The forum (or Facebook) is not an alternative to a guinea pig savvy vet

[David Piggie Lover]

The forum is here for help, advice and support and I am certain has helped many members make suggestions for less knowledgeable vets or to give them confidence and understanding in what their own vet has suggested.

I am one of the members that had an emergency with my first two piggies and went into panic mode and posted on the forum instead of calling the vet. Luckily before I even saw any replies my second panic mode was to call the emergency vet and get a taxi over (I didn't drive at the time). Panic does crazy things to the brain.

There is always going to be frustration when members know that a guinea pig needs vetinary treatment but the poster will not go for one reason or another. All we can continue to do is to keep reminding posters that they have a duty to take their sick pet to a vet.

Duty.
That's a very deep thing to put to a young teen who doesn't realise there loved piggie given as a pet is poorly and needs help asap. That person may have never been to a vet or P@H etc.
Understanding each message on its merits is uppermost I think asking for help when we all here to support each other is what I thought the forum . . .
I shall tho personal reasons and not wanting to bring up a can of "worms" not comment on this subject anymore.

 

[Bill & Ted]

I think this forum offering support and knowledge is a marvellous thing and commend everyone who does so. I found help here with my Ted which probably saved his life. Ted had GA dental at local vets (vets suggested this was the problem) and actually made his teeth far worse and after syringe and hand feeding for a month I found this forum. I came on here and was given fantastic advice and went to see Simon Maddock. Debbie you are a saint!
What I find disheartening is one or two posts lately where you know that piggie should go straight to see a vet as an emergency, and yet you also know that person is not prepared to go for whatever reason. Then you never here another word again from them.
Its not so much the panic thread, it’s those people who are past that panic stage and have still not gone to the vets and have no intention to go either.

 

[sport_billy]

Duty.
That's a very deep thing to put to a young teen who doesn't realise there loved piggie given as a pet is poorly and needs help asap. That person may have never been to a vet or P@H etc.
Understanding each message on its merits is uppermost I think asking for help when we all here to support each other is what I thought the forum . . .
I shall tho personal reasons and not wanting to bring up a can of "worms" not comment on this subject anymore.

Duty is a very deep thing yes, and having a pet is a responsibility, we have a duty as a forum as well as a legal responsibility in the UK to urge people to see a vet that is not saying we won't advise because as particular section of the forum is a testament to advice given here. What we are saying is the forum is used for a support network and for a way for people to ask health and Illness questions to speak to their vet about. It cannot replace the medical experience of a trained veterinary surgeon

 

[Lorcan]

I remember having to ask about how long I could feasibly put off a dental for Comet - I knew he needed it, but the circumstances at the time (which really were out of my control entirely) meant that I couldn't take him in for another 6 days at best. I remember some of the replies being...not the most helpful. I know what a lot of the posts we see here are like, but I think we need to remember that life can deal us some really awful hands sometimes and it's not just about "don't want to pay" or "don't want to go to the vet". I realise it can be very hard to tell the difference on a forum but I think there needs to be a thought somewhere that maybe people aren't just trying to shirk their duties to their pets.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

The ones I feel sorry for are the children who come on here and post, saying that their parents won't take the guinea pig to a vet. If someone can't afford the treatment, I would rather they opt for euthanasia than leave the piggy to suffer. I am not saying that people should just keep paying out money. What I am saying is, we have a duty to our pets to relieve them of suffering. I am constantly seeing posts, mainly on Facebook, where people are leaving a pet to suffer, while they madly keep typing more and more posts, asking for advice, rather than getting the pet to a vet.

 

[David Piggie Lover]

I think this forum offering support and knowledge is a marvellous thing and commend everyone who does so. I found help here with my Ted which probably saved his life. Ted had GA dental at local vets (vets suggested this was the problem) and actually made his teeth far worse and after syringe and hand feeding for a month I found this forum. I came on here and was given fantastic advice and went to see Simon Maddock. Debbie you are a saint!
What I find disheartening is one or two posts lately where you know that piggie should go straight to see a vet as an emergency, and yet you also know that person is not prepared to go for whatever reason. Then you never here another word again from them.
Its not so much the panic thread, it’s those people who are past that panic stage and have still not gone to the vets and have no intention to go either.

I agree many ask for help and after few messages they disappear and we don't know if they took piggie to vet or rescue or what happened to piggie just hope we helped.
People post here or other Facebook etc generally are asking for help. I like to think and let's be honest more good then bad is the result.
More piggies in the world are better off because off the forum and we must remember that. When I vist a centre or P@H etc and see these beautiful creatures it pains me to wonder where they going to end up and what life they will have.
That's why I adopt all my piggies and will do.
Vets are very expensive and that's a major factor. £50 for a 10/15 min oh how lovely etc and £45 for bottle treatment etc.

 

[DMS260820]

Everybody just listen to this and chill ✌

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Everybody just listen to this and chill ✌

or bit Vangelis

 

[DMS260820]

I use to use bob marley- one love, to syringe feed my old boar sky. He seemed to relax lol. Here he is, grumpiest pig ever and his critical care chops. View attachment 106116

 

[Sophie B]

Before I joined the forum I had a pig called Smudge (he wasn’t alone he was with Smokey) and we waited too long to get him to the vet (we weren’t aware about how quickly their health could go downhill) and we got him to the vet but it was only a day or two after that, that he passed away, it came as a big shock to us all. Now I am permanently on sickness watch, if something came up I would definitely make a thread here, but would also get them to the vet! I love my piggies so much and if something happened, I would do anything I could to help...

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Before I joined the forum I had a pig called Smudge (he wasn’t alone he was with Smokey) and we waited too long to get him to the vet (we weren’t aware about how quickly their health could go downhill) and we got him to the vet but it was only a day or two after that, that he passed away, it came as a big shock to us all. Now I am permanently on sickness watch, if something came up I would definitely make a thread here, but would also get them to the vet! I love my piggies so much and if something happened, I would do anything I could to help...

Bless You. x

 

[Swissgreys]

I tend to think of the Forum as an additonal 'nurse' to help us though some of our harder or more raw moments.

It doesn't replace a Dr. (or vet in this case), but it is the one that holds your hand at 3am when you are exhausted and covered in critical care, or the one that makes you a cup of tea and sits with you while you have to make hard choices. Being able to post about the struggles of syringe feeding or nail clipping, and receive supportive or funny replies from people who have been there too is important.

I have often asked for medical advice on here, and always received it, but more importantly I have received support, kind words, and helpful suggestions that fall well outside of the usual veterinary advice.
For example when Oreo was diagnosed with lymphoma I certainly didn't expect people to be able to offer medical advice (that would be more relevant than my vets), but by sharing their own experiences, or offering kind words about how to make the end of her life special, it gave me something that the vet couldn't.

So whilst the Forum should never be used in place of a vet, I feel it does an amazing job offering something that is just as important on a different level.

 

[Eriathwen]

It's extremely frustrating being met time and again by people telling you not to advise they see a vet, or that flat out lie to you that there are no vets in the area or that are open and who then get aggressive or just disappear off of the face of the earth when you find them an emergency vet they can go to.

It's so very draining when you would happily give them your own blood, sweat and tears to make them better..while talking to someone who won't even lift a finger, time and again.

I don't think that applies to anyone on the forum, we would all do everything in our power to help our pigs, past and present. And the forum is a fantastic resource to help along the way

 

[DMS260820]

I tend to think of the Forum as an additonal 'nurse' to help us though some of our harder or more raw moments.

It doesn't replace a Dr. (or vet in this case), but it is the one that holds your hand at 3am when you are exhausted and covered in critical care, or the one that makes you a cup of tea and sits with you while you have to make hard choices. Being able to post about the struggles of syringe feeding or nail clipping, and receive supportive or funny replies from people who have been there too is important.

I have often asked for medical advice on here, and always received it, but more importantly I have received support, kind words, and helpful suggestions that fall well outside of the usual veterinary advice.
For example when Oreo was diagnosed with lymphoma I certainly didn't expect people to be able to offer medical advice (that would be more relevant than my vets), but by sharing their own experiences, or offering kind words about how to make the end of her life special, it gave me something that the vet couldn't.

So whilst the Forum should never be used in place of a vet, I feel it does an amazing job offering something that is just as important on a different level.

I think you have hit the nail on the head

 

[YvonneBlue]

I tend to think of the Forum as an additonal 'nurse' to help us though some of our harder or more raw moments.

It doesn't replace a Dr. (or vet in this case), but it is the one that holds your hand at 3am when you are exhausted and covered in critical care, or the one that makes you a cup of tea and sits with you while you have to make hard choices. Being able to post about the struggles of syringe feeding or nail clipping, and receive supportive or funny replies from people who have been there too is important.

I have often asked for medical advice on here, and always received it, but more importantly I have received support, kind words, and helpful suggestions that fall well outside of the usual veterinary advice.
For example when Oreo was diagnosed with lymphoma I certainly didn't expect people to be able to offer medical advice (that would be more relevant than my vets), but by sharing their own experiences, or offering kind words about how to make the end of her life special, it gave me something that the vet couldn't.

So whilst the Forum should never be used in place of a vet, I feel it does an amazing job offering something that is just as important on a different level.

I agree with this post. I always take my piggies to the vet if they are ill but sometimes you just need the support of others that have been in the same situation. There is always a listening ear and a kind word here on the forum. Also, sometimes others have used a vet that has taken a different approach to treating an illness and this can be useful when talking to your own vet.

It saddens me when I see a younger person posting on here that their piggy is sick and their parents won't take it to the vet. I never comment as I would only get angry and I know that wouldn't be helpful.

I think the Mods and Admin on the forum do a great job but in the end they can only offer advice and people can choose whether they take it or not.

 

[Betsy]

Some of my friends think I'm mad to take my piggies to the vet. I'm fed up of hearing "it's only a guinea pig, if it dies you can easily replace it t" It might only be a guinea pig to them but to me it is my guinea pig. They wouldn't like it if I said the same thing about their dog or cat.....

 

[VickiA]

The internet is both a blessing and a curse. There is a mountain of information available out there at the click of a search engine. Some of the sources are more reliable than others. People can pick and choose what information they want and make their own decisions as to what reliance they place on any of it.

From my point of view the forum is just one part of the wealth of information available to people. We do our best to educate members and also non members who are viewing the content of threads. The disclaimer at the top of the page makes it clear that the forum cannot replace veterinary advice. Our H & I posters make it clear when a veterinary opinion must be sought and that we can not diagnose or advise on treatment. However, because we are an internet based forum there will always be those looking for a quick fix, bite sized internet solution to their problems. Often they are looking for cheap or free alternatives to proper veterinary care. One of our strengths is in directing people to seek the proper care and attention their piggies need and explaining why they need to see a vet.

We do our best to educate on both common and unusual problems in piggies. We educate as to when a vet appointment is necessary, and how urgently the appointment should be made. Without this forum I would not have known about specialist exotics vets. I would also have missed the early signs of bloat in Connie, not appreciated the need for urgent (same day) treatment for hay pokes, or some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts and bladder stones. My own piggies past and present have benefitted tremendously from information I found on this forum. They have signposted me to the vets and highlighted the symptoms I needed to report to the vets.

We also provide invaluable support to those who are nursing a piggy through an illness or injury. I have certainly appreciated forum support at these difficult times.

It can be frustrating when an account is created solely to seek H & I advice and the poster is effectively asking us for information and advice so they can try to avoid a vet visit. In effect at times we are being asked to sanction supervised neglect, which we will not do. In those instances we do remind posters of their legal and moral duty to provide healthcare for their piggies. Those who choose to argue with us and our stance or take exception to our tone will often vanish as quickly as they came.

We cannot force people to accept our advice and guidance. But it doesn’t stop us still making the recommendations and if we can help improve things for just one piggy then it has not been in vain.

 

[Lorcan]

The internet is both a blessing and a curse. There is a mountain of information available out there at the click of a search engine. Some of the sources are more reliable than others. People can pick and choose what information they want and make their own decisions as to what reliance they place on any of it.

From my point of view the forum is just one part of the wealth of information available to people. We do our best to educate members and also non members who are viewing the content of threads. The disclaimer at the top of the page makes it clear that the forum cannot replace veterinary advice. Our H & I posters make it clear when a veterinary opinion must be sought and that we can not diagnose or advise on treatment. However, because we are an internet based forum there will always be those looking for a quick fix, bite sized internet solution to their problems. Often they are looking for cheap or free alternatives to proper veterinary care. One of our strengths is in directing people to seek the proper care and attention their piggies need and explaining why they need to see a vet.

We do our best to educate on both common and unusual problems in piggies. We educate as to when a vet appointment is necessary, and how urgently the appointment should be made. Without this forum I would not have known about specialist exotics vets. I would also have missed the early signs of bloat in Connie, not appreciated the need for urgent (same day) treatment for hay pokes, or some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts and bladder stones. My own piggies past and present have benefitted tremendously from information I found on this forum. They have signposted me to the vets and highlighted the symptoms I needed to report to the vets.

We also provide invaluable support to those who are nursing a piggy through an illness or injury. I have certainly appreciated forum support at these difficult times.

It can be frustrating when an account is created solely to seek H & I advice and the poster is effectively asking us for information and advice so they can try to avoid a vet visit. In effect at times we are being asked to sanction supervised neglect, which we will not do. In those instances we do remind posters of their legal and moral duty to provide healthcare for their piggies. Those who choose to argue with us and our stance or take exception to our tone will often vanish as quickly as they came.

We cannot force people to accept our advice and guidance. But it doesn’t stop us still making the recommendations and if we can help improve things for just one piggy then it has not been in vain.

Well said, @VickiA

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Some of my friends think I'm mad to take my piggies to the vet. I'm fed up of hearing "it's only a guinea pig, if it dies you can easily replace it t" It might only be a guinea pig to them but to me it is my guinea pig. They wouldn't like it if I said the same thing about their dog or cat.....

I have same comments. especially when I was looking after Cocoa cost etc.
I reminded 1 couple they spent over £1100 on a pug that they can't house train

 

[Gem789]

I use to use bob marley- one love, to syringe feed my old boar sky. He seemed to relax lol. Here he is, grumpiest pig ever and his critical care chops. View attachment 106116

I used to sing simple man by lynard skynard (but the jenson ackles((Dean from supernatural)) version) to my late 'mummy pig' when she was poorly and had to be syringe fed.It seemed to help.

 

[PigglePuggle]

The internet is both a blessing and a curse. There is a mountain of information available out there at the click of a search engine. Some of the sources are more reliable than others. People can pick and choose what information they want and make their own decisions as to what reliance they place on any of it.

From my point of view the forum is just one part of the wealth of information available to people. We do our best to educate members and also non members who are viewing the content of threads. The disclaimer at the top of the page makes it clear that the forum cannot replace veterinary advice. Our H & I posters make it clear when a veterinary opinion must be sought and that we can not diagnose or advise on treatment. However, because we are an internet based forum there will always be those looking for a quick fix, bite sized internet solution to their problems. Often they are looking for cheap or free alternatives to proper veterinary care. One of our strengths is in directing people to seek the proper care and attention their piggies need and explaining why they need to see a vet.

We do our best to educate on both common and unusual problems in piggies. We educate as to when a vet appointment is necessary, and how urgently the appointment should be made. Without this forum I would not have known about specialist exotics vets. I would also have missed the early signs of bloat in Connie, not appreciated the need for urgent (same day) treatment for hay pokes, or some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts and bladder stones. My own piggies past and present have benefitted tremendously from information I found on this forum. They have signposted me to the vets and highlighted the symptoms I needed to report to the vets.

We also provide invaluable support to those who are nursing a piggy through an illness or injury. I have certainly appreciated forum support at these difficult times.

It can be frustrating when an account is created solely to seek H & I advice and the poster is effectively asking us for information and advice so they can try to avoid a vet visit. In effect at times we are being asked to sanction supervised neglect, which we will not do. In those instances we do remind posters of their legal and moral duty to provide healthcare for their piggies. Those who choose to argue with us and our stance or take exception to our tone will often vanish as quickly as they came.

We cannot force people to accept our advice and guidance. But it doesn’t stop us still making the recommendations and if we can help improve things for just one piggy then it has not been in vain.

Yes definitely agree the forum is an amazing place to share health concerns and get support, and to get really good info about piggy illnesses and what treatments other members have been prescribed, and what vets should be checking for and testing for if a piggy has certain symptoms.
I'm sure the forum info helped save Puggle's life when she had acute bloat and we recognised straight away what it was and how serious it could be and got her straight to the vet! And the ringworm hygiene advice on the forum also helped us spot Blodwen's ringworm straight away and keep it contained to just her and get rid of the infection very effectively!
But it is frustrating and quite depressing when its clear that someone posting in the health and illness section is for some reason unwilling or unable to access essential life saving vet care and the correct prescription medicines. Especially if they are either rude and dismissive about it, or young people desperate for help but relying on unco-operative parents... and then they either disappear from the forum or post that their piggy died...

 

[DMS260820]

Yes definitely agree the forum is an amazing place to share health concerns and get support, and to get really good info about piggy illnesses and what treatments other members have been prescribed, and what vets should be checking for and testing for if a piggy has certain symptoms.
I'm sure the forum info helped save Puggle's life when she had acute bloat and we recognised straight away what it was and how serious it could be and got her straight to the vet! And the ringworm hygiene advice on the forum also helped us spot Blodwen's ringworm straight away and keep it contained to just her and get rid of the infection very effectively!
But it is frustrating and quite depressing when its clear that someone posting in the health and illness section is for some reason unwilling or unable to access essential life saving vet care and the correct prescription medicines. Especially if they are either rude and dismissive about it, or young people desperate for help but relying on unco-operative parents... and then they either disappear from the forum or post that their piggy died...

A pig died last night on a thread where they couldnt see a vet.

 

[DMS260820]

I have same comments. especially when I was looking after Cocoa cost etc.
I reminded 1 couple they spent over £1100 on a pug that they can't house train

We spent a 1000 or more on this little guy over his years. And he recovered☺. ( the crusty eye was permanent damage, because the previous owner who left him behind to move to scotland, left him with a uri too long.View attachment 106140

 

[Flutterby]

I tend to think of the Forum as an additonal 'nurse' to help us though some of our harder or more raw moments.

It doesn't replace a Dr. (or vet in this case), but it is the one that holds your hand at 3am when you are exhausted and covered in critical care, or the one that makes you a cup of tea and sits with you while you have to make hard choices. Being able to post about the struggles of syringe feeding or nail clipping, and receive supportive or funny replies from people who have been there too is important.

I have often asked for medical advice on here, and always received it, but more importantly I have received support, kind words, and helpful suggestions that fall well outside of the usual veterinary advice.
For example when Oreo was diagnosed with lymphoma I certainly didn't expect people to be able to offer medical advice (that would be more relevant than my vets), but by sharing their own experiences, or offering kind words about how to make the end of her life special, it gave me something that the vet couldn't.

So whilst the Forum should never be used in place of a vet, I feel it does an amazing job offering something that is just as important on a different level.

The internet is both a blessing and a curse. There is a mountain of information available out there at the click of a search engine. Some of the sources are more reliable than others. People can pick and choose what information they want and make their own decisions as to what reliance they place on any of it.

From my point of view the forum is just one part of the wealth of information available to people. We do our best to educate members and also non members who are viewing the content of threads. The disclaimer at the top of the page makes it clear that the forum cannot replace veterinary advice. Our H & I posters make it clear when a veterinary opinion must be sought and that we can not diagnose or advise on treatment. However, because we are an internet based forum there will always be those looking for a quick fix, bite sized internet solution to their problems. Often they are looking for cheap or free alternatives to proper veterinary care. One of our strengths is in directing people to seek the proper care and attention their piggies need and explaining why they need to see a vet.

We do our best to educate on both common and unusual problems in piggies. We educate as to when a vet appointment is necessary, and how urgently the appointment should be made. Without this forum I would not have known about specialist exotics vets. I would also have missed the early signs of bloat in Connie, not appreciated the need for urgent (same day) treatment for hay pokes, or some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts and bladder stones. My own piggies past and present have benefitted tremendously from information I found on this forum. They have signposted me to the vets and highlighted the symptoms I needed to report to the vets.

We also provide invaluable support to those who are nursing a piggy through an illness or injury. I have certainly appreciated forum support at these difficult times.

It can be frustrating when an account is created solely to seek H & I advice and the poster is effectively asking us for information and advice so they can try to avoid a vet visit. In effect at times we are being asked to sanction supervised neglect, which we will not do. In those instances we do remind posters of their legal and moral duty to provide healthcare for their piggies. Those who choose to argue with us and our stance or take exception to our tone will often vanish as quickly as they came.

We cannot force people to accept our advice and guidance. But it doesn’t stop us still making the recommendations and if we can help improve things for just one piggy then it has not been in vain.

Couldn't agree more with both!

 

[Merab]

I tend to think of the Forum as an additonal 'nurse' to help us though some of our harder or more raw moments.

It doesn't replace a Dr. (or vet in this case), but it is the one that holds your hand at 3am when you are exhausted and covered in critical care, or the one that makes you a cup of tea and sits with you while you have to make hard choices. Being able to post about the struggles of syringe feeding or nail clipping, and receive supportive or funny replies from people who have been there too is important.

I have often asked for medical advice on here, and always received it, but more importantly I have received support, kind words, and helpful suggestions that fall well outside of the usual veterinary advice.
For example when Oreo was diagnosed with lymphoma I certainly didn't expect people to be able to offer medical advice (that would be more relevant than my vets), but by sharing their own experiences, or offering kind words about how to make the end of her life special, it gave me something that the vet couldn't.

So whilst the Forum should never be used in place of a vet, I feel it does an amazing job offering something that is just as important on a different level.

Spot on @Swissgreys - I have found the support invaluable when I've had sick piggies. Also suggestions to pass on to the vet have helped us go in the right direction.
We know to go straight to the vet with a sick piggy, many people coming here for advice also go to the vet when advised. It's just sad that there will always be some who won't go to the vet no matter what any of us say

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

What I find most upsetting is when an animal is suffering and the owner wastes time posting on forums and Facebook groups. I see posts on Facebook and then weeks later, the same post appears on here. At this point, it becomes clear that they still haven't sought veterinary treatment, but as they didn't get the answers they needed, on Facebook, they are then trying on here.

 

[Claire W]

When I have a poorly piggy, this forum is always my first port of call for advise and support but I always take them to the vet and ask here for further advise that I can ask my vet and for healing vibes and support. It was thanks to this forum that my vet agreed to prescribe me septrin with my very first poorly piggy Connie back in 2009 who had chronic bladder problems and ongoing uti’s. Sadly back then, sludge and chronic IC which she had both were practically unheard of and we lost her after 5 months of battling and £500 later (not that I begrudge the cost)

But what upsets me the most is when younger children / teens are desperate for advise as their parents refuse to take the piggy to the vet (the same on Facebook groups). When having a Guinea pig or any animal, it is an adults responsibility to go to the vet when that animal becomes unwell. To me, if you can’t afford the vet, you can’t afford the pet!

It also makes me mad on a particular Facebook group when members ask advise on home remedies amd treatments and the advise from some members is quite frankly dangerous! Just the other week, a pig had a hay poke injury and someone was advising they use cold tea bags! The member took the advise and refused to take the piggy to the vets as she ‘couldn’t afford it’

 

[David Piggie Lover]

When I have a poorly piggy, this forum is always my first port of call for advise and support but I always take them to the vet and ask here for further advise that I can ask my vet and for healing vibes and support. It was thanks to this forum that my vet agreed to prescribe me septrin with my very first poorly piggy Connie back in 2009 who had chronic bladder problems and ongoing uti’s. Sadly back then, sludge and chronic IC which she had both were practically unheard of and we lost her after 5 months of battling and £500 later (not that I begrudge the cost)

But what upsets me the most is when younger children / teens are desperate for advise as their parents refuse to take the piggy to the vet (the same on Facebook groups). When having a Guinea pig or any animal, it is an adults responsibility to go to the vet when that animal becomes unwell. To me, if you can’t afford the vet, you can’t afford the pet!

It also makes me mad on a particular Facebook group when members ask advise on home remedies amd treatments and the advise from some members is quite frankly dangerous! Just the other week, a pig had a hay poke injury and someone was advising they use cold tea bags! The member took the advise and refused to take the piggy to the vets as she ‘couldn’t afford it’

I agree with your comments . .