Urgent Appointment For Beans- But With A New Vet.

[Beans&Toast]

Earlier Beans was making a horrible rattling/crunchy sound when she was breathing and I couldn't wake her up, her eyes opened eventually but they were kind of darting back and forth, she was flat like a pancake and it took a lot for me to wake her up, it's like she was completely out of it for a minute or so.

As for the breathing, it's like a hooting sound, and rattling. No wet nose or runny eyes. (She's been making it on and off for about 5 days now, my vet listened to her chest 4 days ago and it all sounded clear). After I managed to wake her up she was walking about and eating fine but still really bad breathing.


I got an appointment for 530 tonight but it's with a locum vet as both my usual vets are off/on holiday so I have no idea how good she is with guinea pigs and I'm really worried about it.


Beans is on;

0.2ml Loxicom 2x daily.
1 cystophan daily
0.3mls potassium citrate 2x daily
2.5mg Tramadol daily

And 3 days ago she was prescribed short term Gabapentin 0.2mls 2x daily.

All of this is for bad arthritis/crystals in urine (which is causing her discomfort when she pees right now)



As I don't know how piggy savvy this vet is, Is there anything I should be wary of her giving/using/recomending?


I'm so worried My usual vets are absolutely amazing with guinea pigs and I trust them 100%.

 

[Redribbon]

Oh that's awful I hope she's okay

 

[Wiebke]

Just make sure that she is not getting any steroids, but she may need an antibiotic and that (if the locum is not piggy savvy) it needs to be double the amount he would give to a cat of the same size due to the much faster metabolism that guinea pigs have.

Put a bowl of steaming water next to her cage to help ease her breathing and make sure that you weigh daily and can step in with syringe feeding and watering anytime. Switch to weighing daily at the same time.
Tips For Vet Visits
Syringe Feeding & Medicating Guides, Probiotics Links, First Aid Kit...

 

[Swissgreys]

I would also write down exactly what meds she is currently on (the list you wrote above) on a piece of paper.
I know the locum will have her info on a screen in front of him, but chances are her file is quite 'comprehensive' so he might miss something, and it is very clear when you outline it like you did above.
Plus if you are trying to think of a million things at once, you could forget to mention something - I always find it easier to have a written list.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Thanks everyone.

If it's a uri type problem am I right in saying Septrin is the best antibiotic to give?

Apart from the steroids is there any other meds that must be avoided?

 

[Flutterby]

Sending lots of healing vibes! I hope she is ok!

 

[VickiA]

Any news on lovely Beans @Beans&Toast ?

 

[Beans&Toast]

It seems the Gabapentin was having a sedative effect on Beans, as she's already on Tramadol I think it was too much for her so I've to stop giving that. As for the breathing, since stopping it I've not heard any crackly or loud breathing. The locum vet said the loud breathing could have been due to the Gabapentin putting her into such a deep sleep? I'm not sure.. but her chest sounded all clear and she's been fine today so far...

I'll be keeping a close eye on her for the next few days.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Tiamolly123]

Glad she seems to be picking up bet that was frightening, not being able to wake her.

 

[flowerfairy]

What a good update. Hope Beans continues to improve.