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Specialist Bladder stone surgery

jodyteel

jodyteel

New Born Pup
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Hi,

Aries is a male guinea pig and was diagnosed with a very large bladder stone. He had surgery the next day (01/14/2020). There was some complications with the surgery, he was under anesthesia for longer than usual. He made it through and was discharged that night. He is currently on orbax, metacam, and buprenorphine. The first night he was home I got him to eat a little bit of veggies. I was thrilled. He peed on his own over night. I called the vet and she said that it was good news and he was okay. Today, I got him to eat a little veg this morning. But then he stopped eating. And now I am syringe feeding critical care and water mixed with a little cranberry juice. I am wondering if maybe he is in too much pain to eat? Is it the medication that’s making him not eat? Or should I be worried that there’s something else wrong? Please let me know your experiences with this. I am very worried about Aries.
Thank you!
 
Is one of these an antibiotic? I know metacam but not the other two names. It could be the antibiotic causing him to not want to eat, or not enough painkiller. What's the dosage? Don't up anything without asking a vet first though.

If it is the antibiotic causing and upset, you could try using a probitoic.
 
Orbax is an antibiotic, his dose is 0.6 ml once per day. The other two are pain medications, metacam is for inflammation, the other is for pain. He takes metacam once a day and the other up to 3 times a day for pain. I’ve given him a probiotic with the antibiotic. Sadly, he is still not eating on his own.
 
I think if he is not recovering well from his surgery and isnt eating still its well worth taking him back to the vet to check his surgery wound and general health, keep syringe feeding in the meantime every 2 or 3 hours and let us know how he gets on x
 
jodyteel said:
Hi,

Aries is a male guinea pig and was diagnosed with a very large bladder stone. He had surgery the next day (01/14/2020). There was some complications with the surgery, he was under anesthesia for longer than usual. He made it through and was discharged that night. He is currently on orbax, metacam, and buprenorphine. The first night he was home I got him to eat a little bit of veggies. I was thrilled. He peed on his own over night. I called the vet and she said that it was good news and he was okay. Today, I got him to eat a little veg this morning. But then he stopped eating. And now I am syringe feeding critical care and water mixed with a little cranberry juice. I am wondering if maybe he is in too much pain to eat? Is it the medication that’s making him not eat? Or should I be worried that there’s something else wrong? Please let me know your experiences with this. I am very worried about Aries.
Thank you!
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome!

What country are you in? We have members and enquiries from all over the world.

Here are our specific post-op care tips. Please always contact your vet promptly if your boy is not picking up post-op within a day or two or is suddenly deteriorating. The longer a piggy is under GA, the higher the risk that they struggle post-op.
Tips For Post-operative Care
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide (includes tips on how much/how often to feed and on probiotics and other support measures)
Crisis care advice compilation: Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

Orbax is an antibiotic whose active ingredient (orbifloxacin) is related to baytril (enroflaxacin). Antibiotics can additionally suppress or even kill the appetite.
Burprenorphine is an opioid painkiller.
Both medications are licensed for cats and small dogs.
 
He sadly did not make it. I was feeding him every 3 hours throughout the night and he passed away this morning in my arms. I had taken him to the vet everyday since surgery and he was recovering okay. My vet said that his age and complications in surgery are the likely cause. Thank you all for your replies. ❤️
 
jodyteel said:
He sadly did not make it. I was feeding him every 3 hours throughout the night and he passed away this morning in my arms. I had taken him to the vet everyday since surgery and he was recovering okay. My vet said that his age and complications in surgery are the likely cause. Thank you all for your replies. ❤
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BIG HUGS

I am so sorry for this!

Sadly boar bladder stone ops can become very tricky if the stone is fetching up in the very awkward inglenook in the urethra that they have or if crystals become embedded in the bladder or urethra walls. Older age is also making an operation riskier. :(

Please do not feel guilty or like you have failed your boy. Had you not have him operated, he would have died much more slowly in increasing pain and agony. Try to take consolation that hasn't suffered for long and has at all times been well cared for.

You may find these guides here helpful in the coming days and weeks, both for any companions and yourself as you go through the grieving process:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
 
Such sad news - so sorry to hear this. You did your very best for him and he was lucky to have such a caring owner.
 
Aww so sorry to hear about Aries.. you did your absolute best x
 
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