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Very poorly Barney with a mystery illness.

AbiS

AbiS

Adult Guinea Pig
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Last week Barney (5.5years) was unable to weight-bear on his right back leg. I took him to the vet and he was put on metacam, the course finished on Monday night and he was fit and healthy running around as normal. He then collapsed on Wednesday morning. He was trying to walk but just falling over then gave up and went pancake flat with his head on the side, eyes almost rolling in his head and clearly in distress. I took him straight to the vet, not thinking I was going to get him there alive or bring him home, who put him on oxygen and gave him pain relief. HE had a very low heart rate and was cold. He started to perk up within the hour. He stayed at the vets all day. He had a thorough examination, xray that was normal, urine was acidic so possibly indicating UTI but no blood in it. An ultrasound showed 'something' in his bladder, possibly infection, possibly sludge. He started antibiotics (sulfatrim) yesterday afternoon (delayed as they had to order it in). They spoke to an exotics specialist in Swindon who agreed that the symptoms were very vague and difficult to diagnose.

When I picked him up from the vet he looked fine in his carrier but as soon as he got out of carrier at home i knew he wasn't right but hoped it was the stress of the day. I have been on night shift. When I came home yesterday morning he was hiding in his pigloo and wouldn't eat. I gave him his metacam and 10mins later he brightened up and had a huge amount to eat. He isn't drinking so I have been syringing water occasionally and giving him lots of cucumber. By yesterday evening he was starting to run around a bit more and even bullying his brother a bit. He is quiet again this morning although he did start eating as soon as I got him out to give him his medications. He ha d normal poos yesterday but they are misshapen today. His abdomen feels soft.

does anyone have any advice or experiences they can share? He is going back to the vets on Monday and they said they can refer him to the local exotics specialist if necessary (she is on holiday this week). I think all i can do is give the antibiotics a chance to work and watch out for any signs that he is suffering. I want to be hopeful but i can't help feeling it's the beginning of the end.

Toby is also getting stressed by it all because he clearly knows that something is wrong so I am worrying about him too.

I Was on night shift last night and going to bed now so I apologise for any delay in responding to comments x
 
Sending Barney healing vibes, and hugs to you, it's so hard when piggies are ill and we don't know what's wrong. X
 
It’s so difficult when you are fighting an unknown problem. Give the antibiotics and painkillers time to work, and support feed him (as you are already doing). You are giving him the best chance. Hugs x
 
Has your vet only prescribed one dose of Metacam per day? I think as piggy's metabolise it very quickly it is usual to give it in two doses. It sounds like he his in pain so it might be worth checking with your vet.
 
YvonneBlue said:
Has your vet only prescribed one dose of Metacam per day? I think as piggy's metabolise it very quickly it is usual to give it in two doses. It sounds like he his in pain so it might be worth checking with your vet.
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No, he is having 1ml twice a day. Think that’s the absolute maximum he can have
 
I cannot give any advice but wish Barney a speedy recovery. Nice to see you back on the forum, shame its not better circumstances.
 
I don't have any useful experience or advice that hasn't already been said, but just wanted to send you healing vibes, best wishes and hugs that he gets better soon :hug:
 
I really didn’t think I would be able to post an update like this. Barney is getting better!
He started to finally act as normal this morning. The vet tested his pee and the ph is now back to normal, he wasn't as tender when she felt his tummy and the scan showed big changes inside his bladder. So she was really happy, then he peed on her and she wasn't so happy after that! Looks like it was a UTI. Have to continue with antibiotics and incredibly expensive metacam until a week on thurs then all should be well x
 
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