Dog metacam dose

[JosieK]

You're doing good to find any grass at all! It's like gold dust around here.
Well done on keeping him going and comfortable. What painkiller is he on? In the past I've found opioids supress the appetite but I've limited experience and some might be better than others. They do alleviate pain though...

He is only on metacam now and seems a bit brighter, I think he must have been on opioids after the surgery and they were still wearing off, he was completely zonked out earlier. Just managed another bit of critical care and he's had a few bits of hay and grass and a little rumble at me so hopefully he'll continue to improve

 

[JosieK]

Dougal produced some of these massive poos over night/this morning. Could this be to do with the critical care/meds or should I be worried?

 

[Free Ranger]

These will likely be from the surgery as pooping runs a day or two behind eating and the surgery will have slowed everything down. It's poop - that's a good sign - and hopefully from this point on things will be getting back to normal x

 

[Swissgreys]

Sounds like he is doing great - fingers crossed he keeps it up and is back to his normal self in no time.

 

[JosieK]

He's still very quiet and subdued and mostly lying in his house, eating little bits here and there but refusing critical care today. His pee is still a bit red and he's squeeking when peeing still. I called the vet and they said that's to be expected, hopefully they are right. He has a check up tomorrow morning but if he goes downhill I can bring him into the vets at any time.

Does this sound normal? He's the first of my guinea pig that has needed surgery so I am not sure what to look out for.

 

[weepweeps]

It is a very worrying time. Not knowing if things are normal or not. I’d say go with your gut. If you think he’s not improving get him looked at again.

Here is Percys thread if you like something to compare it to. Obviously Percy didn’t make it but hopefully your boy will be absolutely fine.

Percy’s turn

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Is he still having metacam? My piggy Arthur had a bladder stone removed at the beginning of July. He has since made a full recovery. His anaesthetic was gas and his pain medication was metacam so he recovered quickly from the anaesthetic and was eating as normal within a couple of days. I didn't need to give him critical care. He sometimes cried when he weed for a few days so I kept him on the oral metacam twice a day until that stopped happening. If Dougal had injectable anaesthetic and/or opioid pain relief that will have made a difference. Also the length of time the operation took affects the recovery time. Eating and pooping are great signs, even if not as normal, it is still early days.
@weepweeps I am so sorry about Percy, it doesn't seem fair.

 

[JosieK]

Is he still having metacam? My piggy Arthur had a bladder stone removed at the beginning of July. He has since made a full recovery. His anaesthetic was gas and his pain medication was metacam so he recovered quickly from the anaesthetic and was eating as normal within a couple of days. I didn't need to give him critical care. He sometimes cried when he weed for a few days so I kept him on the oral metacam twice a day until that stopped happening. If Dougal had injectable anaesthetic and/or opioid pain relief that will have made a difference. Also the length of time the operation took affects the recovery time. Eating and pooping are great signs, even if not as normal, it is still early days.
@weepweeps I am so sorry about Percy, it doesn't seem fair.

He is still on metacam and baytril which I am guessing is not helping with the appetite.

I am not actually sure what type of anaesthetic he had, I will ask the vet tomorrow morning at the appointment. Thanks for all the reassurance, I really appreciate it.

 

[JosieK]

It is a very worrying time. Not knowing if things are normal or not. I’d say go with your gut. If you think he’s not improving get him looked at again.

Here is Percys thread if you like something to compare it to. Obviously Percy didn’t make it but hopefully your boy will be absolutely fine.

Percy’s turn

I am so sorry about Percy, life is so unfair

 

[JosieK]

Dougal has had his check up, he's lost a lot of weight since his surgery as he's obviously not eating enough. He has had a vitamin b and emeprid injection to stimulate his guts and we are to continue with metacam, emeprid and syringe food at home. If he's still the same in 24 hours he may have to go back and be hospitalised at the vets.

 

[JosieK]

He won't touch the critical care but he's had some mushed up pellets with probiotic. Here he is having a rest after his food

 

[Siikibam]

Hope he’s feeling better soon.

 

[weepweeps]

Sending healing vibes his way.

 

[Free Ranger]

Mine don't like the CC green packet which tastes of aniseed but they do like the CC brown packet 'fine grind' which tastes of papaya and is obvs more expensive and you have to get it online. But they like 'Recovery' which some vets (inc mine) stock which tastes of not much at all. If your vet only stocks CC green it might be worth phoning round locally to see if any other vets have an alternative. You might have to register just to get an account open on the computer but it doesn't need any sort of prescription - they'll just sell it to you. 'Emeraid' is popular with some piggies too.
Be brave, little fella x

 

[JosieK]

Mine don't like the CC green packet which tastes of aniseed but they do like the CC brown packet 'fine grind' which tastes of papaya and is obvs more expensive and you have to get it online. But they like 'Recovery' which some vets (inc mine) stock which tastes of not much at all. If your vet only stocks CC green it might be worth phoning round locally to see if any other vets have an alternative. You might have to register just to get an account open on the computer but it doesn't need any sort of prescription - they'll just sell it to you. 'Emeraid' is popular with some piggies too.
Be brave, little fella x

Thank you, I will try to get some of the different recovery foods

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Sorry he isn't picking up more quickly. Sending healing vibes x

 

[Princess Dustmop]

I get apple-banana critical care when I need it. I've gotten it from my vet, but I've also gotten it from Amazon; I don't know if it's on UK Amazon, as well, but it's worth checking, I keep a pack in my freezer or fridge all the time, so I have it when I need it. I haven't had a piggy reject the apple-banana on flavor, yet ... on the principle of squirting something in their mouth, not always so happy about it, but we work out the best pace for each piggy to achieve more cooperation.

 

[JosieK]

Dougal is back at the vets now and they are keeping him in for 24 to 48 hours as he is not eating enough at home and is not improving. Please continue to send healing vibes

 

[Siikibam]

Sending healing wheeks his way. Hoping he does pick up.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry. I really hope he picks up at the vets. He’s in the best place. Sending healing vibes and a hug to you.

 

[JosieK]

I feel so bad leaving him there, he must be scared and confused. But I also know that they can help him much better than I can at home

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Sending healing vibes. I am sure he will be well looked after x

 

[JosieK]

He is still not eating on his own and accepting only a couple of ml of critical care at a time at the vets so he is pretty much the same. Is there anything I could be missing? I am so worried he's not going to make it.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry he doesn’t seem to be doing better. Hopefully as he’s at the vets they’ll be able to work out what he’s struggling with. Sending lots of healing wheeks.

 

[weepweeps]

He is still not eating on his own and accepting only a couple of ml of critical care at a time at the vets so he is pretty much the same. Is there anything I could be missing? I am so worried he's not going to make it.

I’m so sorry. It’s such a worrying time. You have done all you can. Now it’s up to the vets and Dougal.

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

So sorry he is still not picking up. You have done everything you can x

 

[JosieK]

Another update. Dougal is taking his syringe feed at vets well but he is not eating on his own yet. His lungs, heart and teeth are good (she said they are a little bit misaligned but should not stop him from eating- has anyone got any experience with this? There's no ulcers or spurs/sharp bits the vet said). He is still on pain relief, emeprid and round the clock feeds and seems to be doing ok. I will get another update later on today, he will probably stay overnight again tonight until he starts eating by himself.

 

[JosieK]

Another update. Dougal is taking his syringe feed at vets well but he is not eating on his own yet. His lungs, heart and teeth are good (she said they are a little bit misaligned but should not stop him from eating- has anyone got any experience with this? There's no ulcers or spurs/sharp bits the vet said). He is still on pain relief, emeprid and round the clock feeds and seems to be doing ok. I will get another update later on today, he will probably stay overnight again tonight until he starts eating by himself.

Oh and she also said his poos are firming up now and his wee is looking a bit more clear, it was quite bloody yesterday.

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Glad to hear he is showing signs of improvement

 

[Siikibam]

Glad to hear he’s doing a little better. Here’s hoping upwards only now.