Slow recovery after surgery - couple of questions

[JenniferG]

Monday, Treacle had surgery to remove large lumps in his abdomen. He did eat some food when he came home.
Tuesday, he ate less food and I syringe fed him at home and gave metacam.
Wednesday, not eating food at all so took him into the vets and left him in their care - they fed him, gave pain relief, fluids, gut meds to keep him moving.
Thursday, not eating food still and back into the vets for more of the same. His wound is still oozing and looks bruised. Sulfatrim now being given in case infected.
Friday, he still doesn't want to eat - he lifted his head at his morning cucumber but didn't touch it.
He is still physically strong and can move around the cage but mostly wants to stay in his pouch. His urine smells very strong.

My questions are:

How long does it take for Sulfatrim to make a difference?

How long does it take for his teeth to become a problem from not chewing hay?

Thank you!

 

[JenniferG]

Also, I've noticed that one of his bottom teeth is a bit shorter than the other and I don't know if this is causing eating problems.

He is now biting and tugging at his fleece liner. I have given him a piece of chewing wood but he's going for soft things. Still not food or hay.

 

[Claire W]

I’m afraid I can’t help with your questions but I do hope he starts eating again soon. From what I know, the teeth grow very quickly which could cause dental problems if he doesn’t eat hay soon

our experts should be along shortly

 

[Piggies&buns]

If he won’t eat for himself, it could because there are issues with his teeth but also antibiotics can also upset their tummies and cause lack of appetite, probiotics are often given alongside antibiotics to help them settle and feel a bit more like eating. His teeth ought to be checked if you have concerns about the bottom ones, but do get the vet to check the back too.
Their teeth do grow quickly so without chewing hay then it can cause problems.
Ensure he is being syringe fed regularly throughout the day and night to keep his guts going.

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[JenniferG]

It's since his surgery that he's not eating, which is quite common, but he was eating a bit straight afterwards. It's possible that he now has an infection and that could be stopping him wanting to eat, hence my question about how quickly the antibiotics start to work.

 

[Claire W]

It's since his surgery that he's not eating, which is quite common, but he was eating a bit straight afterwards. It's possible that he now has an infection and that could be stopping him wanting to eat, hence my question about how quickly the antibiotics start to work.

The antibiotics should kick in after around two to three days

 

[Bill & Ted]

Sending healing vibes for poor Treacle x Can you tempt him with grated veggies like carrot, beetroot or parsnip? or grass that as good for teeth as hay x

 

[Piggies&buns]

It's since his surgery that he's not eating, which is quite common, but he was eating a bit straight afterwards. It's possible that he now has an infection and that could be stopping him wanting to eat, hence my question about how quickly the antibiotics start to work.

As Claire says, antibiotics usually start to work in a few days, but as I said the antibiotics themselves can cause further lack of appetite

 

[Wiebke]

Monday, Treacle had surgery to remove large lumps in his abdomen. He did eat some food when he came home.
Tuesday, he ate less food and I syringe fed him at home and gave metacam.
Wednesday, not eating food at all so took him into the vets and left him in their care - they fed him, gave pain relief, fluids, gut meds to keep him moving.
Thursday, not eating food still and back into the vets for more of the same. His wound is still oozing and looks bruised. Sulfatrim now being given in case infected.
Friday, he still doesn't want to eat - he lifted his head at his morning cucumber but didn't touch it.
He is still physically strong and can move around the cage but mostly wants to stay in his pouch. His urine smells very strong.

My questions are:

How long does it take for Sulfatrim to make a difference?

How long does it take for his teeth to become a problem from not chewing hay?

Thank you!

Hi!

Please see your vet before the weekend if your boy keeps deteriorating and ask for painkillers and gut stimulants. The healing process should start within 2-3 days and the churned up body should start settling down within 3-4 days.
What dosage of metacam and what strength of it (cat or dog) is he on? And what sulfatrim dosage?

Please keep on syringe feeding for as long as necessary. Be aware that antibiotics can further contribute to loss of appetite. It can take sometimes a week or several to get your piggy through a rought patch, depending on the nature of the operation and how much the body has been affected/how long he has been under GA. Give plenty of probiotics and poo soup to help bolster the gut.
A strongly smelling urine points to a cystitis - but sulfatrim is the best antibiotic for that.

It is a good sign that he is still active otherwise and not lethargic/apathetic.

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[AMMAH]

Sorry to hear that Treacle is not well. My guinea pig Henry had an operation recently because he had a hernia. It wasn't causing him any problems, but the vet advised that because he was still young and it could cause problems in the future, it would be best to get it fixed.
He's always been a really friendly guinea pig that's not afraid at all, but after the operation it was like I'd been given the wrong guinea pig to take home. I was so upset and worried as he wasn't eating or moving, and smelt really awful. When I picked him up to give him his critical care there was blood in his urine. He also did that biting at things like the fleece, perhaps it's related to stress or pain?

I got back in touch with the guinea pig vet and she advised that guinea pigs can get cystitis following stressful times like surgery and advised me to increase his painkillers to 0.8ml (just to note I'm not advising you to do this as I'm not a vet!). He did recover after this and thankfully is back to normal again now!

Apparently the hernia op was quite minor as it only required a small wound, so if your pig's operation was something more major, it could be that he just needs some time to recover. I am sure the vet will be able to advise on what medication he should take to help him.

Hope he's better very soon, i know how worrying it can be.

Here's Henry feeling much better and wishing Treacle a speedy recovery.

 

[JenniferG]

Treacle was already not eating before he was given antibiotics...I feel now that he should have been given them from the start and I'm upset I didn't realise he had a UTI and that noone else did. Thanks for replies everyone, he was put down this morning as chest was also now congested and wound not healing, and in more pain today. The surgery was quite major and lengthy for a guinea pig, he did well just to make it through, although would have been better for him if he hadn't made it.

 

[AMMAH]

oh no how awful, so sorry for your loss.
I am sure you did everything you could to help Treacle and he was well loved, take care of yourself
xx

 

[Bill & Ted]

Oh no! I’m so sorry that you have lost him, you did everything you could have done, especially the final act of love x
Sleep tight little treacle x