What to Expect from Vet

[Butterfluf]

Hi guys,

I have a vet appointment booked today for 2 of my piggies to check for heart problems/ovarian cysts and bladder stones respectively. I can only see a regular vet who has some experience with my piggies as the only exotic in the country is 6 hours away. I would like to know what to expect from this visit so I can advise the vet what to do to make sure they don't cause unnecessary problems with my piggies.

I have suggested that they may need an ultrasound to detect these problems and am wondering can these problems be detected with that or do they need xrays? I am going to insist being there with my pigs and insisting that they won't be put under any anaesthetic. I would like some advice on what to expect so I know whether what the vet is telling me they want to do is actually going to be good for my piggies and will detect the problems. Can I feed them as normal before the appointment? Thank you for your advise.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Could you please add your location to your profile as it helps us tailor our advice.

Depending on coronavirus in your area, it is unlikely you will be allowed to be in the consulting room or in the building at all. In the uk, we are handing our pets over in the car park and having to wait outside while the vet carries out their consultation. You certainly are unlikely to be allowed to be present during any scans or tests.

yes feed as normal. Piggies should never be fasted before any procedure as their system can shut down without a constant source of fibre.

 

[Butterfluf]

Could you please add your location to your profile as it helps us tailor our advice.

Depending on coronavirus in your area, it is unlikely you will be allowed to be in the consulting room or in the building at all. In the uk, we are handing our pets over in the car park and having to wait outside while the vet carries out their consultation. You certainly are unlikely to be allowed to be present during any scans or tests.

Hi I am in Ireland. I had a vet visit a few months ago and they let me in because they wanted me to handle them. I just want to know what to expect anyway so I know if they are doing the right tests for the problems

 

[Piggies&buns]

Scans and x rays see different things so it depends entirely what they find or not find upon one test as to whether they need to do something else. Often it’ll be a scan first and then move to x ray if The scan isn’t helpful. For example, it may be easier to see a bladder stone on an x ray because they can get different angles but a scan is best for seeing the ovaries. they may be able to scan while conscious but may need to sedate to do an x ray

 

[Butterfluf]

Scans and x rays see different things so it depends entirely what they find or not find upon one test as to whether they need to do something else. Often it’ll be a scan first and then move to x ray if The scan isn’t helpful. For example, it may be easier to see a bladder stone on an x ray because they can get different angles but a scan is best for seeing the ovaries. they may be able to scan while conscious but may need to sedate to do an x ray

I understand. But sedating would be dangerous for them especially the one who may have heart problems is there a way to do xrays without sedating them? I hope the intital scans are helpful

 

[Piggies&buns]

I understand. But sedating would be dangerous for them especially the one who may have heart problems is there a way to do xrays without sedating them? I hope the intital scans are helpful

it depends on the angles they need to get and how possible it’s going to be to get a piggy to be in a certain position and stay there while conscious.

 

[Butterfluf]

it depends on the angles they need to get and how possible it’s going to be to get a piggy to be in a certain position and stay there while conscious.

I see what you mean. What is the scan they'd use for seeing heart problems?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I see what you mean. What is the scan they'd use for seeing heart problems?

I’d think they would probably scan first but only because it can often be done without sedation but it doesn’t mean they won’t need an x ray depending on what they find.

 

[Butterfluf]

I’d think they would probably scan first but only because it can often be done without sedation but it doesn’t mean they won’t need an x ray depending on what they find.

I understand thank you for your help!

 

[Butterfluf]

Can I feed them as normal this morning?!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Can I feed them as normal this morning?!

Yes. Guinea pigs should not be fasted. They need to eat hay constantly to keep the system working.

 

[Butterfluf]

Yes. Guinea pigs should not be fasted. They need to eat hay constantly to keep the system working.

Thank you very much I'll prepare their veg now I appreciate your help!

 

[Claire W]

I can’t advise further to what piggies&buns has said above but I hope that the vet visit goes well for your piggies x

 

[Butterfluf]

I can’t advise further to what piggies&buns has said above but I hope that the vet visit goes well for your piggies x

Thanks so much I'm very nervous I have a lot going on at the moment in my life so this is all even tougher. I really hope they're OK but the one who I think has heart problems and or ovarian cysts i dont actually know her age and only know that she's had 2 litters that I know of. She makes a hooting noise every now and then and I always though it was her squeak if that makes sense and having looked into it it's not. I hope I'm not too late and that she can get help. She's eating and drinking fine at the moment which is hopefully a good sign.

 

[Claire W]

Thanks so much I'm very nervous I have a lot going on at the moment in my life so this is all even tougher. I really hope they're OK but the one who I think has heart problems and or ovarian cysts i dont actually know her age and only know that she's had 2 litters that I know of. She makes a hooting noise every now and then and I always though it was her squeak if that makes sense and having looked into it it's not. I hope I'm not too late and that she can get help. She's eating and drinking fine at the moment which is hopefully a good sign.

I’m sorry that things are tough for you right now. What makes you think she has ovarian cysts? Hooting can be a sign if something irritating their airways such as a piece of hay or dusty bedding. My Edward occasionally hoots but doesn’t have heart problems. I know it’s hard but try not to worry x

 

[Butterfluf]

I’m sorry that things are tough for you right now. What makes you think she has ovarian cysts? Hooting can be a sign if something irritating their airways such as a piece of hay or dusty bedding. My Edward occasionally hoots but doesn’t have heart problems. I know it’s hard but try not to worry x

I just saw a little scab on one of her nipples and thinking that she's had at least 2 litters that I know of and not knowing her age made me worry. She's always been pear shaped since I had her I can't feel any lumps myself but I'm just worried. And that's what I was thinking that it might just be hay because she loves to sleep in it but I'm just a huge worrier so I get paranoid about what if it's not the simple solution. I just weighed them all and they all have lost a bit of weight in the last 2 and a half weeks since I weighed them last. More than just the 2 I booked in for today but I can't change it now to Bring all of them the vet wont have time, I should've weighed them yesterday I just didn't think ahead I will try not worry and stay positive thanks so much!

 

[Claire W]

I just saw a little scab on one of her nipples and thinking that she's had at least 2 litters that I know of and not knowing her age made me worry. She's always been pear shaped since I had her I can't feel any lumps myself but I'm just worried. And that's what I was thinking that it might just be hay because she loves to sleep in it but I'm just a huge worrier so I get paranoid about what if it's not the simple solution. I just weighed them all and they all have lost a bit of weight in the last 2 and a half weeks since I weighed them last. More than just the 2 I booked in for today but I can't change it now to Bring all of them the vet wont have time, I should've weighed them yesterday I just didn't think ahead I will try not worry and stay positive thanks so much!

Fingers crossed for the vet visit and hopefully all will be well. I know what you mean about worrying as I’m a huge worrier too. Guinea pigs weight can fluctuate up to 50g depending on what time of day you weigh them, whether they have a full bladder or not and if they have just eaten so hopefully that explains the weight loss x

 

[Butterfluf]

Fingers crossed for the vet visit and hopefully all will be well. I know what you mean about worrying as I’m a huge worrier too. Guinea pigs weight can fluctuate up to 50g depending on what time of day you weigh them, whether they have a full bladder or not and if they have just eaten so hopefully that explains the weight loss x

Oh thank you so much thats a reassurance. They haven't eaten their veg yet today I'm waiting for it to warm up from the fridge so that would make sense. Is the evening a better time to get accurate weights when I'm checking or the morning before they eat so I can keep an accurate log? They're all down about 20-30g since the last weigh at the moment. Thanks so much for that I was starting to panic again

 

[Piggies&buns]

Oh thank you so much thats a reassurance. They haven't eaten their veg yet today I'm waiting for it to warm up from the fridge so that would make sense. Is the evening a better time to get accurate weights when I'm checking or the morning before they eat so I can keep an accurate log? They're all down about 20-30g since the last weigh at the moment. Thanks so much for that I was starting to panic again

it doesn’t matter, what matters is consistency in weighing time. They need and eat hay constantly day and night so it’s not the same as weighing with us people when we tend to be lighter in the mornings etc.

20-30g is still within normal fluctuation range

 

[Butterfluf]

it doesn’t matter, what matters is consistency in weighing time. They need and eat hay constantly day and night so it’s not the same as weighing with us people when we tend to be lighter in the mornings etc.

20-30g is still within normal fluctuation range

OK thank you guys sorry to be a bother I appreciate it

 

[Piggies&buns]

OK thank you guys sorry to be a bother I appreciate it

Not a bother at all - we are all here to help!
I hope your piggies are ok

 

[Butterfluf]

Not a bother at all - we are all here to help!
I hope your piggies are ok

Thanks I hope so too it could just be hay in her airways I just need to know for sure thanks so much again

 

[Claire W]

Oh thank you so much thats a reassurance. They haven't eaten their veg yet today I'm waiting for it to warm up from the fridge so that would make sense. Is the evening a better time to get accurate weights when I'm checking or the morning before they eat so I can keep an accurate log? They're all down about 20-30g since the last weigh at the moment. Thanks so much for that I was starting to panic again

As piggies&buns has said, it doesn’t matter what time of day you weigh them so long as you weigh them at the same time each time you weigh them.

I wouldn’t worry about 20-30g, that’s normal. You are looking for a big loss over the cause of a week or a downwards trend in weight loss each week

 

[Butterfluf]

As piggies&buns has said, it doesn’t matter what time of day you weigh them so long as you weigh them at the same time each time you weigh them.

I wouldn’t worry about 20-30g, that’s normal. You are looking for a big loss over the cause of a week or a downwards trend in weight loss each week

OK thank you for that

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys,

I have a vet appointment booked today for 2 of my piggies to check for heart problems/ovarian cysts and bladder stones respectively. I can only see a regular vet who has some experience with my piggies as the only exotic in the country is 6 hours away. I would like to know what to expect from this visit so I can advise the vet what to do to make sure they don't cause unnecessary problems with my piggies.

I have suggested that they may need an ultrasound to detect these problems and am wondering can these problems be detected with that or do they need xrays? I am going to insist being there with my pigs and insisting that they won't be put under any anaesthetic. I would like some advice on what to expect so I know whether what the vet is telling me they want to do is actually going to be good for my piggies and will detect the problems. Can I feed them as normal before the appointment? Thank you for your advise.

Hi!

Due to coronavirus, you will unfortunately not be able to enter the vet clinic.
This link here will give you an idea how things are handled generally although the manner of contact with the treating vet can vary; some do it via phone and others via the receptionist.
Accessing veterinary care during coronavirus/Covid-19 lockdown

Like all rodents, guinea pigs don't a have vomiting reflex and are therefore not at risk of choking during GA. They can eat normally in the run up to a GA. Make sure that there is a little soft hay in the carrier for comfort and nibbling on.

Please be aware that the difference between a full and empty bladder is 10g; between a full and empty tummy 30g. The swing in weight over 24 hours is about 30-40g. That is why you ideally weigh always at the same point in the feeding cycle, either before or after a meal.
I prefer to weigh first thing in the morning when their weight is at the lowest. That also gives me the clearest idea how much they have (or not) eaten on their own overnight.

 

[Butterfluf]

Hi!

Due to coronavirus, you will unfortunately not be able to enter the vet clinic.
This link here will give you an idea how things are handled generally although the manner of contact with the treating vet can vary; some do it via phone and others via the receptionist.
Accessing veterinary care during coronavirus/Covid-19 lockdown

Like all rodents, guinea pigs don't a have vomiting reflex and are therefore not at risk of choking during GA. They can eat normally in the run up to a GA. Make sure that there is a little soft hay in the carrier for comfort and nibbling on.

Please be aware that the difference between a full and empty bladder is 10g; between a full and empty tummy 30g. The swing in weight over 24 hours is about 30-40g. That is why you ideally weigh always at the same point in the feeding cycle, either before or after a meal.
I prefer to weigh first thing in the morning when their weight is at the lowest. That also gives me the clearest idea how much they have (or not) eaten on their own overnight.

Thank you very much for your advice. I am hoping that they won't have to go under GA and the problems if any would be shown in an ultrasound as I'm scared of the risks putting them under would have especially as the vet is not exotic. They're getting their veggies now and that is good advice I will bare in mind to weigh them in the mornings for the lowest readings thank you

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you very much for your advice. I am hoping that they won't have to go under GA and the problems if any would be shown in an ultrasound as I'm scared of the risks putting them under would have especially as the vet is not exotic. They're getting their veggies now and that is good advice I will bare in mind to weigh them in the mornings for the lowest readings thank you

PLEASE take a big breath! A scan will happen under sedation but most vets won't use any more than absolutely necessary.

If you are of a nervous disposition, please stay off any online medical sites and research; what you have to always correct for is that you get to read all the horror stories and miracle cures but not the overwhelming majority of unremarkable positive outcomes - they are not considered worth posting about. Even on here, we tend to see more problems than is proportional as we are a point of call when there are concerns - and we really don't see loads and loads of posts about a GA gone wrong. Things have moved on massively since the 80ies.

 

[Butterfluf]

PLEASE take a big breath! A scan will happen under sedation but most vets won't use any more than absolutely necessary.

If you are of a nervous disposition, please stay off any online medical sites and research; what you have to always correct for is that you get to read all the horror stories and miracle cures but not the overwhelming majority of unremarkable positive outcomes - they are not considered worth posting about. Even on here, we tend to see more problems than is proportional as we are a point of call when there are concerns - and we really don't see loads and loads of posts about a GA gone wrong. Things have moved on massively since the 80ies.

Phew I get you. I always read up about these things and get really nervous about them. And what I've been seeing is if they do have heart problems it is way more risky to be sedated. But I do get what you mean it's almost always the bad things that get posted. I just don't want to lose another pet this year especially if it can be helped. I wish exotic vets were more common in Ireland as there's only one who is literally at the other side of the country to me. But I should be able to trust that a non exotic would know better than to give too much GA so I will try to calm down sorry.

 

[Butterfluf]

Hi guys,

The vet only ended up performing ultrasounds and didn't need to do xrays this time. So from what part of the heart they could see there was no fluids or enlargement but they couldn't see the left atrium and so they can't say with certainty that she's all clear and so gave me 2 different tablets to give her a quarter each twice a day. They are tablets for dogs so I just wanted to check that they are Guinea pig safe and tht they are safe for her to take even if she doesn't have heart problems. I will attach the pics below!

Starlight apparently has sludge in her bladder and I need to get a urine sample which will be difficult but she doesn't have stones yet at least so there's some hope although it could mean an infection instead

 

[Piggies&buns]

If she has sludge then look at the diet for calcium issues.

keep pellets strictly limited to one tablespoon per day; filter drinking water; don’t feed high calcium veg (kale, parsley, spinach) more than one small amount once per week. Keep the diet quite wet (so leafy greens) to try to keep the bladder flushed through