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Very poorly piggy

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Netpon

Netpon

Junior Guinea Pig
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My poor Alvin is in the hospital tonight. He is very lethargic, his breathing is rapid and he feels cold. They are putting him in an incubator, giving him fluids and Critical Care along with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. They don't know what is wrong with him so are just trying everything they can.

He had blood in his urine a couple of weeks ago and had ABs and AIs for that and seemed to get better. When I cleaned him out on Tuesday he seemed a little quiet and didn't rush to eat his veggies. I've been giving him Critical Care since then. I didn't see him much yesterday but he tucked in to his cucumber OK. This evening I went to clean him out again and he just sat there, chin on the ground. I put some more cucumber in as its his favourite and he moved towards it and made a few noises but it was as though he didn't have the strength to eat, he just sat next to it. I don't know what is wrong with him but he really looks poorly, the vet isn't sure if he'll make it.

We think he's about 3 and he's an indoor piggy

Please say a pray/send positive thoughts for my little piggy, he's a very special boy to us all
 
I am very sorry! It sounds very serious indeed! Are his sides heaving when he is breathing?

I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed!
 
Thank you. You could really see his sides going in and out. The only thing I can think of is that I put a Xeno on him on Monday as a follow up treatment after the new piggy came with lice. But he was fine after the previous treatment
 
Poor little Alvin. You are doing the best thing for him by getting him to the vets. I hope they can figure out what is going on and turn him around! Try to stay optimistic, and I will definitely be thinking of him tonight. xx
 
I hope the vets can find the cause of Alvin's problems and get him fixed up.
I can relate to the laboured breathing though, my Esme was diagnosed with heart problems. Initially she stopped eating, and then she started with the heavy breathing and laying down in odd positions . I know how distressing it can be, I really hope that he can be treated.
 
I popped to see him this morning and he still wasn't interested in any food, he's still breathing fast and the vet said his heart rate is fast too.

They have given him Critical Care and say he's not fighting having it, he's taking it quite well but they think he may have a problem with his teeth as he is moving his mouth in an odd way apparently. Problem is to get and x ray and attend to his teeth requires an anaesthetic and he's too sick to tolerate that. They're carrying on the supportive treatment through today but they've said if there's no improvement by tonight/tomorrow morning then we should consider letting him go.

Klee, what treatment did they give to Esme?
 
Netpon said:
I popped to see him this morning and he still wasn't interested in any food, he's still breathing fast and the vet said his heart rate is fast too.

They have given him Critical Care and say he's not fighting having it, he's taking it quite well but they think he may have a problem with his teeth as he is moving his mouth in an odd way apparently. Problem is to get and x ray and attend to his teeth requires an anaesthetic and he's too sick to tolerate that. They're carrying on the supportive treatment through today but they've said if there's no improvement by tonight/tomorrow morning then we should consider letting him go.

Klee, what treatment did they give to Esme?
Click to expand...

Initially she had a xray without anaesthetic to look at he chest ( i think they use a cardboard box with top and bottom cut out) which showed fluid on the lungs and an enlarged heart.
Firstly she had septrin antibiotics incase of pneumonia, and furosemide ( a diuretic to get rid of the fluid on her lungs) and improve her breathing

She is now on another medicine vedmedin which helps her heart.

Obviously I'm not a vet so can't advise but this is what she had once she had been diagnosed.
 
Lethargy and heaving breathing is usually a sign that there is a major strain on the heart. I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed!

You are doing your best and have got him in the best place that you can. Your vets are right in not wanting to do any GA under those circumstances. it is always hard when you are up against it, especially in such a small animal.
 
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I would speak to your vet about doing a conscious xray as if he is that lethargic he is not going to move much and they can use tape to secure him to the table if needed. Also ask about diuretics as if his breathing is as bad as it sounds he may have fluid on his chect like Klee says and diuretics can save lives. Some vets are also willing to do a trial of heart medication to see if there is an improvement in the animal.
 
Well, little Alvin just got his angel wings

Thank you for all your well wishes, he was just too poorly.

I'm gutted, he was such a lovely pig, he used to sit on my son's shoulder as he lay on his bed reading or playing.
 
I am so sorry that you have lost your little Alvin. I know it will not really help but he is now no longer suffering.

It is never an easy time when you have to see your guinea pig ill and then try everything to help him but still to lose him.

Big Hugs
 
Sorry to hear about your little piggy.
 
I'm really sorry that he has passed away, and in such a distressing way as well. so sad when things seemed to be going so well with your new piggie too :(
 
I'm really sorry for your loss. Poor little guy. It sounds like you did everything possible for him.
 
So sorry to read of your loss. Big hugs

RIP Alvin
x x
 
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