2 year old boar whining when trying to pass urine or poops and making strange sound like an abrupt, harsh cough.

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Hi all, I'm back again for some advice, just don't seem to be having any luck this year where my piggies are concerned!

So...about two hours ago I noticed my 2 year old neutered boar Dexter making a strange sound, the only way I can describe it is as a sort of cough but more abrupt and harsh sounding. He was making this noise every few minutes for around 15 minutes. At first I thought it may have been hiccups but as I have witnessed hiccups many times, this was definitely different. Had sort of a growl to it.

Then a little while after I heard a whining, painful noise and got up to see Dexter trying to pass either urine or a poop. I got him out, put him on his back as best I could to check for impaction however, couldn't see anything obstructing his bottom.

I did notice he looked a little swollen around where his testicles once were however, could not take a photo as I am on my own and he simply would not stay still.

In August, 6 weeks post (neuter) op he developed two abscesses, one small, one large on either side and had to undergo surgery again, poor soul! 4 weeks later he looked swollen again so rushed him to vets, to be told it was normal and that sometimes is just the way they heal post op. The vet told me the swollen area was soft and for it to be another abscess it would be harder.

When checking tonight the area is still soft but looks a little more swollen, not a great lot though. Does anyone have any idea what this could be. I am going to observe him tonight and take him to vets in the morning if symptoms persist. Thanks!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all, I'm back again for some advice, just don't seem to be having any luck this year where my piggies are concerned!

So...about two hours ago I noticed my 2 year old neutered boar Dexter making a strange sound, the only way I can describe it is as a sort of cough but more abrupt and harsh sounding. He was making this noise every few minutes for around 15 minutes. At first I thought it may have been hiccups but as I have witnessed hiccups many times, this was definitely different. Had sort of a growl to it.

Then a little while after I heard a whining, painful noise and got up to see Dexter trying to pass either urine or a poop. I got him out, put him on his back as best I could to check for impaction however, couldn't see anything obstructing his bottom.

I did notice he looked a little swollen around where his testicles once were however, could not take a photo as I am on my own and he simply would not stay still.

In August, 6 weeks post (neuter) op he developed two abscesses, one small, one large on either side and had to undergo surgery again, poor soul! 4 weeks later he looked swollen again so rushed him to vets, to be told it was normal and that sometimes is just the way they heal post op. The vet told me the swollen area was soft and for it to be another abscess it would be harder.

When checking tonight the area is still soft but looks a little more swollen, not a great lot though. Does anyone have any idea what this could be. I am going to observe him tonight and take him to vets in the morning if symptoms persist. Thanks!

Hi

Has your vet checked for a potential hernia? If your boy is grunting when getting poos and pees out, then he is in considerable pain.

Here is some hopefully helpful information on post-neutering op complications which can happen months after the op itself: Neutering operations: Considerations, post-op care and complications and a successful recovery example

PS: My Nosgan developed a hernia quite a few months after I had adopted him as a neutered boar. It usually manifests as a soft swelling in the groin and testicle area.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Hi

Has your vet checked for a potential hernia? If your boy is grunting when getting poos and pees out, then he is in considerable pain.

Here is some hopefully helpful information on post-neutering op complications which can happen months after the op itself: Neutering operations: Considerations, post-op care and complications and a successful recovery example

PS: My Nosgan developed a hernia quite a few months after I had adopted him as a neutered boar. It usually manifests as a soft swelling in the groin and testicle area.

Hi, the last time she checked him over was in October, so around 7 weeks ago. She never mentioned anything about the possibilty of a hernia. If I can get appointment in the morning then I will definitely ask about this.

Oh dear, did Nosgan recover ok and what did the treatment entail? Surgery? I have given Dexter some loxicom to try dull down his pain. He is still eating, drinking. But seems very lethargic. Thankyou for sending the information and your much appreciated advice.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Got an appointment at 5.15 this evening. I'm really hoping it is something minor and not serious. Praying it's not stones or anything that requires surgery. Anybody else who has had similar issues, your advice is much appreciated. I want to be geared up with as much information before I get to the vets. Thanks.

 

[Swissgreys]

Well done for getting an appointment so fast.
I don't have any medical advice but wanted to offer my support.

 

[weepweeps]

Good luck at the vets. Keep us posted. I hope it’s something easily sorted

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, the last time she checked him over was in October, so around 7 weeks ago. She never mentioned anything about the possibilty of a hernia. If I can get appointment in the morning then I will definitely ask about this.

Oh dear, did Nosgan recover ok and what did the treatment entail? Surgery? I have given Dexter some loxicom to try dull down his pain. He is still eating, drinking. But seems very lethargic. Thankyou for sending the information and your much appreciated advice.

In Nosgan's case, the hernia was not too bad and did not cause him any discomfort as it was just fatty tissue that had slipped through. My vet preferred not to operate but warned that if ever a piece of gut slipped through the tiny tear in the wall, it would mean the end.

By the time that happened, it was 2 1/2 years later after the hernia had started to move around again and worsened. Nosgan suddenly declined very quickly and I had to rush him to the vets for an emergency euthanasia. A trapped gut is excrutiatingly painful and fatal.
He was however 5 years old by then and had had a normal life span as well 2 1/2 happy years with his cheerful boyfriend Nye who I had adopted for him.

PLEASE contact your vet asap. It sounds like this has happened with your boy.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

HUGS

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

In Nosgan's case, the hernia was not too bad and did not cause him any discomfort as it was just fatty tissue that had slipped through. My vet preferred not to operate but warned that if ever a piece of gut slipped through the tiny tear in the wall, it would mean the end.

By the time that happened, it was 2 1/2 years later after the hernia had started to move around again and worsened. Nosgan suddenly declined very quickly and I had to rush him to the vets for an emergency euthanasia. A trapped gut is excrutiatingly painful and fatal.
He was however 5 years old by then and had had a normal life span as well 2 1/2 happy years with his cheerful boyfriend Nye who I had adopted for him.

PLEASE contact your vet asap. It sounds like this has happened with your boy.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

HUGS

Awww poor soul, it really is awful and literally unbearable when things go wrong with our piggies.

Seen vet and she wants to book Dexter in for an ultrasound, was suppose to get a call by closing however, have heard nothing. She can't rule out another abscess or a possible hernia so think I'm gonna have to go through with the scan.

They said they are fully booked so my anxiety is through the roof incase he goes downhill before I can get him scanned. I will ring tomorrow if I hear nothing again. I'm hoping it isn't too expensive as like everyone in the country, times are hard! I have spent over £3000 in just over a year on vets bills. The piggies always come first but think I'm due a break, I hope!

 

[Wiebke]

Awww poor soul, it really is awful and literally unbearable when things go wrong with our piggies.

Seen vet and she wants to book Dexter in for an ultrasound, was suppose to get a call by closing however, have heard nothing. She can't rule out another abscess or a possible hernia so think I'm gonna have to go through with the scan.

They said they are fully booked so my anxiety is through the roof incase he goes downhill before I can get him scanned. I will ring tomorrow if I hear nothing again. I'm hoping it isn't too expensive as like everyone in the country, times are hard! I have spent over £3000 in just over a year on vets bills. The piggies always come first but think I'm due a break, I hope!

BIG HUGS

Please keep going with your feeding support as long as your boy is not fighting it out of proportion to what strength he las left.
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

I am keeping my fingers very firmly crossed for your boy! Guinea pigs can really take it out of your purse. Most people don't realise that they are not cheap pets at all.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Hi everyone, I have been up all night, Dexter's pain seems to be getting worse. Everytime I get into bed I can hear him whimpering in pain so can't settle. His pain has definitely increased and even now he is not moving at all he is shrieking quite often.

I'm really worried as lastnight the vet said they were fully booked with surgeries and I'm frightened they won't be able to do his ultrasound and potential surgery today. Does anyone know if this happens if I will be able to ring another practice and get him seen there instead? If I can't I think I will have to get him euthanized .

I really can't stand seeing him like this and listening to him in pain for another hour never mind however many days. Any advice please throw my way. Thanks.

 

[Wren]

I have no advice for you, but I think if your vet is too busy then you should certainly call another office. It can’t hurt to try at least.

I will keep you in my thought and hope that Dexter will be ok.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

I'm really not ready to say goodbye yet, already lost two pigs since September. I don't know why life is being so unfair at the moment. I really don't want to wait until Dexter gets too ill to undergo any surgery. I learnt my lesson with my last piggie I lost, was told to take her home, keep feeding her CC and take her back the next day. She went down hill so quickly we lost her that night. I can't watch him in pain, it's too heart shattering.

 

[poggle]

I've certainly taken pets to another vet when I was unimpressed with their registered vet.

My Nixie had a URI just after we got her and our registered vet wouldn't see her for a week because a tiny, 250g 3mo pig with URI symptoms wasn't considered urgent. I got a same day appt elsewhere, although it took some ringing round. Obviously they didn't have any of her medical history but practices can contact each other and share information, with your consent.

I really hope you can have your little one seen soon. It's horrid to watch someone suffer and feel powerless to help. Fingers crossed for him

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone, I have been up all night, Dexter's pain seems to be getting worse. Everytime I get into bed I can hear him whimpering in pain so can't settle. His pain has definitely increased and even now he is not moving at all he is shrieking quite often.

I'm really worried as lastnight the vet said they were fully booked with surgeries and I'm frightened they won't be able to do his ultrasound and potential surgery today. Does anyone know if this happens if I will be able to ring another practice and get him seen there instead? If I can't I think I will have to get him euthanized .

I really can't stand seeing him like this and listening to him in pain for another hour never mind however many days. Any advice please throw my way. Thanks.

Hi

Please get him to any vet who will see him on the days as quickly as possible. He is now a life or death emergency considering the amount of pain he is in.

I am very sorry.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Hi everyone, this really has been the day from hell. During Dexter's hour of need my partner decided to leave me and also leave with the transport needed to get to and from the vets. As I don't drive and find it extremely difficult to find a taxi that allows animals, poor Dexter did not make it to the vets today.

However, whether or not it's the metacam, he has improved since my last post. He has began eating more, moving around more and isn't constantly crying in pain, seems to be less frequent shrieking. I'm hoping his swelling has gone down as I'm not sure if metacam is also an anti-inflammatory?

I'm just hoping to keep him comfortable until I can make a decision on what to do and also actually get transport to the vets. The only option I have at the moment is walking 4 miles to the nearest general vet which is out of the question as it's freezation outside or jumping on the bus tomorrow and get him put to sleep. My exotic practice is over 15 miles away and without transport isn't possible.

I do not want to put him to sleep until I know for sure that is the final resort however, don't want him to be in pain. The ultrasound and possible surgery is a no go unless I can get to the exotics practice and actually get an appointment. I will not trust a more local general vet to carry out the procedure. My anxiety is through the roof and I feel I have nowhere to turn for help x

 

[Wheekallweek]

I'm so so sorry what a horrific time you're having. At least you still have your piggies!
I hope the metacam is making a difference for him now, it is anti inflammatory so may help.
Honestly my thoughts and prayers are with you... Christmas wishes that things will get better for you and Dexter x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

I'm so so sorry what a horrific time you're having. At least you still have your piggies!
I hope the metacam is making a difference for him now, it is anti inflammatory so may help.
Honestly my thoughts and prayers are with you... Christmas wishes that things will get better for you and Dexter x

Thank you, I just feel like such a bad person, not knowing what to do or even being able to do anything for him. I am actually considering giving up my little babies, I can provide them with attention, the best food and all my love but the one thing I can't do for them is get them to and from the vets in their time of need. I can't believe my partner has left Dexter in this situation, I don't care about myself, just him. I know this is a difficult question to answer but what would you do if you were me in terms of Dexter's welfare and giving them up? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you again for your prayers, little Dexter really needs them at the moment x

 

[Wheekallweek]

Honestly? I wouldn't rush it just yet.
Give yourself a few days to breathe and come to terms with what has happened before you make any big decisions. Your head must be all over the place right now x
Are there any friends and family who could help you out with a lift?
Or maybe a neighbour?
How is Dexter today x

 

[Swissgreys]

You are clearly under a huge amount of stress right now, so give yourself the time and space to breath for a bit before making any major decisions.
In time a solution might present itself.

A good place to start would be the exotic vets - call them and tell them you are having transport issues, and they may be able to help. They will probably at least be able to provide details of a taxi company that will transport pets.
If not they may know of someone nearby who could help out in the short term so Dexter can receive the treatment he needs.

I am so sorry this is all happening at once.
I know it's easier said than done, but try to make time for yourself in all of this too.

 

[Wheekallweek]

Perhaps someone could foster them short term? If you could contribute financially then maybe someone would take on the day to day care and transport to the vets etc until your in a better place?
Just a thought x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Hi, managed to get Dexter to the vet this morning, my partner or should I say ex took us and had to leave Dexter for his ultrasound. Just had a call and he has a hernia, had to make a quick decision, either euthanize him or go ahead with surgery at a cost of £500. Tried to call my partner to discuss this but he didn't answer and didn't feel right making the decision to put him to sleep without asking him first or not being there to say goodbye to my baby, so of course I made the decision to operate.

I really do hope he pulls through, this vets bill has now cleared me out, so I'm hoping and praying things will now turn around. I am also praying I have made the right decision and he doesn't end up in pain again further down the line. It's a waiting game now, sitting here anxiously to find out how the surgery has gone and how he is. I just hope he recovers and I don't lose him to the GA, like my Rainbow Bridge piggie Susie, God rest her soul.

I will update you all on Dexter's situation asap. Thank you all

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

You are clearly under a huge amount of stress right now, so give yourself the time and space to breath for a bit before making any major decisions.
In time a solution might present itself.

A good place to start would be the exotic vets - call them and tell them you are having transport issues, and they may be able to help. They will probably at least be able to provide details of a taxi company that will transport pets.
If not they may know of someone nearby who could help out in the short term so Dexter can receive the treatment he needs.

I am so sorry this is all happening at once.
I know it's easier said than done, but try to make time for yourself in all of this too.

Thank you for your reply. Your right, I am under immense stress at the moment and I do need to take a deep breath and try and stay calm. Thank you for your support x

 

[VickiA]

I have everything crossed for the little fellow and also for you.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Perhaps someone could foster them short term? If you could contribute financially then maybe someone would take on the day to day care and transport to the vets etc until your in a better place?
Just a thought x

I'm gonna have a good think about what's best but for the moment I need to get my baby home and well. Thank you for your support x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

I have everything crossed for the little fellow and also for you.

Thank you, life just seems so hard at the moment. All I want for Christmas and for always is for my piggies to live and see out their golden years x

 

[Wheekallweek]

Best of luck Dexter x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Hi everyone, had a call and they have decided to keep Dexter in for the night. They said the surgery went well however, it is in his best interests to have him stay.

He has come round from the anesthetic but still groggy/spaced out however, he hasn't eaten anything yet or gone to toilet but he did let out a massive wee during the procedure, bless him!

I mentioned about my other piggie Susie passing away after surgery and said she was the same however, they seemed optimistic and said it is quite normal for the first 24 hours. They said they'll keep an eye on him, give him all his medicines and ring me in the morning. I hate him not being home but I suppose he is in the best place x

 

[Swissgreys]

It sounds like he is doing well and really is in the best place.
It is natural to miss him, but you would be more stressed having him home if you don't have reliable transport to take him back if something happens in the night.
I am sure tomorrow will bring a joyous reunion.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Oh no my poor baby, he's running a fever. Vet just rang and she is trying to bring his temperature down. What have I done, I should have let him go x

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Am I gonna lose him?x