets and home again. Definitely worth seeing the vet you prefer to maybe help. So sorry, hope he starts feeling better very soon with your brilliant care xx
 
piggieminder said:
Thanks everyone your support is appreciated. He's much the same today, it's heartbreaking. I'm trying to keep positive but we should be seeing an improvement now. He won't drink, I've been out and bought some different water filters, I've tried a bowl, there's 3 different makes of bottle at 3 levels on the cage, don't know what else to do. The most important weapon in the stone battle is drinking lots of water.
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When I had a piggy with bladder problems I used to syringe her water as she wouldn't drink out of her bottle. She used to love being syringed water and would drink loads. Have you tried this? I also used to syringe her pro-c. I hope Rusty improves soon.
 
Thanks @Lily & Rose I'm syringing him water and pro c, unfortunately it's a struggle as he doesn't want it. All my other bladder piggies have loved pro c which made syringing them water easy. My concern is that I have to go away soon (I can't cancel again) and the person who looks after the piggies won't syringe him so I need him well, eating and back to his drinking bottle.
 
Shame you don't live closer I'd look after him for you. I've syringe fed reluctant piggies before. Hugs - you're doing well.
 
We've had a little break through. Syringe feeding has been a huge fight, I've been feeding Science Selective, it's what he had at the vets and the one I usually use and had some in the first aid box. Today I found some Burgess Duo care in the cupboard from when I was feeding Spike and Peanut in December. I'd tried it because it's a lot cheaper than the others but still has all the extra good bits that nuggets don't have. He can't get enough, he's reaching for the syringe rather than fighting it. :yahoo: Just the drinking and hay to go!
 
Betsy said:
Shame you don't live closer I'd look after him for you. I've syringe fed reluctant piggies before. Hugs - you're doing well.
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Thanks @Betsy I often think when people are having problems I wish I lived closer! I could take him with me but it will be a long journey and would stress him out. I need to go and help sort an awkward family situation out, it's a bit more pressing than the usual relaxing visits to my daughter I always seem to cancel at the last minute due to piggies!
 
Poor Rusty, and poor you @piggieminder , the ups and downs of these poorly piggies are so stressful :(
Healing wheeks and paws crossed that Rusty keeps eating and drinking properly for you x
 
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