Bad reaction to buprenorphine

[annachristina_piggies]

My guinea pig Piglet has been suffering with bladder pain for years. Diagnosed with IC and been on many different pain meds. Recently his pain got worse and after nothing showing again on an ultrasound, the vet suggested we try an injection painkiller - buprenorphine. We discussed potential lethargy and bad tummy side effects, but unfortunately Piglet has reacted very badly.
Thurs - injection given at 11am. Didn’t move all day, topped up with critical care.
Fri - covered in urine from not moving (I washed his bum), very squishy/stringy poops. Would nibble hay if put in front of him. Topped up with CC.
Sat - seemed to be improving, up at the bars for breakfast veggies. Ate veggies, nibbled hay. More small poos. Afternoon he stopped being interested again and didn’t move. Topped up with CC in the evening.
Sun - no improvement, not interested in any food. Not moving. Have given a full feed of CC and fibreplex.
I thought the meds would be out of his system now but he’s getting worse

Can anyone give advice? Vet wasn’t overly worried on Friday as he was still nibbling food, but I will be calling up first thing tomorrow.

Thank you

 

[Claire W]

I am very sorry to hear your piggy is unwell. Are you sure it’s definitely the buprenorphine? I’ve heard of piggies having bad reactions but not for this long

My late Ella had it after an operation to have a painful incisor and mass removed from her jaw back in June. She was spaced out that evening but was fine again the following day. She even came home with buprenorphine as part of her recovery package and was fine with small doses

I would definitely seek advise from your vet especially as he’s getting worse as any side effects should have worn off by now.

All you can do is keep him warm and comfortable but not too hot until you have spoken with your vet.

I am very sorry you are going through this worry x

 

[annachristina_piggies]

So we went back to the vet last week and the vet was surprised Piglet had such a bad reaction but did say that if he didn’t really eat in the 24 hours after the injection, then that will have longer affects on his whole digestive system. He was confused as to what else could be wrong as Piglet’s tests before the injection all came back clear (the only thing he hasn’t had done recently is blood work). It’s been 8 days since the injection and Piglet is still pretty sad. I’m syringe feeding cc multiple times a day (he happily accepts this) and giving fibreplex as he still only nibbles lettuce and the occasional hay strand. His poos are looking pretty normal again, just a little smaller than they used to be, but he never looks relaxed anymore. Any thoughts

 

[weepweeps]

Poor piglet. I don’t have any experience of this. Just wanted to offer support.