Violet the actress

[Mother Hubbard]

Violets other name is Ninja because her claws are extra sharp and moves very quickly...but not recently, plus she's a great actress.

Having suspected something was, as her stealth like runs come and go, she eats normally, pop corns when the others do, but really wasn't herself. Mummy has been watching very carefully and she is a good actress but not that good. So this morning it was a dash down to the Vets (with all 3, as they hate being separated) she has a suspected UTI, 8...so she's had a shot of Baytril, and blimey can she squirm during injections, and on 0.2ml of Baytril for 5 days. If there is no improvement she's off for an x-ray as she has quite of bit of crystalisation in her urine. Having just recently changed their diet to LauraCCC Sticky on correct Calcium and Ph balance, I'm hoping this will settle things down. But she has a very very noisy stomach which is the thing that concerns me. I know they can scoff their food down really quickly and get burps etc. But her noisy stomach does bother me and I only remembered about it when we got home later. fingers crossed it's only a UTI. don't know why I'm posting to be honest?/, but I'm sharing it :{anyway.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Sorry to hear you had to dash to the vets this morning!

Does she eat many brassica veg like kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower or brussels sprouts? That can be a contributor to noisy digestion.

If the Baytril doesn't do the trick and an x-ray does end up being carried out, and it turns out clear, then see if your vet will prescribe Septrin instead. Probiotics may be something to consider while she's on Baytril as well, just to discourage tummy upsets as a result of the antibiotic.

Also be on the lookout for signs of discomfort or pain when peeing - anti-inflammatories are useful when this is the case.

Plenty of fluids too, water is just fine or cranberry juice, both may help to flush bacteria out of the urinary system.

 

[flips]

It's worrying when you know they're not right. Hopefully Violet will be back to her usual self soon.

 

[Little Piggles]

Hope Violet is feeling much better very soon

 

[Midge&Panda]

The girls send Violet their best and hope she gets better soon

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Sorry to hear you had to dash to the vets this morning!

Does she eat many brassica veg like kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower or brussels sprouts? That can be a contributor to noisy digestion.

If the Baytril doesn't do the trick and an x-ray does end up being carried out, and it turns out clear, then see if your vet will prescribe Septrin instead. Probiotics may be something to consider while she's on Baytril as well, just to discourage tummy upsets as a result of the antibiotic.

Also be on the lookout for signs of discomfort or pain when peeing - anti-inflammatories are useful when this is the case.

Plenty of fluids too, water is just fine or cranberry juice, both may help to flush bacteria out of the urinary system.

Hi Laura, yes she eats kale, but very little of the other.
What proboitic would you recommend?
The girsl love cranberry juice are happily take a full 100ml of it from the syringe, although Violet takes it because the others do which is fine, I thought it best to have them all on cranberry whilst there was a problem. They've all actually been taking cranberry for about a week now as a precaution.
Also how would you give them the probiotic, syringe also and how much?
Thanks in advance again.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Bump

 

[elle100]

I used Protexin from the vet the last time I needed probiotics but the girls hated it, syringing was too much of a nightmare so I squirted it all over their veg. If yours are ok being syringed it might be the best way to get it in. I've heard Avipro is slightly less disgusting. Sorry I can't be of more help but I'm sure someone who knows more will be along soon

 

[Laura-CCC4]

The Protexin group of probiotics tend to be good - Bio Lapis, Fibreplex, Professional - and ones like Avipro Plus and Vetark Pro-C are also good. You might find this thread useful:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=46964&highlight=probiotics

Alternatively you can pick up some acidophilus capsules from a health food shop. Of course, there is always the most natural and free probiotic and that is "poop soup" - take the poop of a healthy pig, mash it in a little water and syringe to the poorly pig. Not used this method myself but it's widely recommended!

Methods of administering probiotic depends on what form it takes, the Fibreplex is a gel, instructions are included but it's literally just a dab onto your finger and wiped in piggies mouth. Most of the probiotics available in UK are powders to be mixed with water, best way to give these is to make up around a third of the sachet with a third of the amount of water mentioned (reason for this is to save on waste), store it in the fridge (refresh every 24 hours at least) and either give as much as piggie will take, or give the recommended dosage (if any is recommended, as is the case with Protexin Professional).

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Perfect thanks both. Don't know why i didn't search it? Right off the shops tomorrow then.

Can you believe it, woke at 5.30am this morning to find Buttercup with the snuffles! Oh well, back on the Baytril for her as well, plus probiotic also...may as well give it to all of them. Can I be such a bad mom to have 2 out of 3 piggies sick?

They are going to get extra cuddles as I've been out all day.

Thanks Laura for the info.

 

[Wiebke]

I use Avipro plus for my cystitis piggies as it doesn't contain any added calcium like most of the others.

I am sorry - with the ping pong wheather we're having this year, there seems to be a lot around at the moment. You do not need to feel like a bad mum; these things happen. Important is that you catch it as early as possible and that your piggies are seen by a good vet. Only supermums can prevent all illnesses. Please tell me if you see a course on how to become one!

All the best to your patients!

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Thank you, I have to say I am quite diligent with my girls and I know buttercup was in good health yesterday and certainly last night when I checked on her at 10pm. So it was definately overnight, however I have plenty of Baytril and I will be getting a pro biotic tomorrow without fail. Normal pop corning service should return soon I hope, plus with their revised 'fresh food' diet thanks to Laura I will feel better because they will.

Thanks for all the advice girls. Will keep you posted. I did notice that Buttercups ruttling had subsided dramatically tonight which is a great sign but we'll continue for 5 days.