Blockage in 6 year old piggie

[Broni cav]

hi there, hoping I could get some direction. My piggie started having small amounts of sloppy poo yesterday and looked puffy, big tummy. I thought it could be bloat, arranged appointment with the vet, xray ruled out bloat but she has gas pockets EVERYWHERE, I was given the options of putting her down or keeping her in the hospital overnight. she stayed overnight, and is still alive this morning, has had 15ml critical care last night, fluids, pain and anti nausea meds. Her poo is less runny this morning, but not formed, the vet today is NOT a specialist with piggies, but will be on the phone to a specialist. any hints as to what to do would be appreciated. i called another specialist yesterday and they said it's a very poor prognosis for her, as if they have surgery it's most often fatal anyway. i'm thinking while she can be kept comfortable, then keep trying, but when do i say enough? thanks

 

[Broni cav]

sorry, xray showed the gas and her stomach was fairly empty and the vet said there was a blockage

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry your girl is so unwell. What was the anti-emetic (anti nausea) given for?and so you know the name? What kind and where was the blockage found?

With regards to knowing when it’s enough, you know your girl best so only you can tell when it looks like it’s time. Hopefully someone more experienced will be along to answer soon.

 

[Broni cav]

Just spoke to the vet, he says he's not convinced that there is a blockage, but she is still very distended, he said the poo she is doing now is probably a couple of days old. he said that it's a very painful condition and given that she is so old surgery or even ultra sound would be too stressful for her, he is talking quality of life and pain factors all pointing to having her put to sleep. he thinks given her age that there is probably something more sinister going on and its almost impossible to pin point it. he is giving more pain meds this morning and mor critical care, i suggested giving her some infacol for the gas, he said he doesnt think anything will work at this point, and that she shouldnt be put through anything more, is only prepared to try until later today.

 

[Siikibam]

Infacol isn’t suggested for Guinea pigs. It gathers the gas into one big bubble which can be painful for piggies to pass. I can’t remember what meds are given for bloat. Have a read of the guide below. What meds have they given her now?
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

 

[Broni cav]

Infacol isn’t suggested for Guinea pigs. It gathers the gas into one big bubble which can be painful for piggies to pass. I can’t remember what meds are given for bloat. Have a read of the guide below. What meds have they given her now?
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

Thanks for that, had a read, won't try the infacol, think we may just go down to the vet and say our goodbyes and give her a last cuddle, really don't want her to suffer, if there isn't really a chance for a recovery, then we don't want to put her through more. Got 2 little kids here with broken hearts too, she has been such a lovely little friend for us all, a beautiful little piggie all around

 

[Broni cav]

Well, for any piggie lovers that live in Adelaide South Australia, we ended up going and taking our little girl out of the vets who said that they understood exotics, and took her to THE BEST vet for exotics, it is all the way on the south side of Adelaide, but honestly, what a HUGE DIFFERENCE! The vet we had her with last night wanted to put her to sleep, the new vet did blood tests, new xrays, new meds, iv fluids, and even though she is still a very very sick little girl, she has a chance! I will NEVER EVER take my piggies to a vet who ISNT a real fair dinkum SPECIALIST for piggies, the other vet just had NO IDEA. Wrong hydration, wrong meds, wrong EVERYTHING.
I have owned guinea pigs for 25 years, and this new vet has taught me more about guinea pig care in one visit than I have learned in all of those years.
Please if your piggies are sick, really really try to get them into a specialist for piggies.
I hope that our little girl is going to be ok, but we will have to wait and see, but at least with this new vet and treatment she has a chance.
One important thing I learned today is that piggies NEED VITAMIN C EVERY SINGLE DAY to help them stay healthy.
The list that the vet gave me for vitamin c needs is as follows; capsicum red or green, parsley, kale, broccoli flowers and stalks, bok choy and snap peas. Fruits guava, kiwi fruit, papaya, orange, grapefruit alternatively timothy hay based treat with vitamin c or oxbow daily c a supplement.
Also, no lucerne hay, which another vet actually recommended
For most of you experienced piggie owners out there, you may well know all of these things, but I thought that I would share, just in case it helps someone.
We should know tomorrow if our little girl will be ok, hopefully.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I hope she is ok.

I'm so sorry you had been given the wrong information by the vet.

Just a note though while those veggies do contain a good amount of vitamin c, they aren't all suitable to be fed daily - bell pepper and coriander are absolutely fine to be fed daily and contain a good amount of vitamin c. However, parsley or kale is too high in calcium - one small amount once per week is fine. Broccoli can be linked to bloating so again a small amount occasionally. All are fine and safe to feed, just ensure the amounts are kept limited. As with everything, moderation is the key.
Fruit should be considered as a treat only - one tiny amount no more than once per week. Citrus fruits such as the orange and grapefruit can lead to an infection in the lips called cheilitis as it is too acidic for them. Safe daily vitamin c veggies are pepper, coriander.
Their hay (grass hay) and fresh grass also contains vitamin c, along with pellets which are fortified with vitamin c.
Lucerne/alfalfa is high in calcium and is not a grass hay, so you are right, its wrong that the vet recommended that you give it to piggies.

this guide may help
Edible And Forbidden Veg And Fruit List With Vitamin C Grading

 

[Broni cav]

I hope she is ok.

I'm so sorry you had been given the wrong information by the vet.

Just a note though while those veggies do contain a good amount of vitamin c, they aren't all suitable to be fed daily - bell pepper and coriander are absolutely fine to be fed daily and contain a good amount of vitamin c. However, parsley or kale is too high in calcium - one small amount once per week is fine. Broccoli can be linked to bloating so again a small amount occasionally. All are fine and safe to feed, just ensure the amounts are kept limited. As with everything, moderation is the key.
Fruit should be considered as a treat only - one tiny amount no more than once per week. Citrus fruits such as the orange and grapefruit can lead to an infection in the lips called cheilitis as it is too acidic for them. Safe daily vitamin c veggies are pepper, coriander.
Their hay (grass hay) and fresh grass also contains vitamin c, along with pellets which are fortified with vitamin c.
Lucerne/alfalfa is high in calcium and is not a grass hay, so you are right, its wrong that the vet recommended that you give it to piggies.

this guide may help
Edible And Forbidden Veg And Fruit List With Vitamin C Grading

THanks heaps for that we are hoping too!

 

[Wiebke]

Well, for any piggie lovers that live in Adelaide South Australia, we ended up going and taking our little girl out of the vets who said that they understood exotics, and took her to THE BEST vet for exotics, it is all the way on the south side of Adelaide, but honestly, what a HUGE DIFFERENCE! The vet we had her with last night wanted to put her to sleep, the new vet did blood tests, new xrays, new meds, iv fluids, and even though she is still a very very sick little girl, she has a chance! I will NEVER EVER take my piggies to a vet who ISNT a real fair dinkum SPECIALIST for piggies, the other vet just had NO IDEA. Wrong hydration, wrong meds, wrong EVERYTHING.
I have owned guinea pigs for 25 years, and this new vet has taught me more about guinea pig care in one visit than I have learned in all of those years.
Please if your piggies are sick, really really try to get them into a specialist for piggies.
I hope that our little girl is going to be ok, but we will have to wait and see, but at least with this new vet and treatment she has a chance.
One important thing I learned today is that piggies NEED VITAMIN C EVERY SINGLE DAY to help them stay healthy.
The list that the vet gave me for vitamin c needs is as follows; capsicum red or green, parsley, kale, broccoli flowers and stalks, bok choy and snap peas. Fruits guava, kiwi fruit, papaya, orange, grapefruit alternatively timothy hay based treat with vitamin c or oxbow daily c a supplement.
Also, no lucerne hay, which another vet actually recommended
For most of you experienced piggie owners out there, you may well know all of these things, but I thought that I would share, just in case it helps someone.
We should know tomorrow if our little girl will be ok, hopefully.

Hi!

I am keeping my fingers very firmly crossed for your little girl. Glad that you have found a better vet; hopefully in time.

Guinea pigs have evolved on a diet of fresh and dry grass; fresh grass is high in vitamin c, which is why they never had the need to make their own in the first place. Because grass and hay (which should make the bulk of the daily food intake) are not part of a human diet, they are sadly still treated as a nutritional non-entity. Please also accept the guinea pig digestive system is fully geared toward breaking up the tough grass/hay fibre in two runs through the gut and that the growth rate of the crucial grinding back teeth (the front teeth are self-sharpening in a balanced dental system) has evolved against the very abrasive silica in grass/hay. However, if you want to feed more dog pee free grass over the winter months, introduce it only slowy in small quantities as too much too quickly can cause bloat or diarrhea.
Alfalfa/lucerne hay is too rich to be part of a regular diet but can be used as a supplement in addition to grass hay for pregnant sows (especially those from a neglect/breeding background) and it can in the short term also used to help boost the calorie intake although other measures are generally preferred.

Fresh veg (preferably green and/or leafy) and herbs (which are also rich in vitamin C and trace elements and preferable to fruit) are taking the place of the forage with which guinea pigs supplement their grass diet. Please aim to keep the diet close to their natural diet for better long term health and a longer life span. Stay off starchy and sugary foods as much as possible - carrots, sweet corn and grain should be at the best an occasional special treat, as should be fruit. If overfeed in quantity or frequency, they can lead to overgrowth of the wrong kind of digestive bacteria in the gut and cause dysbiosis, which can contribute to bloating or diarrhea etc., including the more severe and potentially lethal forms.
You may find our very comprehensive diet guide helpful and interesting, which looks at diet as a whole as well as at all food groups in practical and precise detail: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

As you are a long term Downunder owner, I am sure that you are well aware of the snake and heat stroke risk when it comes to lawn time.

You may also find our pretty comprehensive information collection very interesting as so much has changed and moved on recent years; there will be some things in there that you may find surprising and fascinating at the same time. Our diet guide is one of them.
Here is the link: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Broni cav]

What a difference a day makes Baby made it through the night and is doing great, she will be coming home with us this afternoon!
With IV fluids and appropriate medication, she cleared the blockage and is pooping, peeing and eating fine.
She will still be on meds when she gets home, and being an elderly piggie i'm assuming that there are possibly other reasons for this happening, so we will see how she goes, but today is a GREAT DAY for us.
I called the first vet to let them know how disappointing it was that 2 of their "so called" vets who know how to treat exotics failed us so very badly. They say they will review the case and have a meeting about how to avoid this type of thing happening again.
Sooooo, thanks for the support and information, it's fabulous to know, and honestly, I didn't realise how much I didn't know about piggies, that's great information, very grateful for the resources available on this forum.

 

[Wiebke]

What a difference a day makes Baby made it through the night and is doing great, she will be coming home with us this afternoon!
With IV fluids and appropriate medication, she cleared the blockage and is pooping, peeing and eating fine.
She will still be on meds when she gets home, and being an elderly piggie i'm assuming that there are possibly other reasons for this happening, so we will see how she goes, but today is a GREAT DAY for us.
I called the first vet to let them know how disappointing it was that 2 of their "so called" vets who know how to treat exotics failed us so very badly. They say they will review the case and have a meeting about how to avoid this type of thing happening again.
Sooooo, thanks for the support and information, it's fabulous to know, and honestly, I didn't realise how much I didn't know about piggies, that's great information, very grateful for the resources available on this forum.

I am so happy for you!

Make every day special and create as many happy memories as you can. Guinea pigs don't have a concept for longevity; they measure their life in happy days - and frankly, so should we with our pets. I always re-set the clock to zero after a narrow escape and count every day more with mine as a special bonus; especially with my elderlies or any frailer piggies.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

Unfortunately, guinea pigs fall very much into the gap that they are classed as exotics but being too pedestrian for most exotics vet to be really interested in. Finding a good vet you are happy with can unfortunately take some time and can be a painful learning curve.

We do have a vet locator on the top bar where we have included a link to recommended vets in some other countries below the UK map of member recommended vets.

PS: What I would like to ask you is to please be polite to any vet, even when you have a valid complaint; nobody can get it always right and know everything about every animal these days when there is so much more to learn due to the massive advances in all areas. Vets have a very demanding profession with one of the highest suicide rates, which is not something that is widely known. Most of them do their very best and often go way beyond of what is asked of them. I would kindly ask you to please keep that in mind when you make your complaint. Several of my piggies would not have survived if a local vet hadn't given up their lunch break or stayed on to see them as a life or death emergency just after closing time.

 

[Broni cav]

I am so happy for you!

Make every day special and create as many happy memories as you can. Guinea pigs don't have a concept for longevity; they measure their life in happy days - and frankly, so should we with our pets. I always re-set the clock to zero after a narrow escape and count every day more with mine as a special bonus; especially with my elderlies or any frailer piggies.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

Unfortunately, guinea pigs fall very much into the gap that they are classed as exotics but being too pedestrian for most exotics vet to be really interested in. Finding a good vet you are happy with can unfortunately take some time and can be a painful learning curve.

We do have a vet locator on the top bar where we have included a link to recommended vets in some other countries below the UK map of member recommended vets.

PS: What I would like to ask you is to please be polite to any vet, even when you have a valid complaint; nobody can get it always right and know everything about every animal these days when there is so much more to learn due to the massive advances in all areas. Vets have a very demanding profession with one of the highest suicide rates, which is not something that is widely known. Most of them do their very best and often go way beyond of what is asked of them. I would kindly ask you to please keep that in mind when you make your complaint. Several of my piggies would not have survived if a local vet hadn't given up their lunch break or stayed on to see them as a life or death emergency just after closing time.

I completely understand, and I wasn't mean to the previous vet, repeatedly told them that I wasn't having a go at them, but also advised that if they didn't have the knowledge, experience or equipment and drugs needed to be able to care for a really ill piggie, then they have a responsibility to be honest with the client and at least give them the opportunity to go and find an alternative vet that would be able to assist properly.
It is wrong and misleading to "market" your surgery as "specialising in exotics" when you clearly aren't able to handle serious illness in an animal, we would have lost our piggie IF we had taken the advice of not just 1 or 2 but 3! of their vets, so of course humans make mistakes, and all animals are different, but they do have a duty to fully disclose if they can't give your pet the care they need.
AND they charged HEAPS for the WRONG TREATMENTS that very nearly killed her.
They MUST make changes to ensure that doesn't happen any more, I can only imagine the number of beloved pets that could have been put to sleep at their hands
But yes, we cherish every and all the days we have with Baby, we know she is old now, and those days are numbered, she has never been more cuddled and pampered than in her old age, she is just the sweetest piggie I have ever had, so smoochy and lovely, I just want as many days with her as I can have before saying goodbye.
She has been a joy and pleasure