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Extreme Ongoing Bloat

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That's what I thought, it does seem like another issue is causing the guts to slow down such as her cystitis. It was ovarian issues in crunches case, she had cysts and had the injections but her uterus was diseased so ended up being spayed.

I agree with Helen and would go for the scans, if you don't get any answers then go for bloods. They can try bloods consciously as GA is a risk, or it can be done under mild sedation- there shouldn't be a need for a full anaesthetic x
 
If it's cystitis causing the bloat, what can be done about that when she's already on Loxicom and Cystophan? Going to the vets gets her so stressed that it causes cystitis - it's a vicious circle.

If it's ovarian, I don't think I'd put her through surgery, she's been through so much already. It's literally been one thing after another since I got her a year ago and GA completely knocks her for a week, as does a sedation so I think an op would be too much for her to handle.

I'm going to get the scans done, and if that doesn't show anything then I don't know if I'd go ahead with the bloods. Last time she had blood taken she was under GA and it took her so long to recover that she stopped eating and needed dental work done.

I thought bloods had to be done under GA so there's no risk of her moving and less risk of it going wrong?
 
Beans&Toast said:
If it's cystitis causing the bloat, what can be done about that when she's already on Loxicom and Cystophan? Going to the vets gets her so stressed that it causes cystitis - it's a vicious circle.

If it's ovarian, I don't think I'd put her through surgery, she's been through so much already. It's literally been one thing after another since I got her a year ago and GA completely knocks her for a week, as does a sedation so I think an op would be too much for her to handle.

I'm going to get the scans done, and if that doesn't show anything then I don't know if I'd go ahead with the bloods. Last time she had blood taken she was under GA and it took her so long to recover that she stopped eating and needed dental work done.

I thought bloods had to be done under GA so there's no risk of her moving and less risk of it going wrong?
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Is this the pig that was queried heart issues? (I get muddled up with them both all the time!).. What with the original query, poor recovery from GA and now bloat.. It still fits. Then can get gassy when they are swallowing too much air if their breathing is heavier than normal.

As for managing the IC, it usually comes in flares so you may find it calms down. In the meantime the only thing I can suggest is strict Timothy hay, IC veg and a no pellet diet, purely because things are so bad. You could also enquire about increasing cystophan, crunchie is on 1 capsule cyst ease twice a day and this has really helped. She follows the above diet, as well as no grass. She also has an oxbow urinary support supplement once daily but not sure how much of an impact this has.
 
Adelle said:
Is this the pig that was queried heart issues? (I get muddled up with them both all the time!).. What with the original query, poor recovery from GA and now bloat.. It still fits. Then can get gassy when they are swallowing too much air if their breathing is heavier than normal.

As for managing the IC, it usually comes in flares so you may find it calms down. In the meantime the only thing I can suggest is strict Timothy hay, IC veg and a no pellet diet, purely because things are so bad. You could also enquire about increasing cystophan, crunchie is on 1 capsule cyst ease twice a day and this has really helped. She follows the above diet, as well as no grass. She also has an oxbow urinary support supplement once daily but not sure how much of an impact this has.
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Yeah it's Toast who has the weird breathing sometimes.

She's also on 2 capsules of cystophan daily anyway, not sure it 3 is too much?

She doesn't get any veg high in calcium, she's mostly on chard, green beans, peppers and coriander but for the past 2 days she's had no veg (although it's made no difference). She doesn't get any grass and she's on Timothy hay, the only reason she still gets meadow is because when I tried to keep her on strictly Timothy she refused to eat it and she had dental issues.:eek:

That's why both myself and the vet are out of ideas right now, I've already tried everything that both he and people on here have suggested and she just seems to be resistant to all treatment. I don't get it and I'm really getting concerned about her now, I want to help her but at the same time I don't want to put her through so much stress running diagnostics. That's a lot for a healthy guinea pig to deal with never mind one who's so overly anxious anyway..
 
3 days of Toast being on the higher dose of medication to try shift the bloat and there's no difference what so ever. She actually seems really irritable, I went to pick her up there and she bit me - she's never done that before.

She's also pooing less than she has been. I've been on the phone to the vets pretty much every day this week about her, I don't want to seem annoying but her scans aren't until Tuesday and I don't want to leave her like this... maybe they could tweak her meds again without me taking her in?
 
Beans&Toast said:
3 days of Toast being on the higher dose of medication to try shift the bloat and there's no difference what so ever. She actually seems really irritable, I went to pick her up there and she bit me - she's never done that before.

She's also pooing less than she has been. I've been on the phone to the vets pretty much every day this week about her, I don't want to seem annoying but her scans aren't until Tuesday and I don't want to leave her like this... maybe they could tweak her meds again without me taking her in?
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I hope they can do something. Why are the scans on Tuesday?
 
theoretikos said:
I hope they can do something. Why are the scans on Tuesday?
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To see if they can pick up on any ovarian issues that could be causing the bloat.

I'm going to phone them now, they'll be fed up of hearing from me but she's really not herself today, the fact that she hasn't done any poos in a while then bit me... alarm bells ringing..
 
Beans&Toast said:
To see if they can pick up on any ovarian issues that could be causing the bloat.

I'm going to phone them now, they'll be fed up of hearing from me but she's really not herself today, the fact that she hasn't done any poos in a while then bit me... alarm bells ringing..
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It just seemed a while away, that's all. I would also be very worried at the fact she is grumpy and has bitten you. I doubt the vets will be angry, you are only looking for the best for your girl x
 
Just phoned and they were busy with a few emergencies so there was no one available to talk to so the only option was to go in for an appointment at 630 which I said yes to. But I really don't want to take her down unless absolutely necessary, stress seems to be the cause of the bloat and taking her there stresses her so much.

She's eating hay but she's still got her fur puffed up and isn't pooing very much so I don't know what to do for the best. I'd hate. to take her down there only to be told there's nothing they can do apart from the meds she's already on
 
Beans&Toast said:
Just phoned and they were busy with a few emergencies so there was no one available to talk to so the only option was to go in for an appointment at 630 which I said yes to. But I really don't want to take her down unless absolutely necessary, stress seems to be the cause of the bloat and taking her there stresses her so much.

She's eating hay but she's still got her fur puffed up and isn't pooing very much so I don't know what to do for the best. I'd hate. to take her down there only to be told there's nothing they can do apart from the meds she's already on
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It's obvious there is another issue here slowing down her gut. The fact she's agitated and nippy could be a sign of ovarian issues. Crunchie was the same, had persistent bloat too and even her cystitis didn't start until she developed ovarian cysts.

They may also want to look at the meds she on again, the fact an increase in the gut stimulants has made the bloat worse suggests the balance is wrong. If they don't have the right balance of both gut stimulants it can actually make the movement less so.

Really hope you get some answers soon x
 
Thanks, I'm going to take her down. I really don't want to but she's worrying me now that's there's no improvement and in fact she seems more irritated.

I found that gripe water helped a bit more than Infacol but I've just realised it's made from dill, which is high in calcium so is that even suitable for an IC pig?
 
Beans&Toast said:
Thanks, I'm going to take her down. I really don't want to but she's worrying me now that's there's no improvement and in fact she seems more irritated.

I found that gripe water helped a bit more than Infacol but I've just realised it's made from dill, which is high in calcium so is that even suitable for an IC pig?
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Given that infacol makes the gas collect in one big ball for babies to burp whereas gripe water disperses it into tiny bubbles, gripe water is definately the best choice regardless of calcium Content.

I wonder if that's her current issue?
 
Adelle said:
Given that infacol makes the gas collect in one big ball for babies to burp whereas gripe water disperses it into tiny bubbles, gripe water is definately the best choice regardless of calcium Content.

I wonder if that's her current issue?
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Right I've had about 5 hours sleep in the last week so sorry if I'm being stupid but what are you meaning when you say you wonder if that could be her current issue?
 
Beans&Toast said:
Right I've had about 5 hours sleep in the last week so sorry if I'm being stupid but what are you meaning when you say you wonder if that could be her current issue?
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Infacol causing a big Gas collection rather than gripe water breaking it up
Into tiny bubbles that she'd pass.
 
Adelle said:
Infacol causing a big Gas collection rather than gripe water breaking it up
Into tiny bubbles that she'd pass.
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Ahh. I wish, that would be easier to fix.. but I changed her over to gripe water a week ago and haven't given Infacol since. I've noticed that she does pass gas easier since changing over but it hasn't helped stop or get rid of any bloat or gassiness completely
 
Have you tried her on a massage pad or something similar? So sorry she is still poorly, my Petal had gut issues when she had early pyometra & ended up having a full spay but then we had to syringe feed her for 10 weeks afterwards which was a nightmare :( xx
 
Poppy'sMum said:
Have you tried her on a massage pad or something similar? So sorry she is still poorly, my Petal had gut issues when she had early pyometra & ended up having a full spay but then we had to syringe feed her for 10 weeks afterwards which was a nightmare :( xx
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I have, I massage her tummy a lot too and she has full run of my flat for at least 12 hours a day and it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference, I don't understand it. I'm starting to think maybe it is ovarian disease.. she can barely cope with a quick GA to have her teeth trimmed, she wouldn't survive a spay :(
 
An ultrasound scan won't need any GA or even a whiff of gas, so I would go with one of those to start with, then take it from there. That will give an idea of what is going on in her bladder, ovaries & womb. You could also get a full fecal analysis done which in non-invasive too, they are about £70 though but would rule out digestive reasons & parasites. Depends on your budget & if she is insured though. If you want to do that, your vet will need to send a sample off to Mary at Chester Zoo, it will be much more detailed than a local lab which usually just does a fecal float test. xx
 
Poppy'sMum said:
An ultrasound scan won't need any GA or even a whiff of gas, so I would go with one of those to start with, then take it from there. That will give an idea of what is going on in her bladder, ovaries & womb. You could also get a full fecal analysis done which in non-invasive too, they are about £70 though but would rule out digestive reasons & parasites. Depends on your budget & if she is insured though. If you want to do that, your vet will need to send a sample off to Mary at Chester Zoo, it will be much more detailed than a local lab which usually just does a fecal float test. xx
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Thanks for the info that's really helpful. she's due a scan on Tuesday so we'll see what happens there, just hoping it can be an easy fix xx
 
Fingers & paws crossed for her :) We have vets tomorrow with my heart piggy, they are such a worry, these will be my last I am sad to say; 4 years of poorly piggies & vet bills that would have bought a small car plus all the stress & family bereavements & illness means I sadly can't put myself through this again x
 
Poppy'sMum said:
Fingers & paws crossed for her :) We have vets tomorrow with my heart piggy, they are such a worry, these will be my last I am sad to say; 4 years of poorly piggies & vet bills that would have bought a small car plus all the stress & family bereavements & illness means I sadly can't put myself through this again x
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I hope everything goes well. I know, I've spent over £4k on their vet bills (mostly Toast) since March and I definitely don't have £4k to spend, I go between credit cards and overdraft. And the sheer stress :eek: it's a lot isn't it. Did you the think before you got them that it could be this demanding looking after them? I definitely didn't! xx
 
No, we've had piggies for nearly 20 years & only the last 3 we had have been ill over the last 4 years :( I have spent about 4k too, but luckily Ziggy is insured although I don't know how much the insurance will cover this time x
 
Just want to check with people who give or have gave Emeprid/Ranitadine/Cisapride and gripe water... how close together have you given these meds?

Toast is on;
Emeprid 0.5 every 12 hours
Cisapride 0.2 every 8 hours
Ranitadine 0.3 every 12 hours
Gripe water 0.2 3 times a day

Just curious as to how close together you give these? can they all be given at the same time or 20 minutes apart or hours apart? what has worked best for everyone?
 
Just back from the vets with Toast and it's not good news.

After yet more scans and x-rays they can't find any reason for her constant bloat. No ovarian issues, kidneys and everything look really good. After 2 weeks on Emeprid, Cisapride, Ranitadine and Gripe water it's made absolutely no difference whatsoever.
My vet has been in touch with a few specialist vets who only deal with guinea pigs and rabbits etc, who have suggested 2 relatively new medications.

Amitriptyline for nerve pain and to reduce chronic stress/anxiety (stress seems to be a major issues for Toast which sets off Cystitis)

Domperidone, a gut stimulant.

If these don't work then I've pretty much tried everything. She's had so many tests, scans, x-rays etc and nothing is showing up a reason for what's going on.

He mentioned something else I could do, although it's very expensive. Taking her to somewhere in Edinburgh for what is essentially an MRI scan for a guinea pig. I can't remember exactly what he said now as there was so much information to take in..
That's not really an option though as it would cost well over £1000 and having already spent well over 4000, I just can't afford it.

So I'm hoping these new meds work, I've not got them yet as he's never used them before so wants to do more research. If they don't work he advised me we might never find the cause of the problem, it seems to be such a complicated issue with Toast. He mentioned euthanasia as a possibility if Toast gets to the point that the pain is too much and she no longer enjoys doing everything she should be able to do. Despite being so bloaty and uncomfortable she's not showing me signs of giving up yet so I'm not even considering PTS right now.
 
She hasn't lost any weight and it's not affecting her appetite or poos for the most part.. So she is actually functioning very well and wouldn't be considering pts either.

Have seen both meds used in dogs and cats but never piggies.

Seems basic but could the metacam be a factor? It's notorious for GI issues. There are other NSAIDS that can be used instead for her IC in case that is the issue.

Worth a try before pursuing other things x
 
Adelle said:
She hasn't lost any weight and it's not affecting her appetite or poos for the most part.. So she is actually functioning very well and wouldn't be considering pts either.

Have seen both meds used in dogs and cats but never piggies.

Seems basic but could the metacam be a factor? It's notorious for GI issues. There are other NSAIDS that can be used instead for her IC in case that is the issue.

Worth a try before pursuing other things x
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Thanks. She hasn't lost any weight but she is gradually putting on weight due to being more bloaty/gassy. He wasn't suggesting it as an option right now, he's happy that she still eats and seams happy in herself mostly, it was more further down the line if things get worse.

It gave me a slight chuckle that both these new medications she'll be tried on are medications that I take myself. :p
Once she's started on the Amitriptyline she'll come off Loxicom so we'll see then but she had been on the Loxicom for quite a while before these issues started so not sure if it's likely to be that. Hoping it could be though, much simpler problem to fix.

A urine sample showed watery pee, which has been a recurring issue and is why she had her kidneys checked with a blood test about 6 months ago. He thinks stress and pain are why she's drinking so much water.

I couldn't stop crying at the vets, but it's mostly frustration that I've tried so many things and nothing is giving any answers at all, it's so disheartening :eek:
 
I agree with Adelle that Metacam can upset the gut flora. Can you get a fecal sample sent to Mary at Chester Zoo first? Ask for a full fecal anaysis (far more comprehensive than a fecal float). It has to be sent to her though nit a local vet lab. I think you need to investigate whether something us up with her gut flora etc first, my Petal & her daughter both had chronic gut problems almost like IBS. It could be a yeast overgrowth etc which can be treated with antifungal or EColi etc, all of which the test at Chester Zoo will check for. Meanwhile I would try her on Tramodol as an alternative to Metacam x
 
Has she been tested for intestinal bacterial or fungal infection? Since both can cause chronic bloat. Have you tried giving her a course of Flagyl (7 days)?
 
I thought I had replied to this thread about the fecal sample etc... :doh:

It's been a week since Toast was put on Domperidone, changed from Emeprid etc.
It seemed to be making a bit of a difference and managed to get the bloat down to a more reasonable level for a few days, then on Wednesday evening she blew up like a balloon - my Mum gave her some grass not realising that it causes her issues. (But surely she wouldn't still be bloaty 2 days after the grass?..)

So she's back to being really bloated and the Domperidone isn't touching it this time. She's also back to squealing when peeing.

My vet would now like to trial Amitriptyline for a few reasons, her cystitis problems, her pain from bloat and her anxiety (which seems to make both her bloat and cystitis worse). I've been warned it's quite unheard of for guinea pigs to be on, he could only find 2 cases of it being used for pigs and given how sensitive Toast can be to medication it's a bit of a risk.. But we've now exhausted Emeprid, Cisapride, Ranitadine, Domperidone and gripe water.. so surely it's worth a try.

I am both physically and mentally drained with the stress of looking after Toast being ill constantly, never mind Beans too. :eek:
 
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