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Breathing Problems, Bloat - Critical Condition

Zelsi

Zelsi

New Born Pup
Joined
Nov 23, 2016
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Location
Oxford, United Kingdom
Hi Everyone

If there is anyone who has been in a similar situation PLEASE reply to me. I am pretty desperate and being realistic my guinea pig might not make it this weekend.

I have an Abyssinian guinea pig (2.5 years old) called Trevor. I noticed he was breathing harder on Thursday and monitored it to see if maybe he just overexerted himself and was running around too much. Friday he was the same.

Please note at this point he ate and drank normally, I cannot tell if he was passing stool or fluids as he lives with his brother and it's difficult to figure out which one made which poop!

I took him to the vet Friday afternoon. The vet x-rayed him to identify where the issue was and did see a significant amount of bloating. He was given pain killers, antibiotics and steroids.

  • Vetergesic multidose
  • Baytril
  • Colvasone
  • Sub cultaneous fluids

He stopped eating after this. We took him home until about midnight when he seemed to be struggling a little more and was audibly wheezing (not majorly but it was obvious) so he stayed with the vet overnight in an oxygen tank with fluids to keep him going. They did manage to make him stable and he has been stable all night, but has not improved or worsened.

They have phoned me this morning to say they can't identify the exact issue, he is breathing hard and is bloated. He has no interest in food, including critical care which he won't even try to eat.

I have been referred to a specialist and will see them in a few hours.

Is there ANYONE who has had a similar situation / symptoms? I am doing everything I can for him but I feel very alone in this as the vet (1st opinion practice) is also not sure.

Please reply.
Mel
 
The vet has had him all evening and has tried to syringe feed him, so have I. He won't chew the food or try to eat that's the issue, even if we force feed the critical care. The other issue is because he's struggling to breathe there's a risk of choking on the food.

I forgot to mention that I see a lot of advice for bloat to massage them but we cannot massage Trevor because this makes his breathing worse. Putting pressure on him or moving him makes him strained so at the moment he's pretty delicate.

Like I said I am taking him to the specialist and I really hope they can help him but if anyone has experienced something similar please let me know.
 
It could be the combination of the meds. Baytril is notorious for affecting the appetite and Vetergesic can make them sleepy even though it is a good pain killer. Has your vet considered adding in a diuretic as he may have fluid in his chest if his breathing is laboured.
 
helen105281 said:
It could be the combination of the meds. Baytril is notorious for affecting the appetite and Vetergesic can make them sleepy even though it is a good pain killer. Has your vet considered adding in a diuretic as he may have fluid in his chest if his breathing is laboured.
Click to expand...

Hi Helen

I did tell the vet I was worried about the drugs and what they would do to him but they were confident it was his best chance.

She did mention something that helps move the intestine (some sort of boost?) but was worried about that in case he has a blockage as it wouldn't help so it was not administered.

I don't think she mentioned a diuretic, they didn't see fluid on the x-ray so were unsure if this was the issue. From your reply I feel that the specialist is going to be able to help him better than my usual vet as they can advise if that's what he needs and give him the safest medication for his condition.

It's clearly very serious and my major concern is that he is permanently injured, e.g. paralysis and there's nothing that can be done. I am hoping that this is not the case as I love Trevor very much.

Oh and he's the one on the right in my picture (with the white nose!)

Thank you for the replies, I haven't slept all night worrying about him and I have my fingers crossed. Cavies are delicate, precious little animals and I'd do anything to help mine when they are sick.
 
I think the vet is talking about a gut stimulant. These are usually Metochlopromide and Zantac and both work on different parts of the gut. I have heard that Zantac is good for gas but I would also recommend a vibrating massage pad or electric toothbrush as piggy owner has mentioned. I think in extreme cases of bloat though the gut stimulants are needed. Like you say though the vet will need to check there is not a blockage first.
 
Hi Everyone

Trevor just passed away in my arms. He was struggling to breathe and was clearly fighting as hard as he could. We weren't able to get him to a specialist in time.

Thank you for your advice and I wish I could have saved him.
 
I am so sorry
Sleep tight little Trevor,x
Please don't blame yourself, you did everything you could.
Hugs coming your way!
 
Thank you everyone. I am trying to stay stronger for his brother Monty (left in the picture). Sweet baby went too soon.

I have put Trevor in their cage so Monty can have time to understand what has happened. Does anyone have any advice on how long I should give him with Trevor?

Edit: It's difficult to put into words how I feel but my heart is broken and I can't even type about him without breaking down, my piggies mean the world to me.
 
That is understandable though. I know how difficult it can be. It depends on the pig with how they react to seeing the body of their friend. He may only need a few minutes to process what has happened. I will find you a helpful link in a mo.
 
I'm so sorry. When our bubbles passed we left her in with her friend squeak for an hour or so, wrapped up in a little blanket. Squeak unwrapped her and snuggled up next to her - that's when I realised they do understand. She was ok afterwards but we got her a new cagemate a few weeks later to cheer her up
Hope you are ok xx
 
Awww I’m so sorry to hear this. Absolutely devastating but he’s now at peace
 
Oh bless you, don't beat yourself up! You did the right thing by holding on, I expect it's best for a piggy with a blockage to avoid stimulants until a blockage is confirmed :(
I'm so sorry for your loss, at least Trevor was with you, snuggled in your arms. Stay strong for little Monty and give yourself some time to grieve! Thinking of you xx
 
Really sorry this has happened. Unfortunately when things go bad it all happens too quick. I've been in a similar situation earlier this year when I knew Isobel was dying and she ended up taking her last breath while I was calling the emergency vet. It's a devastating and traumatising thing to witness. Sending strength to you and Monty
 
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