I'm. Concerned about the enlarged abdomen...is it fluidy or air filled? Do you know how to check for fluid wave or tympani? I think he should go back to the vet ASAP.
Unfortunately, I could not get a veterinary appointment this morning! However, I have the emergency veterinary number to hand, and my boar is being closely, and constantly monitored!
However, his abdomen does not sound hollow, therefore, I am guessing that there is some inflammation, and fluid accumulation - Metacam/ Frusemide?!
The swollen belly could juts be bloat...which often accompanies antibiotics and the resulting dodgy guts. It may be the case your vet will prescribe a gut stimulant and some infacol.
I'm not vet but I'm not a fan of baytril, I think its too widely used now a days and ive always had poor results. Including ma little ralf who died from a respiratory infection. He was an old fella though, not trying to worry you.
Make sure he's eating enough as well by weighing, may need to supplement with syringe feeding. Keep wee piggie lovely and warm too.
Wishing your wee piggie a speedy recovery.
Thankfully, my boar continues to pass relatively healthy looking stools! However, I do believe that a gut stimulant would be beneficial - I am considering Vetrumex?! However, I understand that there is some concern in regards to the use of this medication in guinea pigs?! However, I also believe that fluid therapy would also be beneficial - I was considering beginning fluid therapy 12-24 hours after the use of Frusemide?! Certainly, I can discuss Infacol - Thank you for the suggestion!
I can understand your feelings towards Baytril! Certainly, I am hoping that this is my boar's second, and last upper respiratoy infection/ infection *Touch wood* mallethead! However, should a future infection occur, I will be insisiting on a different antibiotic for him!
In regards to syringe feeding, as my boar has a neurological condition that causes him to throw his head back, I am hoping that syringe feeding will not be necessary! However, I have been told by my veterinary practice that my syringe feeding technique is correct, have experience with syringe feeding, and do have Critical Care should syringe feeding be necessary!
Naturally, I am trying to keep the room at a ideal, and constant temperature, and I have Snugglesafe heat pads!
Thank you for your wishes!
I am not a fan of Baytril as I have had a few pigs here stop eating on it and go on to have subsequent teeth issues as a result which then needed further treatment. However if this boar is still eating that's good - but you did say he's only eating tiny amounts?
Is he having a probiotic along with the antibiotic?
Unfortunately, he is eating smaller amounts than usual! However, I am concerned that even this smaller food intake will result in subsequent teeth issues - His teeth were checked, with the use of gauge Buccal Pad separators, on 28/12/11, by my veterinarian! Again, I am hoping to avoid syringe feeding for the above reason, but if I feel that syringe feeding is necessary, I will attempt to syringe feed very small amounts often - It can take fifeteen mniutes, or more to administer his medication!
He is currently receiving Protexin probiotic, which I am attempting to give 1-2 hours before, and after his antibiotics!
It sounds as though you are thinking it could be a heart issue. I had a piggy who was eventually diagnosed with a heart condition, who had respiratory issues.
In this case though, I'd have thought a different antibiotic might be in order first, plus some urgent probiotics.
Why were you thinking Panacur? For worms?
I am concerned that his current condition could progress, and result in a more serious condition, e.g. heart condition!
In regards to Panacur, I have heard that it can help with restoring gut flora?!
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