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Advice on unwell 3 year Old Boar

esmepickle

esmepickle

New Born Pup
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Hi All, had v good health so far for both our Boars, who are exactly 3 year old. Waffle has been unwell few days now, decided to ask for advice on here. Tried to book in with my local GP specialist but not free for next couple of days. I took Waffle to local vet yesterday as he was v lethargic and not eating/pooping on Saturday into Sunday. He was also weepy-eyed. by Sunday afternoon he started eating veggies and some nuggets/readigrass hay. However he hasn't been pooing properly at all. He didnt poo for ages, I suspected Impaction, cleaned him out with mineral oil/cotton buds. There was some off-white mucous very pungent, since then he has done some poo's but they are mostly half usual size and about quarter of usual amount he would produce in a day.
Vet yesterday checked him over, said its not impaction as bum area not hard and nothing to push out lodged there. I told her he isn't pooing properly and seems to be limping on one side rear leg. His mobility is very poor but she said he was ok and showed resistance in his legs. She gave him injection to boost his system and pain killer also. She said teeth etc all good. But 26 hrs on I'm still very worried about him, I can see he is unwell still - although he is eating and producing quarter amount of poo (though they are still half the size of his usual poo) he is still not moving either...
Could it be that he has impaction in bowel/intestines that is allowing the fecal/edible poos to dispell, but not his larger waste poos? and that is why he is limping because his system is blocked and/or bloated? I hate to think of him in pain... I don't want to take him back to that vet if she is just going to inject him again and send him away, he hated the vets and was terrified of all the dogs in the waiting room.
Don't know what to do for the best, and this is now day 5 of him not being his usual bouncy inquisitive crazy self. He is also teeth chattering with his bonded boar, which is a shame as Oreo hasn't left him for a moment for all these days! (they are together-apart piggies, living side by side but separated by c&c due to serious fighting when adolescent, they are very happy with this arrangement and have with plenty of indoor enclosure space and tunnels to their outside garden enclosures) but the teeth chattering hasn't happened for years. Just last 24 hrs.
Any advice would be much appreciated and welcome :)
 
I’m sorry to hear he is unwell.

Lack of poops or small poops is due to lack of food. Nothing/not enough going in equals not much coming out. He may be eating something but it doesn’t mean it is anywhere near enough and this is why syringe feeding is essential. The fact he is producing some poops means his gut is still working (not in stasis) but you need to step in and help him with syringe feeding straight away.
This is not the same as impaction. Impaction is when the anal muscles lose strength (usually due to age) and they cannot push them out and a plug of faeces forms in the anal sac.

You must urgently step in and syringe feed him a fibre rich recovery feed (if you haven’t already) such as oxbow critical care to keep his gut functioning. Still nibbling at bit of veg or hay is nowhere near enough. Your syringe feeding is directly replacing his hay intake and given hay is 80% of their daily food intake, as soon as the amount they eat drops it quickly has a huge impact on their weight. This is why watching them nibble at bits is very deceptive.
In the absence of a recovery feed, mix his normal pellets with warm water to form a mush and syringe feed that to him. Irs not quite as high fibre as recovery feed but the familiar taste is usually welcomed. You can use this while you get some proper recovery feed.

Switch from the routine weekly weight checks and instead weigh him daily (weigh once each morning). This enables you to adjust his syringe feed accordingly to keep his weight stable each day. You are aiming to syringe feed a minimum of 40-60ml in a 24 hour period but he may need more or less depending on what his daily weight checks tell you. You will need to feed him approx every two hours.

If he has bloat for example, then it is very painful and may cause him to not want to move.

What was the injection to ‘boost his system’?

Have you been given any painkillers and gut stimulants to give him at home yourself?
He should ideally be on painkillers every 12 hours at home. Also a gut stimulant such as emeprid to help his gut movement. If you don’t have these things, and/or he isn’t improving with medication if you have been given some, then please go back to the vet.
The teeth chattering with his neighbour could be due to pain, being unwell.

Please read the guides below

Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
Digestive Disorders: Not Eating - Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement)
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links

* it had recently been shown that guinea pigs do not produce two different types of poop (edible poops and waste poops). They just produce the waste poops and they do eat them (unlike rabbits which do produce two different types).
 
Thankyou so much for detailed reply... I will syringe feed immediately, and can obtain critical care feed this evening... How long do you suggest I feed the fibre rich food please?
The Vet did not provide the name of the injection, but said it was what he needed to 'help get his system moving' in addition she provided pain relief injection. I did ask if there were other support medicines/vitamins I could purchase but she said no, and that he would not be deficient in anything. Quite frankly I was sceptical of the vets, and I felt that when asking questions I was not provided with much of an response. Do you advise that I contact the vets again for pain medication?
I will read your supporting links once I have been with Waffle and attempted providing the feed...
Best wishes, and many thanks...
 
I am sorry, my question regarding how long to feed the Oxbow is likely contained in your links.... sorry for jumping ahead. I will read through all of the material. Thankyou,
 
We are happy to help with any questions you may have.

The information is in the guide but you syringe feed as long as is necessary - there is no one answer. Basically until he has recovered from whatever is causing his issues and is eating enough hay independently to maintain his weight. How long that will be is going to depend on what is causing it and how quickly it is diagnosed and treated.

He absolutely sounds like he needs to be being given twice daily pain meds though. Just being in pain can stop him wanting to eat. Other meds could well be needed. My guess is the injection was a stimulant but again, they can be needed daily (a few doses a day).

At the very least the vet should have advised of the importance of syringe feeding - a piggy who is not eating enough can quickly become very unwell.

Vitamins may not be needed - there is full nutrition in proper recovery feeds.

Have you got an appointment with the specialist booked? It sounds like this is what is going to be needed. He needs a proper diagnosis.
 
Poor Waffle. I can understand your scepticism of this vet. Waffle needs to see a vet who knows about guinea pigs and can get to the bottom of what is going on. There is a reason why he is not eating enough and therefore not pooing much. He needs a proper diagnosis and probably pain relief. Good Luck at the vets. There is a recommended vet list in the top bar of the forum if you decide to find a different vet.
 
Many thanks tor replying and offering advice. I have been frequently monitoring, he is eating everything I am offering so he has had fresh vegetables and probably more than an average day as I have sat feeding him veg 4 times. He has also eaten some of his nuggets, I would say the amount that he ordinarily eats…
However, he is still immobile (very unusual he is a lively & physical piggie) and and when he walked he was certainly limping and not putting weight one one of his hind legs. He has presented with this poor mobility and limp subsequent to his lethargy, no eating and lack of poo.
I have asked for an apt with the recommended vet from the link. She has asked me to call back in the morn to establish if she can fit him in for an apt. So I’m hoping the answer is yes… and furthermore I’m hoping he suddenly starts doing loads of poos and runs around like he usually does. Poor boy, I’m trying to do what I can to help. He has a comfortable clean home, with fresh hay, readi grass, nuggets and water all within reach. Please think of him tonight and send your love and light for him xx
 
esmepickle said:
Many thanks tor replying and offering advice. I have been frequently monitoring, he is eating everything I am offering so he has had fresh vegetables and probably more than an average day as I have sat feeding him veg 4 times. He has also eaten some of his nuggets, I would say the amount that he ordinarily eats…
However, he is still immobile (very unusual he is a lively & physical piggie) and and when he walked he was certainly limping and not putting weight one one of his hind legs. He has presented with this poor mobility and limp subsequent to his lethargy, no eating and lack of poo.
I have asked for an apt with the recommended vet from the link. She has asked me to call back in the morn to establish if she can fit him in for an apt. So I’m hoping the answer is yes… and furthermore I’m hoping he suddenly starts doing loads of poos and runs around like he usually does. Poor boy, I’m trying to do what I can to help. He has a comfortable clean home, with fresh hay, readi grass, nuggets and water all within reach. Please think of him tonight and send your love and light for him xx
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Are you syringe feeding him mushed pellets or recovery feed? Eating veg and pellets is not enough even if it is more than he normally gets (in fact suddenly increasing the amount of veg he gets could be detrimental and cause more problems than it solves). It is essential he gets the fibre from hay and recovery feed.
Veg is only 15% of the daily food intake and pellets are only one tablespoon per pig per day, just 5% of the daily food intake so any reduction in hay intake is a big problem and needs to be replaced with syringe feed.

Poop output is 1-2 days behind food intake so is not reliable. So lack of poop today means he hasn’t eaten enough for the past two days etc and going forward if he suddenly recovered and eats everything normally tomorrow then you still won’t see poop output at normal levels until Friday or Saturday.
It is the daily weight checks which are important to gauging that enough syringe feed and hay is going in.

If he is suffering with any bloat at all?
Does his tummy feel hard and sound hollow when tapped or is it nice and soft?

I hope the vet can see him tomorrow. Keep us posted.
 
I'm sorry you have a poorly piggie.you need to step in with syringe feeding,as clearly if less volume of poops is coming out he is not eating enough.
It's difficult,but it's essential to stop gut stasis.
Piggie and buns has given you some excellent advise,and links to the guides.
I hope you can get an appointment at the preferred vets.
Piggies and buns will guide you through.🤗
 
Hi All, I have an appointment with a GP vet at 11am. Waffle is visibly more alert, and eating all vegetables offered, plus a combination golf mushed and dried pellets, though he is reluctant about the watered-down ones I am persevering. He has passed a pile of ‘normal’ sized poo overnight. I could not obtain the oxbow from either vet store in my area. I will obtain today whilst out at this vet apt.
Key issue of concern for me is that he is immobile, or can move but with a slight shuffle as his one hind leg/rump area is just being dragged (although he hasn’t gone far this was just when I encouraged him to walk across his run, I don’t want to pressure him as it may be, and is likely to be painful)
The bet we are visiting is one from your recommended list link.
Best wishes and thanks to you.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Are you syringe feeding him mushed pellets or recovery feed? Eating veg and pellets is not enough even if it is more than he normally gets (in fact suddenly increasing the amount of veg he gets could be detrimental and cause more problems than it solves). It is essential he gets the fibre from hay and recovery feed.
Veg is only 15% of the daily food intake and pellets are only one tablespoon per pig per day, just 5% of the daily food intake so any reduction in hay intake is a big problem and needs to be replaced with syringe feed.

Poop output is 1-2 days behind food intake so is not reliable. So lack of poop today means he hasn’t eaten enough for the past two days etc and going forward if he suddenly recovered and eats everything normally tomorrow then you still won’t see poop output at normal levels until Friday or Saturday.
It is the daily weight checks which are important to gauging that enough syringe feed and hay is going in.

If he is suffering with any bloat at all?
Does his tummy feel hard and sound hollow when tapped or is it nice and soft?

I hope the vet can see him tomorrow. Keep us posted.
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No, His tummy does not feel hard in any area. He does appear to flinch his hind leg in one area, which I will explain to the vet shortly. Thanks
 
I'm glad you're able to get him seen by the vet. Hopefully the vet can diagnose the issue and at least give him pain relief.

It's good his poop is more normal today. What has this mornings weight check told you compared to yesterday's?
 
Hi all, an update on Waffle. The 2nd opinion vet (the one from your GP forum list) has diagnosed a hip/upper leg injury or arthritis. She could feel the inflammation and when she put him on the floor could clearly see him dragging his hind on that side.
She had no other health concerns and he pooped a fair bit of normal waste whilst we were there. She has prescribed pain medication, metacalm to be syringed.
Basically, she suspects that due to the pain /mobility problem it would have made him feel quite under the weather, displaying lethargy and loss of appetite. He is comfortable, and has all of his needs. Money thing is that she did not think Oxbow was needed, I’ve got some being delivered here by this eve, perhaps I should do this anyway to ensure best health?
I will continue to weigh, and monitor behaviour closely. If mobility doesn’t resume in a week he will need an X-ray.
No grasstime for him for a while, but he has direct access to his garden enclosure whenever he feels ready. Thankyou all for your continued piggie support!
Very best wishes, Claire and Waffle (and Oreo too!)
 
Being in pain will stop them from wanting to eat, cause lethargy, reduce/stop poop production etc as you were seeing. Syringe feeding and daily weight checks are needed at that time. Once his pain is managed (metacam kicks in pretty quickly) he may feel brighter and get his appetite back. Daily weight checks should continue throughout all of his recovery so you can be sure he is eating enough hay independently.

Has he got a good dosage, twice a day? Is he on dog or cat metacam?

Metacam is also an anti-inflammatory so hopefully it’ll help reduce any inflammation also and fingers crossed he gets his mobility back.

I hope he is ok
 
Thankyou… he has matacam cat, 1 x0.2ml per day. I’ve just given his run a thorough clean, and refresh. He is eating hay, nuggets and fresh veg right now. And has been sleeping on and off. I will continue to daily weigh… my close friend is a vet, she has been out of the country but returns at the weekend. Fortunately she lives very locally and will come and give him a checkup also. Thankyou
 
esmepickle said:
Thankyou… he has matacam cat, 1 x0.2ml per day. I’ve just given his run a thorough clean, and refresh. He is eating hay, nuggets and fresh veg right now. And has been sleeping on and off. I will continue to daily weigh… my close friend is a vet, she has been out of the country but returns at the weekend. Fortunately she lives very locally and will come and give him a checkup also. Thankyou
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I’m glad he is eating.
You will have to see how he goes with that dosage, it is on the low side particularly as it is only once a day. Piggies need their pain meds twice a day as they metabolise them in 12 hours.
 
I agree twice a day is much better as they have such a fast metabolism. 0.2 is the lowest starter dose, see If
you can dose him twice a day, ask your vet friend when you see her. Sending healing vibes to your little boar
 
Hi, This is what I'm reflecting upon 1-week after onset of 3-year old Boar, Waffle's symptoms.
Last Saturday - very lethargic, weeping eyes, not interested in food or drink. No poo's
Sunday/Monday - lethargy remains but more alert, suspected possible impaction but not hardness of area or blockage of poo's visible. Did a few very small poo's which had a clear mucous (like a clear glue) thickly coated.... mineral oil gently swiped around and in anus produced an off-white pungent mucous blockage/film to anus cavity. he did some more small poo's following this treatment.
Monday - took to 1st vet. Reflecting back, they didn't really diagnose anything, ruled out impaction. Gave an injection for gut stimulation and a pain killer injection. Offered no further meds or treatment suggestions, just said injections would hopefully help.
Wednesday - took to other vet for 2nd opinion. By now Waffle is clearly immobile down one rear side of body/leg - dragging himself when attempting or encouraged to walk. Though he has not voluntarily walked anywhere and remained in his bedroom almost constantly. Vet can see he cannot walk properly and suggests an injury to leg which would have affected appetite and behaviour for the last few days.
Thursday onwards until now - full appetite returned for pellets (Burgess) readigrass hay, fresh vegetables/salad. Normal alert levels - generally more in normal character. However, he is completely paralysed/immobile down the hind leg/hip area, he is hardly moving, shifting positions a little but he is clearly unable to use that area of his body. He is usually a very inquisitive, nosey and active piggie.
He is on Metacam (Cat .5mg) - he was prescribed 0.2ml once per day - think I should up this? especially as he is eating and drinking well and his weight has not dropped. My vet friend said it should stay in system for 24hrs so no extra needed, but I'm noting some of you think it will metabolise in GP quicker than every 24hrs?
Poo's back to normal size and producing more in line with usual volume.

So, I've read and ruled out a few possible causes - but was drawn towards a few articles on Toxicity. Whereby the symptoms begin with a loss of appetite/lethargy, gut pain (he was sometimes yelping in reaction to some gut pain on Sat/Sun - I could see his stomach area jolting) and further along with the illness the Toxicity symptoms have become partial paralysis.
I've though back, and on Friday afternoon Waffle was out on our lawn in a second enclosure I use for grass-time as regularly as possible (although he also has constant access to a hay-floored garden in his enclosure I like to give them separate grass-time as they love it!) I always clear out possible poisonous leaves etc, however it has occurred to me that he could have ingested a Laurel 'berry/seed' as they are falling off our laurel bushes a lot and I've had to clear more than usual of late, he was positioned near to them.

Does anyone think this all fits as a possible explanation for his illness? that he has ingested something toxic? And more importantly, do you think that he can recover from this paralysis? I am hoping with all hope that the answer is yes. I read some historical articles here which intimated similar story @Wiebke seems to have contributed opinion and words of wisdom on this, and would very much welcome anyone's feedback/input.

Apologies for the lengthy message, I'm keen to explain everything that I think is relevant. A close friend of mine who is a vet is coming on Monday when they return from holiday, however given my last 2 vet experiences I'm not convinced they always know extensively on the subject of GP's?

Best wishes to you all, Claire and my darling friend Waffle
 
Pain meds don’t stay in the system of piggies for 24 hours, it’s 12 hours. Piggies metabolise everything quicker than cats and dogs.

It’s something to discuss with your vet
 
Thats brilliant news that Waffle is eating, drinking, pooping normally now and hasn’t lost any weight.

I really think you need to see a better vet. No disrespect to your vet but it could just be pain that is stopping Waffle moving. The pain medication you have been prescribed is low strength (cat version) at a low dose and only once a day. How much does Waffle weigh.

Also maybe Waffle needs an X-ray to rule out an injury to the leg or arthritis.

Also mention to the vet about possible poisoning. Good luck. It sounds like you are doing a great job for Waffle.
 
weepweeps said:
Thats brilliant news that Waffle is eating, drinking, pooping normally now and hasn’t lost any weight.

I really think you need to see a better vet. No disrespect to your vet but it could just be pain that is stopping Waffle moving. The pain medication you have been prescribed is low strength (cat version) at a low dose and only once a day. How much does Waffle weigh.

Also maybe Waffle needs an X-ray to rule out an injury to the leg or arthritis.

Also mention to the vet about possible poisoning. Good luck. It sounds like you are doing a great job for Waffle.
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Thankyou, well he has had another good day I think and hope, more of his usual characteristics. Eating is very good and he is physically stronger, though he was crazy when I tried to weigh him so I didn’t do that today. He’s been through enough and I don’t want to distress him or cause any unnecessary pain, hopefully he is busy healing. Seeing vet friend on Monday, will discuss X-ray and get another general check-up.. feel like I’ve learned a lot this week. Poor Waffle has certainly been through a lot, but hopeful that we are on the road to good health again. Best wishes,
 
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