Sick piggy

[Scoop]

Hi! I have a10month old boy who has been refusing food and sitting a lot since Thursday. Didn’t have him registered so called pets at home vet as he come from there. They couldn’t see him so ended up at emergency vet. They gave me feed for every 2 hours and injected him with metachlopramide and ranitidine + analgesia. Fed him over night then told to go to vet in morning. In morning they thought it was probably a teeth problem so took him in and filed them. He seemed a little better Friday night but them started refusing syringe feed. Went back to vet Saturday afternoon and she couldn’t help. Cave me metacam and told me to call a specialist on Monday! Managed to keep force feeding him every 3 hour but he has pooped very little, they are sticky and small. He occasionally will eat a few mouthfuls of hay in between feeds but is still lethargic ? Pain meds not helping. Still not entirely sure if he teeth are the issue but when I offer him his favourite veg he mouths at them as if trying to eat then turns away. Going to try to get in at teeth specialist tomorrow but any help much appreciated. Tried a bit of poop soup on the last feed but grasping at straws

 

[ChiefJustice]

Doesn't sound like there's much advice that can be given outside of what your vet has already said unfortunately. It's a tough one Were you given contact information for the specialist vet?

Hope all goes well with your little one.

 

[Scoop]

I was given a name but I can find them. He has pooped after syringe feed today so maybe his stomach is improving and he has eaten a little hay. Fingers Crossed

 

[Lady Kelly]

Keep going with it, little and often. Try our vet locator to see if you recognise names or maybe somewhere to try Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

 

[Scoop]

I wanted to take him to Springfield in Rotherham but because he had been seen by another vet they would only see him as an emergency and couldn’t say they could do anything more

 

[ChiefJustice]

I wanted to take him to Springfield in Rotherham but because he had been seen by another vet they would only see him as an emergency and couldn’t say they could do anything more

That's a strange policy. Did they say why? Usually as long as they have the animal's full medical history you can be seen by any vet you want.

 

[dannif_piggies]

Firstly. I really hope you figure out what is wrong for your fur baby. It's horrible knowing you're trying everything but they just don't seem to be getting better. Keep with the syringe feeding little bits often. Can I ask if your baby has a cage mate? Or a neighbour? Potentially along side illness, your baby is feeling lonely and depressed which is enhancing his symptoms of being lethargic.

I hope your baby pulls through. What is he like with veggies? Is he showing any interest in those?

 

[Scoop]

He had a cage mate now a side by side as they both want dominance, he is about 6 months and too loud for ted. He is mouthing at veg but not biting. Managed to book specialist vet for this morning

 

[Scoop]

That's a strange policy. Did they say why? Usually as long as they have the animal's full medical history you can be seen by any vet you want.

They said it would be treading on toes and even as a second opinion it would have still been emergency prices? Also unlikely to help with diagnosis?

 

[dannif_piggies]

They said it would be treading on toes and even as a second opinion it would have still been emergency prices? Also unlikely to help with diagnosis?

I personally have never heard or anything like this. If you're not happy with the diagnosis or advice given by one vet, it's your right to seek additional advice and veterinary care. How bizarre.

 

[dannif_piggies]

He had a cage mate now a side by side as they both want dominance, he is about 6 months and too loud for ted. He is mouthing at veg but not biting. Managed to book specialist vet for this morning

At least he has communication through the bars. I hope you get some answers at the vets today

 

[Allie0078]

Oh bless you this sounds very frustrating! Especially when you’ve got such a poorly piggie. I agree that it’s very odd that the Rotherham vet wouldn’t see for a second opinion.

I have been doing some research on vets in this area recently (I live in worksop). I came across the Ark in Killamarsh. They advertise themselves as an exotics vet and say they take referrals or you can take your pets for a second opinion.

They aren’t on the list of recommended vets on here though. Neither can I comment on prices or what they are like because I haven’t used them myself. However I was impressed by what they said on their website about their services - and also that they do mention guinea pigs! I’d decided that when I next need a vet I would get in touch with them and perhaps try them out. Might be worth a phone call at least?

Anyone else used this vet?

Ark Veterinary Surgery | Vets in Sheffield, Dronfield & Killamarsh

 

[Bill & Ted]

The UK’s most experienced dental piggie vet is Simon Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Clinic in Northampton. If it’s dental then its well worth the journey. I take one of my piggies (for a conscious dental) there and he works wonders x
No referrals needed. Hope you can get your boy sorted soon x

The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic

 

[Scoop]

Oh bless you this sounds very frustrating! Especially when you’ve got such a poorly piggie. I agree that it’s very odd that the Rotherham vet wouldn’t see for a second opinion.

I have been doing some research on vets in this area recently (I live in worksop). I came across the Ark in Killamarsh. They advertise themselves as an exotics vet and say they take referrals or you can take your pets for a second opinion.

They aren’t on the list of recommended vets on here though. Neither can I comment on prices or what they are like because I haven’t used them myself. However I was impressed by what they said on their website about their services - and also that they do mention guinea pigs! I’d decided that when I next need a vet I would get in touch with them and perhaps try them out. Might be worth a phone call at least?

Anyone else used this vet?

Ark Veterinary Surgery | Vets in Sheffield, Dronfield & Killamarsh

Yes! That’s the one we went to this morning. She was great He has good bowel sounds now so that’s an improvement. When she looked in his mouth his teeth were really sharp still so he needs to go back on Wednesday for surgery again if he hasn’t started to eat normally. She gave him the fine version on critical care and he is tolerating it much better, I can get more in him without any fighting. He is now on ranitidine, emeprid and just about to start probiotics with vit c. He poop is awful but at least it is now flowing. She was fairly hopeful. He is currently wandering around the living room

 

[Scoop]

The UK’s most experienced dental piggie vet is Simon Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Clinic in Northampton. If it’s dental then its well worth the journey. I take one of my piggies (for a conscious dental) there and he works wonders x
No referrals needed. Hope you can get your boy sorted soon x

The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic

Thank you! If this turns out to be a reoccurring problem I will definitely look him up.

 

[Allie0078]

Yes! That’s the one we went to this morning. She was great He has good bowel sounds now so that’s an improvement. When she looked in his mouth his teeth were really sharp still so he needs to go back on Wednesday for surgery again if he hasn’t started to eat normally. She gave him the fine version on critical care and he is tolerating it much better, I can get more in him without any fighting. He is now on ranitidine, emeprid and just about to start probiotics with vit c. He poop is awful but at least it is now flowing. She was fairly hopeful. He is currently wandering around the living room

Oh I’m so pleased you’ve found someone to help! And sounds like a positive outcome too. Good luck for Wednesday, poor piggy

I’m positive that you had a good experience at Ark too - there aren’t many exotic vets around me - but Killamarsh isn’t too difficult to get to. Definitely think I’ll go there if/when needed. Did you have to request an exotics vet specifically when you made the appointment? Were they any more expensive than a normal vet?

Keep us posted about your piggy! X

 

[Scoop]

I personally have never heard or anything like this. If you're not happy with the diagnosis or advice given by one vet, it's your right to seek additional advice and veterinary care. How bizarre.

I know I was a little upset. There out of hours fee is also much higher than vets now and they were really helpful. He wouldn’t have gotten through the first night without them.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum
I am so pleased that your sick piggy seems to be improving.
It’s such a worry when they’re sick.
Holding you in my thoughts

 

[Scoop]

Oh I’m so pleased you’ve found someone to help! And sounds like a positive outcome too. Good luck for Wednesday, poor piggy

I’m positive that you had a good experience at Ark too - there aren’t many exotic vets around me - but Killamarsh isn’t too difficult to get to. Definitely think I’ll go there if/when needed. Did you have to request an exotics vet specifically when you made the appointment? Were they any more expensive than a normal vet?

Keep us posted about your piggy! X

I just told them what had happened and the receptionist/nurse was a piggy owner! There only seemed to be one vet front of house but they have lots of diagnostics and specialist surgeries so assuming there were more about. She was really patient and spent time trying to look in his mouth and examine him. When we came out the lady on reception had experience with giving the meds to her own piggy so had great advice on the best way to give them for a newbie.They are also a 24 hour vet so can be contacted when needed. Very little experience with pricing. If he goes in on Wednesday it will be the same procedure as with vets for pets so I can let you know the comparison. It was certainly the least I have paid so far but with an out of hours appt and a surgery to compare it doesn’t say much.

 

[Scoop]

Welcome to the forum
I am so pleased that your sick piggy seems to be improving.
It’s such a worry when they’re sick.
Holding you in my thoughts

Thank you

 

[Allie0078]

I just told them what had happened and the receptionist/nurse was a piggy owner! There only seemed to be one vet front of house but they have lots of diagnostics and specialist surgeries so assuming there were more about. She was really patient and spent time trying to look in his mouth and examine him. When we came out the lady on reception had experience with giving the meds to her own piggy so had great advice on the best way to give them for a newbie.They are also a 24 hour vet so can be contacted when needed. Very little experience with pricing. If he goes in on Wednesday it will be the same procedure as with vets for pets so I can let you know the comparison. It was certainly the least I have paid so far but with an out of hours appt and a surgery to compare it doesn’t say much.

Ah thank you. I’m pleased I’ve found someone who can recommend. Any updates on how you’ve got on (both with regards to the vet and your piglet) would be gratefully received. Good luck

 

[Wiebke]

Ah thank you. I’m pleased I’ve found someone who can recommend. Any updates on how you’ve got on (both with regards to the vet and your piglet) would be gratefully received. Good luck

Glad that you have found somebody.

Please post any illness problems in our specially monitored Health/Illness section in the future. I have moved your thread there. It makes it much easier for us to keep track.

 

[Scoop]

Glad that you have found somebody.

Please post any illness problems in our specially monitored Health/Illness section in the future. I have moved your thread there. It makes it much easier for us to keep track.

Sorry thought I had, new at this.

 

[Scoop]

Update on Ted! He is doing better. He had a few rough days with diarrhoea but went back to have his teeth refilled yesterday. They found some ulcers in his mouth which must have been causing some pain as well as the sharp teeth. While he was asleep the xrayed his jaw and tummy which looked good but it was possible he had a respiratory infection despite no outward signs. He is now on antibiotics to add to the other meds bless him. When he came home he was eating hay within the hour and today he has managed a few baby salad leaves. First almost normal poops tonight although his bowel is still a little quiet. Not yet back on pellets so syringe feeding continues but hopeful it won’t be long. Thanks everyone for there support. The info on this site definitely helped us.

 

[Allie0078]

Update on Ted! He is doing better. He had a few rough days with diarrhoea but went back to have his teeth refilled yesterday. They found some ulcers in his mouth which must have been causing some pain as well as the sharp teeth. While he was asleep the xrayed his jaw and tummy which looked good but it was possible he had a respiratory infection despite no outward signs. He is now on antibiotics to add to the other meds bless him. When he came home he was eating hay within the hour and today he has managed a few baby salad leaves. First almost normal poops tonight although his bowel is still a little quiet. Not yet back on pellets so syringe feeding continues but hopeful it won’t be long. Thanks everyone for there support. The info on this site definitely helped us.

Oh that’s amazing news I’m so pleased you got sorted. Bless him, your piggy has gone through it xx

 

[Scoop]

Oh that’s amazing news I’m so pleased you got sorted. Bless him, your piggy has gone through it xx

Had a great experience with ARC. We will be sticking with them. Price wise it is a little tricky to tell with the extra treatment he had but they are probably a little more expensive than vets for pets but not much. Worth it though. All really friendly. Lara was the vet we saw and she was really thorough. She asked lots of questions and gave great advice. There was a free post op check too which we didn’t get with vets for pets. Hope this helps

 

[Allie0078]

Had a great experience with ARC. We will be sticking with them. Price wise it is a little tricky to tell with the extra treatment he had but they are probably a little more expensive than vets for pets but not much. Worth it though. All really friendly. Lara was the vet we saw and she was really thorough. She asked lots of questions and gave great advice. There was a free post op check too which we didn’t get with vets for pets. Hope this helps

Oh thank you so much! I’ve been following them on Facebook - Lara was reviewing someone’s pet owl today; so it would seem she is definitely an exotics vet! Yes I worry about going to my local vets then having to get a second opinion if I’m not happy. None of the vets in Worksop specifically mention exotics or guinea pigs. It doesn’t fill me with confidence. I’d rather pay more than go though what you’ve had to do! Will definitely use them next time I need a vet (hopefully not any time soon!)

 

[Scoop]

Still looking for advice. Ted was doing well after his teeth filing he even started to put on weight. I stopped his syringe feed on Saturday and his meds stopped Tuesday night. Since then he has gone downhill again. He is back down to his lowest weight and is only eating if I sit with him, and it takes ages to find something he will take more than a small bite of. Started some of the meds back up and I am syringe feeding him again in the evening to top him up but can’t do this forever and I can’t work out what the problem is. He is drinking and pooping but they are very small and soft. He does seem to want to chew my walls and anything cardboard......anyone have any thoughts?
Thinking I might have to risk putting him back in with my other boar but I separated them because it the fighting was out of hand and there was lots of teeth chattering. Any help appreciated.

 

[Bill & Ted]

If it’s a tooth problem that is causing the problem with him not eating then I would strongly recommend Simon Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Clinic in Northampton. he is the UK’s best dental guinea vet. I travel there with my Ted from Cornwall to have one of his molars filed every so often because we have had a very bad experience here in Cornwall with vets who have no knowledge of guinea pig dental work with dreadful results. If you can get there it will be definitely worth it, he will do conscious dentals, very reasonably priced and check that all the teeth are correct and no spikes which cause ulcers and prevent your pig from eating. Good luck With Ted x

The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic

 

[Scoop]

If it’s a tooth problem that is causing the problem with him not eating then I would strongly recommend Simon Maddock at the Cat and Rabbit Clinic in Northampton. he is the UK’s best dental guinea vet. I travel there with my Ted from Cornwall to have one of his molars filed every so often because we have had a very bad experience here in Cornwall with vets who have no knowledge of guinea pig dental work with dreadful results. If you can get there it will be definitely worth it, he will do conscious dentals, very reasonably priced and check that all the teeth are correct and no spikes which cause ulcers and prevent your pig from eating. Good luck With Ted x

The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic

His teeth are apparently now fine and X-ray shows no problem with his jaw thankfully. Thinking it must be something else. He can chew ok when he wants to he did have ulcers in his mouth from the first filing but they should now be healed or healing. Put him back on a lower dose pain killer just in case.