Specialist Trembling After Anaesthetic & 'sludge' Flushed Out

[suzcrump]

Hi all

After a long time lurking/visiting every time my Piggy gets sick I've got a query which I can't find an answer for.

My 6 1/2 year old male 'Piggy' has had a rough couple of weeks. I noticed that he was lifting his bum up to wee and sometimes yelping so took him to the vet and she gave an antibiotic which really didn't agree with him. He got diarrhoea, wouldn't eat or drink. Upon researching this antibiotic it turned out to be penicillin which I believe is not suitable for piggies.

Back to the vets we went and by the time we got there he hadn't pooped or weed in 12 hours so I was sent off home with more antibiotics, metacam, critical care and something for his gut. Within a few days he was back to his lovely self but now his urine has turned dark pink.

The vets then advised that we do an x-Ray today and it turns out Piggy has a rather bad sludge problem so they flushed his bladder out today immediately after the X-ray. Apparently a large amount came out but they suspect a little could still be left.

I was warned that he would be a little drowsy this afternoon but it's been 8 hours since he came round from the anaesthetic and he really isn't himself. I've got him on my lap right now and he's trembling every few seconds, constantly lifting his bum up as if he's straining or in pain. I gave him a dose of metacam and antibiotics about an hour ago. Since coming home he's eaten a slice of cucumber and a little bit of hay (usually nothing can put him off his food!).

Apols for the huge essay, he just usually copes very well after procedures at the vets (we've had a lot over the years-bumble foot, teeth, cancer, you name it, Piggy has been through it!). Because of his age I'm especially cautious.

Luckily my vet has an out of hours service but at eye watering cost I just wanted to check if I'm being a worry pot over nothing first!

Thanks in advance for reading all of this!

 

[suzcrump]

Since my profile picture is my mug (registered via Facebook), here is a picture of the lovely Piggy!

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Aw what a gorgeous boy Is he actually weeing & passing poops? Sometimes the shivering is when they are in shock, please keep him indoors if he is an outdoors piggy he will benefit from a few extra cuddles & you can monitor him more closely especially because of his age. If he is not weeing or pooing after a few hours then it is a medical emergency & you will need to call the out of hours vet. After an op they can be very docile, some tolerate anaesthetic better than others x

 

[suzcrump]

Hi Mrs Poppy, thanks for replying so quickly. He is pooing and weeing although his stools are softer than usual.

I've wrapped him up in a blanket and the trembling has almost stopped. He's almost falling asleep on me but seems to jolt awake every 10 seconds or so. Do you think he'd rather me leave him alone?!

Oh he's an indoor pig, he has full reign over our living room and kitchen and a big hutch to hide away in when he's feeling antisocial!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

The shivering is a likely a reaction to the anaesthetic; the straining is likely a reaction to the flushing; I hope that it has been gently and delicately done.

Did your vet tell you just how soon after the procedure you can use metacam again, or do you know whether it has been part of the GA cocktail or not?

If things don't get better, I would contact an out-of-hours vet and certainly speak to your normal vet first thing tomorrow morning. Please see the out-of-hours vet as soon as there is any deterioration. I am keeping my fingers VERY firmly crossed for your boy!

Please start topping up with syringe feeding and watering if he is not doing so much by himself.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

 

[suzcrump]

Hi Wiebke, thanks for all your well wishes. He didn't have any metacam whilst at the vets today so I gave him a dose this evening.

I sure hope it was delicately done too. When they told me how the flushing is done I winced!

Think I'll give him a decent syringe feed before bed tonight so that he's going to bed with a full tummy. He absolutely hates it though! His favourite food is parsley but sadly it's not part of his new low calcium diet

 

[Wiebke]

Hi Wiebke, thanks for all your well wishes. He didn't have any metacam whilst at the vets today so I gave him a dose this evening.

I sure hope it was delicately done too. When they told me how the flushing is done I winced!

Think I'll give him a decent syringe feed before bed tonight so that he's going to bed with a full tummy. He absolutely hates it though! His favourite food is parsley but sadly it's not part of his new low calcium diet

My Cariad needed several bladder flushes when her calcium absorption went suddenly haywire and caused a large stone in a matter of weeks. Thankfully, she always took them well and didn't show any signs of discomfort or reaction to GA.

PS: I would make an exception re. parsley until he is better. He can still have the odd sprig, but just not daily and more in the way of a special treat.

 

[Guinea Slave]

Poor boy, he looks absolutely gorgeous and you clearly take good care of him. What a stunner.

Once he is feeling better I would try and get into the habit of giving him syringed water (filtered) twice a day. Do between 10-15 mls each time. This ensures his bladder is naturally flushed every day. It's a little time consuming but worth it and I find it really works for bladder piggies. One of mine had terrible bladder stones then grit, with several ops, but she went on until she was very old (7.5 years) with me doing this every day for many years with no further issues. She loved the attention as I think your boy will.

Sending healing vibes!

 

[Jerrybelly]

Sending lots of healing vibes

 

[Flutterby]

Sending healing vibes!

 

[LisaAli]

Healing vibes and Wheeks... on there way...

 

[TAN]

Hoping things are getting better for you x

 

[suzcrump]

Hey guys

Just wanted to give you an update. After a good night's sleep Piggy is feeling much better and is eating like he'll never see food again! Still a bit swollen 'down there' so not enjoying being picked up but is climbing up the side of his hutch for head rubs.

Thank you all for the well wishes!