Critical care - when is it too much?

[AngeH]

Hi All,

I wonder if anyone would share their thoughts/experiences on how long they've continued with critical care or can offer any words of wisdom? I know that no-one can give specific veterinary advice, I'm just keen to hear any perspectives from other owners as I'm on my own and it's hard.

Bit of background: my boar had a tumour removed (mammary/under belly) a week ago. He was put on baytril and loxicom. The wound is healing nicely and for a couple of days, he still ate his hay, drank water etc. But on Friday afternoon he stopped eating or drinking at all. He is barely moving and just sits in his cuddle cup. I have read the threads (thank you so much) for critical care and emergency care, and I've been syringe feeding critical care mix every 2-3 hours as directed since then. He has not touched any hay or pellets or even drank his water himself for 3 days now. I am also syringe feeding water with Pro-C.

He had an emergency appointment with the vet, who has provided a gut stimulant, painkillers and more critical care sachets. His last antibiotic was 6am today. I know baytril can sometimes cause the gut upset so I am (presuming) this is what has stopped him eating. He's mostly been ok taking the critical care by syringe but will not take it from a teaspoon or bowl.

This afternoon he just seems so drained by it all and flops his head when I try to feed him. I am persevering, but I guess I am worrying at what point it becomes unfair of me to put him under this stress. I do understand no-one can say when to stop, and I'll keep going for weeks/do anything to save him and give him a chance for the gut to kick start - but I just wondered at what point people have seen their piggy start to eat unaided? I saw a few threads that mentioned 3-5 days post antibiotics. In my past experience of this, I've had a survivor and a loss at critical care point, but not this exact situation.

Re: the poop output, Saturday was very poor (stringy and very very small). As of last night/today there are a few more poops and they are more formed, but still very small.

Thanks for any support
Ange

 

[Deleted member 151640]

Hi All,

I wonder if anyone would share their thoughts/experiences on how long they've continued with critical care or can offer any words of wisdom? I know that no-one can give specific veterinary advice, I'm just keen to hear any perspectives from other owners as I'm on my own and it's hard.

Bit of background: my boar had a tumour removed (mammary/under belly) a week ago. He was put on baytril and loxicom. The wound is healing nicely and for a couple of days, he still ate his hay, drank water etc. But on Friday afternoon he stopped eating or drinking at all. He is barely moving and just sits in his cuddle cup. I have read the threads (thank you so much) for critical care and emergency care, and I've been syringe feeding critical care mix every 2-3 hours as directed since then. He has not touched any hay or pellets or even drank his water himself for 3 days now. I am also syringe feeding water with Pro-C.

He had an emergency appointment with the vet, who has provided a gut stimulant, painkillers and more critical care sachets. His last antibiotic was 6am today. I know baytril can sometimes cause the gut upset so I am (presuming) this is what has stopped him eating. He's mostly been ok taking the critical care by syringe but will not take it from a teaspoon or bowl.

This afternoon he just seems so drained by it all and flops his head when I try to feed him. I am persevering, but I guess I am worrying at what point it becomes unfair of me to put him under this stress. I do understand no-one can say when to stop, and I'll keep going for weeks/do anything to save him and give him a chance for the gut to kick start - but I just wondered at what point people have seen their piggy start to eat unaided? I saw a few threads that mentioned 3-5 days post antibiotics. In my past experience of this, I've had a survivor and a loss at critical care point, but not this exact situation.

Re: the poop output, Saturday was very poor (stringy and very very small). As of last night/today there are a few more poops and they are more formed, but still very small.

Thanks for any support
Ange

I have support fed many pigs, but I am fortunate enough to not have dealt with tumors and the problems that come with.

So I do not want to comment on your situation exactly but I will hopefully push you up in the list and hope your boy starts to feel better soon x

 

[AngeH]

I have support fed many pigs, but I am fortunate enough to not have dealt with tumors and the problems that come with.

So I do not want to comment on your situation exactly but I will hopefully push you up in the list and hope your boy starts to feel better soon x

Thanks so much x

 

[AngeH]

@pigmotherof6 thanks again for taking the time to reply. I really appreciated it.

Update: (in case it is helpful for anyone else):
I probably should have worded better, but it wasn't a tumour, it was a mass (very swollen nipple/mastitis type inflammation)

His last antibiotic was 6am Monday, at one week post-surgery. Wound still healing very well and no redness or any problems. He's been on the gut stimulant & painkiller Mon, Tues, today. He has not eaten or drank unaided for 6 days now. His breathing became quite laboured last night and even small amounts of critical care were taking a very long time and he can't really support his own head. At his last feed (3am), I did not think he would still be here when I got up again at 7am. But he is. He was getting around 70-80ml in up to yesterday, but that dropped a bit last night. I am so upset that I might be putting him through undue stress, because he really is losing mobility and will still not drink or eat for himself.

We went to the vet again midday today as I wanted to talk through whether I'm being selfish because I'm so upset and desperate to save him, or giving him a chance and it's still early days. It's so hard and I can't bear to give up, but I also can't bear to think he is suffering.

The vet seem pleased his guts are moving, his poops are a little bigger, but he's struggling to push them out (I guess because he is so weak?) so another job during the feeds! The vet didn't feel he was in pain particularly, but of course very weak. They've helped all my piggies over the years, so I'm very grateful for how supportive they are. It's just hard to know what is best. They've given me an appt for tomorrow, and for Friday, so we keep going for now, and at least I have them ready and waiting for next 2 days just in case.

I'm trying to again increase the syringe feeding critical care mix & water/electrolytes, and continue to hope.

 

[Deleted member 151640]

Sorry to hear you are having such a tough time, unfortunately things can move quite fast on here and things get lost.

It is really tough caring for a pig, let alone a really sick one. You are tired, scared and always wondering if you are doing right by them. I can tell you care so much and you are doing your best for him.
Some people on here have guinea pigs that get a diagnosis and are then on medications for the rest of their lives, but if I am being honest if he does not seem to be getting better, not eating and struggling to move you may have to think about what comes next.

Again I have not a lot of experience with this but will attach this thread with loads of helpful guides you may want to look at and wish you the best.
Emergency Resources and Critical Illness Care - Contents list and subforum link
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[weepweeps]

Hello. I’m so sorry your posts seem to keep getting missed. How is your piggy now? You definitely seemed to be doing everything right. My concern is you saying he’s struggling to lift his head. He sounds really weak.

It is great that he’s still pooping. It’s so stressful taking care of a sick piggy. I had a piggy last year who did not eat for himself for about 8 weeks. He was on antibiotics for a tooth root abscess and didn’t eat for himself while he was on the antibiotics. If he’s still not ok today I’d get him seen tomorrow. Something is definitely not right. Good luck.