C
Carliet
Does anyone have experience with longterm care of guineas with dental problems?
Our 4 year old guinea was diagnosed by a cavy-friendly vet with overgrowth of back teeth, with entrapped tongue, plus one missing lower incisor about 3 months ago. He had surgery to trim molars, but never got back to eating pellets or greens. He was also given antibiotic and pain meds postop. We were feeding him with a syringe for about a week, then he would take softened pellets or soft fruit from a spoon or a shallow bowl, but always with difficulty. After about 4 weeks, he again had increasing problems eating and was referred to a 2nd cavy friendly vet, who diagnosed regrowth and did a second molar trim, plus postop antibiotic and pain meds. That was 3 weeks ago. During most of the time since that surgery, he has required syringe feeding of the Oxbow Critical care. Even so he has lost weight. He will try to eat soft fruits, and the occasional hard pellet, but can't eat greens or effectively nourish himself. My questions are:
1. Does this story sounds like typical overgrowth of teeth, or some other problem? I read others who described their pigs getting back to normal between trimmings, and our pig never has.
2. Does anyone have experience with long term survival of pigs who must be maintained on syringe feedings?
Any comments from those with similar experiences would be appreciated.
Our 4 year old guinea was diagnosed by a cavy-friendly vet with overgrowth of back teeth, with entrapped tongue, plus one missing lower incisor about 3 months ago. He had surgery to trim molars, but never got back to eating pellets or greens. He was also given antibiotic and pain meds postop. We were feeding him with a syringe for about a week, then he would take softened pellets or soft fruit from a spoon or a shallow bowl, but always with difficulty. After about 4 weeks, he again had increasing problems eating and was referred to a 2nd cavy friendly vet, who diagnosed regrowth and did a second molar trim, plus postop antibiotic and pain meds. That was 3 weeks ago. During most of the time since that surgery, he has required syringe feeding of the Oxbow Critical care. Even so he has lost weight. He will try to eat soft fruits, and the occasional hard pellet, but can't eat greens or effectively nourish himself. My questions are:
1. Does this story sounds like typical overgrowth of teeth, or some other problem? I read others who described their pigs getting back to normal between trimmings, and our pig never has.
2. Does anyone have experience with long term survival of pigs who must be maintained on syringe feedings?
Any comments from those with similar experiences would be appreciated.