Sian25
Adult Guinea Pig
Hi all, I've not posted for a long time and unfortunately I'm back with some not so good news about my dear Milan.
It seemed he was fine one minute, then very poorly the next. He was hunched in the corner of the cage, laboured breathing, not eating or drinking except little bits when offered by hand, soft clumpy poo, then I noticed he seemed to be weaker down one side and tilting his head. My first thought was middle ear infection, but thought against it with him having the other symptoms too.
Anyway, we took him to the emergency vet. We saw the nurse first, who was very concerned about him and due to her reaction, we didnt think he was coming home. She said his breathing was very bad and his temperature low. He also pooped everywhere when she took his temp. She got a blanket and told us to watch closely for any changes in breathing as he may need to be put on oxygen. It was obviously a devastating wait for the vet to see us, but she seemed more positive and said she thinks it's a middle ear infection. She was not an exotic vet with it being an emergency consult, so I'm wondering whether his symptoms seem consistent with a middle ear infection. I would have thought his temperature would be high if anything and never heard of diarrhoea being connected.
He is really sad looking and moving much and its breaking my heart. How do we know when it's time to put an end to suffering? I've never had experience with a middle ear infection so have no idea whether it's easily treatable or what to expect. I'm syringe feeding as hes eating barely anything on his own.
I'm also wanting to check doses, particularly the metacam as it seems so low. Its cat strength and 0.06ml once a day. He is 1.1kg and I'm sure we've had much higher doses than that in the past. Baytril 0.78ml once a day. Do these seem right? Thanks
*Editted to add that he has not been losing weight at all and has been eating well until today
It seemed he was fine one minute, then very poorly the next. He was hunched in the corner of the cage, laboured breathing, not eating or drinking except little bits when offered by hand, soft clumpy poo, then I noticed he seemed to be weaker down one side and tilting his head. My first thought was middle ear infection, but thought against it with him having the other symptoms too.
Anyway, we took him to the emergency vet. We saw the nurse first, who was very concerned about him and due to her reaction, we didnt think he was coming home. She said his breathing was very bad and his temperature low. He also pooped everywhere when she took his temp. She got a blanket and told us to watch closely for any changes in breathing as he may need to be put on oxygen. It was obviously a devastating wait for the vet to see us, but she seemed more positive and said she thinks it's a middle ear infection. She was not an exotic vet with it being an emergency consult, so I'm wondering whether his symptoms seem consistent with a middle ear infection. I would have thought his temperature would be high if anything and never heard of diarrhoea being connected.
He is really sad looking and moving much and its breaking my heart. How do we know when it's time to put an end to suffering? I've never had experience with a middle ear infection so have no idea whether it's easily treatable or what to expect. I'm syringe feeding as hes eating barely anything on his own.
I'm also wanting to check doses, particularly the metacam as it seems so low. Its cat strength and 0.06ml once a day. He is 1.1kg and I'm sure we've had much higher doses than that in the past. Baytril 0.78ml once a day. Do these seem right? Thanks
*Editted to add that he has not been losing weight at all and has been eating well until today
Attachments
Last edited:
he was given an injection with the metacam in originally so I'm not sure what dose was in that but I'm really worried that he could be in pain if the dose isnt strong enough. He doesnt seem to be doing well at all
We grow grass in little pots but don't have a lawn. When we are back home, we will start to look for a friend for her.