Extreme Ongoing Bloat

[Beans&Toast]

How is Toast today?

Still not great. she still seems out of it, like how you'd expect her to be if she had GA. she's only nibbling on hay, won't eat whole nuggets so I'm convinced it's a dental issue again, pain from the ongoing bloat. she had really soft poos earlier, almost diarrhoea. it's slowly getting back to being a solid shape but still soft.. just trying to syringe feed now to stop gut stasis again. tI think it's safe to say the Buprenorphene didn't agree with her.

I've had to leave her with my mum to go to work. I feel terrible for leaving her but I cannot afford to miss anymore work.

 

[Adelle]

Still not great. she still seems out of it, like how you'd expect her to be if she had GA. she's only nibbling on hay, won't eat whole nuggets so I'm convinced it's a dental issue again, pain from the ongoing bloat. she had really soft poos earlier, almost diarrhoea. it's slowly getting back to being a solid shape but still soft.. just trying to syringe feed now to stop gut stasis again. tI think it's safe to say the Buprenorphene didn't agree with her.

I've had to leave her with my mum to go to work. I feel terrible for leaving her but I cannot afford to miss anymore work.

I know that feeling, but we need to work as we can't look after them properly with no money!

The fact she had soft poo may be a good thing; as it shows things are moving quicker (albeit too quickly) which means the gut stimulants have worked. Did you find a reduction in her bloat when the stools went soft?

Cmon Toast, the girls and I are routing for you xx

 

[VickiA]

Hang in in there Toasty. We are all rooting for you.
. @Beans&Toast you are doing the absolute best for your girl. You have to have a life, too, and as Adelle says, you have to work else you can't afford to keep the girls and yourself. Be kind to yourself x

 

[Beans&Toast]

I know that feeling, but we need to work as we can't look after them properly with no money!

The fact she had soft poo may be a good thing; as it shows things are moving quicker (albeit too quickly) which means the gut stimulants have worked. Did you find a reduction in her bloat when the stools went soft?

Cmon Toast, the girls and I are routing for you xx

Thanks. It's the worst feeling leaving her when I know how bad she is but with her vet bills mounting paying rent is a struggle! my mum is there and trying her best but I'd just feel so much more at ease if I was with her.

Yeah a bit less bloaty but still nowhere near normal, it's been about 2 months since her weight has been normal.

Realistically how much syringe feed should they get an hour, or ever 2 hours to keep them going. I'm so worried she'll end up with gut stasis again that I think I'm maybe forcing a bit too much into her.

 

[Adelle]

Thanks. It's the worst feeling leaving her when I know how bad she is but with her vet bills mounting paying rent is a struggle! my mum is there and trying her best but I'd just feel so much more at ease if I was with her.

Yeah a bit less bloaty but still nowhere near normal, it's been about 2 months since her weight has been normal.

Realistically how much syringe feed should they get an hour, or ever 2 hours to keep them going. I'm so worried she'll end up with gut stasis again that I think I'm maybe forcing a bit too much into her.

Normally between 5-10ml depending on the frequency but when crunchie was in gut stasis my vet advised me to trickle feed rather than syringe feed a lot of food. So she got all her gut stimulants, gripe water and the electric tooth brush on her side , and was given like a pinch of long grass every hour. It helped massively but it depends on how toast copes with grass x

 

[Wiebke]

HUGS

Fingers very firmly crossed for Toast!

 

[Beans&Toast]

I've had to come home from work.

She's really not doing well. she's went from 1.24kg last night, 1.19 this morning and now 1.13. she's still completely dazed and looks so terrified. Her poos are really small and soft. I have a horrible sinking feeling that she's not going to pull through this. I'm syringe feeding as much as she'll take, some is going in, some she fights and some she's letting dribble out her mouth.

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Oh no I hope she will be ok Sending hugs & everything crossed here for you all xx

 

[Wiebke]

I've had to come home from work.

She's really not doing well. she's went from 1.24kg last night, 1.19 this morning and now 1.13. she's still completely dazed and looks so terrified. Her poos are really small and soft. I have a horrible sinking feeling that she's not going to pull through this. I'm syringe feeding as much as she'll take, some is going in, some she fights and some she's letting dribble out her mouth.

All you can do is hang in there. Give her your love and keep her as comfy as you can. Keep her snugglesafe warm, but not hot (use half the heating time) and rather replace it with a second one if the first one is becoming cool.

It sounds like she has issues with swallowing and is becoming weak. Please don't force any food down her if she is no longer able to process it. Only give her a tiny amount, about 0.1 ml at a time, to see whether she can swallow that. Try and see whether she'd like some hand warm water; again only a little amount at a time.

If she is too apathetic to fight anymore or if the she is fighting food far too much for her weakened state, then leave be; her body has started to close down.
It is always the worst feeling when you realise that things are getting borderline and may be heading the wrong way. Piggy bodies are so small; they can cope with only so much. You have bought Toast an enormous amount of time with your good care already.

 

[Guinea Slave]

Sending you hugs and support. Hang in there Toast x

 

[Beans&Toast]

All you can do is hang in there. Give her your love and keep her as comfy as you can. Keep her snugglesafe warm, but not hot (use half the heating time) and rather replace it with a second one if the first one is becoming cool.

It sounds like she has issues with swallowing and is becoming weak. Please don't force any food down her if she is no longer able to process it. Only give her a tiny amount, about 0.1 ml at a time, to see whether she can swallow that. Try and see whether she'd like some hand warm water; again only a little amount at a time.

If she is too apathetic to fight anymore or if the she is fighting food far too much for her weakened state, then leave be; her body has started to close down.
It is always the worst feeling when you realise that things are getting borderline and may be heading the wrong way. Piggy bodies are so small; they can cope with only so much. You have bought Toast an enormous amount of time with your good care already.

She's still eating veg (I'm only giving tiny little bits every now and again) and she's eating some hay. she's fighting the syringe a bit but also swallowing... I feel sick. this is awful, but I don't think she's ready to give up yet. I'm thinking the fact that she's still reaching for veg means she's not?

 

[Guinea Slave]

She's still eating veg (I'm only giving tiny little bits every now and again) and she's eating some hay. she's fighting the syringe a bit but also swallowing... I feel sick. this is awful, but I don't think she's ready to give up yet. I'm thinking the fact that she's still reaching for veg means she's not?

All the time she is eating that's a great sign. She's clearly a tough girl. Sending lots of healing vibes and support x

 

[Claire W]

Come on Toasty. We're all routing for you xx

 

[chesca_27]

I really hope she makes a full recovery! Everyone here is supporting her .

It's a good sign that she's still reaching for veg. At this point, I would just give her what she wants to eat most, if you're not sure on the outcome. Giving her veg may make her feel worse tomorrow, but it may also save her.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Her teeth have definitely over grown again. I've found that if I rip bits of hay into little pieces she's managing to eat it. Either the bloat or cystitis has caused her pain which has put her off her food, causing the dental issues, or the other way around..

My vet asked me to phone him at 5 for an update and I don't know what to tell him. she has moments of looking like she's perked up and will take hay and syringe feed, then she goes back to sitting fluffed up and like she's lost the will to fight, then back to wanting to eat again. I don't understand it

 

[Wiebke]

She's still eating veg (I'm only giving tiny little bits every now and again) and she's eating some hay. she's fighting the syringe a bit but also swallowing... I feel sick. this is awful, but I don't think she's ready to give up yet. I'm thinking the fact that she's still reaching for veg means she's not?

If Toast is continuing to show interest in food and is eating even a little on her own, you have still all to play for as Toast still wants to live! Losing all interest in food and apathy are usually the warning signs that your battle has reached the tipping point.

An acute crisis where things can go either way is always a very intense and draining time, emotionally as well as mentally and physically (not getting much sleep!).

However - and please excuse me if I put a dampener on your support thread - I have learned fom my own desperate battles that there can be a point where things tip over. As heart-breaking as it is, it is very important for your guinea pig that you accept it when things go too far and switch to palliative care or pts. Remember from time to time to step back emotionally and to re-assess the situation as to how much you want put a beloved piggy though.

It is such a tight rope balance act at those times between willing on your guinea pig and allowing it to leave when things get too much for its small body; it doesn't help that we all draw that line differently and have our own emotions and desires to cope with at the same time - especially when it comes at the end of a long battle into which you have invested everything. There is no right or wrong as long as you make any decisions with your piggy's wellbeing and interests before your own. The decision can be only yours, and it has to feel right for you in the heart of hearts.

We can only give you our ongoing support, whatever happens - and you have certainly got mine!

 

[Beans&Toast]

If Toast is continuing to show interest in food and is eating even a little on her own, you have still all to play for as Toast still wants to live! Losing all interest in food and apathy are usually the warning signs that your battle has reached the tipping point.

An acute crisis where things can go either way is always a very intense and draining time, emotionally as well as mentally and physically (not getting much sleep!).

However - and please excuse me if I put a dampener on your support thread - I have learned fom my own desperate battles that there can be a point where things tip over. As heart-breaking as it is, it is important for your guinea pig that you accept that when things go too far and switch to palliative care or pts. Remember from time to time to step back emotionally and to re-assess the situation as to how much you want put a beloved piggy though.
It is such a tight rope balance act at those times between willing on your guinea pig and allowing it to leave when things get too much for its small body; it doesn't help that we all draw that line differently and have our own emotions and desires to cope with at the same time - especially when it comes at the end of a long battle into which you have invested everything. There is no right or wrong as long as you make any decisions with your piggy's wellbeing and interests before your own. The decision can be only yours, and it has to feel right for you in the heart of hearts.

We can only give you our ongoing support, whatever happens - and you have certainly got mine!

Thank you, everyone's support has been amazing.

This is so draining. I haven't slept since Friday night but I can't bare to leave her.

She has moments of looking like she's doing well then she goes back to looking like she's had enough. then I'll get some veg and she'll stick her neck out for it.
Her poos are still very soft, don't even have a shape to them it's just mush, for want of a better word. I don't understand why she's so inconsistent throughout the day?

 

[Poppy'sMum]

I agree with Wiebke, I've been there too The veg might be adding to the problem for her unfortunately I would certainly try to get her some sub cut fluids if she sees the vet tonight or tomorrow as she will quickly dehydrate. With regards to pain relief I would ask for some tramodol for her x

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, everyone's support has been amazing.

This is so draining. I haven't slept since Friday night but I can't bare to leave her.

She has moments of looking like she's doing well then she goes back to looking like she's had enough. then I'll get some veg and she'll stick her neck out for it.
Her poos are still very soft, don't even have a shape to them it's just mush, for want of a better word. I don't understand why she's so inconsistent throughout the day?

Please remember that any poos that you are seeing reflect what has gone in 1-2 days before. Severe bloating happens in waves; it is not constant.

I would stay off any veg during an acute bloating phase; I always do that with piggies of mine that have ongoing off-on old age bloating/digestive problems.

 

[Beans&Toast]

I just picked her up to give her a clean and loads of poos came flying out, proper shaped poos... a good sign..

I'm only giving her very tiny bits of veg, just to keep her eating if she's sat still too long..

She's drinking if I take the water bottle to her or if I syringe her water. I've got Fibreplex and she's taking a decent amount of syringe feed for now

 

[Wiebke]

I just picked her up to give her a clean and loads of poos came flying out, proper shaped poos... a good sign..

I'm only giving her very tiny bits of veg, just to keep her eating if she's sat still too long..

She's drinking if I take the water bottle to her or if I syringe her water. I've got Fibreplex and she's taking a decent amount of syringe feed for now

It sounds like she is hopefully making it through this crisis!

Make sure that you get some sleep in between looking after Toast. If necessary, place a crate or her carrier with her next to your bed, so you do not have to get up fully to check on her. Have any stuff you may need for her within easy reach.

Continue to syringe feed You can only look after her well in the medium term if you take care of yourself, too!

 

[Beans&Toast]

It sounds like she is hopefully making it through this crisis!

Make sure that you get some sleep in between looking after Toast. If necessary, place a crate or her carrier with her next to your bed, so you do not have to get up fully to check on her. Have any stuff you may need for her within easy reach.

Continue to syringe feed You can only look after her well in the medium term if you take care of yourself, too!

I'm not going to get too hopeful as about an hour ago I was seriously considering helping her on her way. she's so back and forth, but still, almost normal poos can only be a good sign. I've also notice she's started to bend under to get them again (sorry to be disgusting)

 

[piggie smitten]

Really hope she can pull through this. And theres nothing disgusting about a chewy pooey! x

 

[Wiebke]

I'm not going to get too hopeful as about an hour ago I was seriously considering helping her on her way. she's so back and forth, but still, almost normal poos can only be a good sign. I've also notice she's started to bend under to get them again (sorry to be disgusting)

Starting to clean herself up and eating digestive caecotrophs is a very encouraging sign indeed!
However, like you say, it is still very much up and down, but hopefully the ups will become more again as time goes by. You are likely to see this up and down reflected in her poo output for more days.

All you can do is ride the tiger where it takes you.

 

[Beans&Toast]

Thanks everyone for your support, it's been amazing and I definitely wouldn't be able to help Toast the way I have if it wasn't for this Forum!

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Come on Toast, fight for your Mummy x

 

[Beans&Toast]

I don't want to jinx this...

But the past couple of hours Toast has started to have a wander about the cage and is interacting with Beans. She's even came out her hay box to go get a drink from the water bottle (I've been syringing until now).

I'm so happy I could cry (again). It's looking like I'm never going to get to the bottom of why Toast has such severe bloat/cystitis flare ups all the time. The vets can't work out if there's an underlying pain causing it, or if it's the other way about. But for now I'm so relieved. 8 hours ago I was thinking about whether or not she's been though enough and maybe it was time to let her go, well clearly she wasn't ready for that. She's still not fully herself but it's a massive improvement from last night.

Let's just hope she keeps it up, so I can maybe get some sleep after 38 hours of being awake...

 

[Wiebke]

I don't want to jinx this...

But the past couple of hours Toast has started to have a wander about the cage and is interacting with Beans. She's even came out her hay box to go get a drink from the water bottle (I've been syringing until now).

I'm so happy I could cry (again). It's looking like I'm never going to get to the bottom of why Toast has such severe bloat/cystitis flare ups all the time. The vets can't work out if there's an underlying pain causing it, or if it's the other way about. But for now I'm so relieved. 8 hours ago I was thinking about whether or not she's been though enough and maybe it was time to let her go, well clearly she wasn't ready for that. She's still not fully herself but it's a massive improvement from last night.

Let's just hope she keeps it up, so I can maybe get some sleep after 38 hours of being awake...

That is great news!

Set your alarm for a check in the middle of the night, but please make sure that YOU get your sleep tonight - you are no use to Toast if you can't stay awake anymore, not to mention work and other humans...

 

[Beans&Toast]

That is great news!

Set your alarm for a check in the middle of the night, but please make sure that YOU get your sleep tonight - you are no use to Toast if you can't stay awake anymore, not to mention work and other humans...

She's got her final dose of Domperidone at 11pm then I'm going for a sleep! I feel like I need 3 bottles of wine and 12 hours of sleep, not sure which one to do first

 

[chesca_27]

I really hope Toast feel better soon!

Could you try just giving small handfuls of softer, smaller hay every hour or so. Even if she's ignored the rest of her hay, she might be interested if it's just been put in the cage. You could also try mixing in some forage or another type of hay. Have you also tried softened/mashed nuggets. They go down well with Oreo, especially when they're warm. I mix in Pro-C and Infacol (my vet recommended it) as well, to help him.

I'm doing a lot of this with Oreo at the moment, as his tummy is being very sensitive and he keeps betting a bit bloated. His teeth are also a problem so I need to encourage him to eat. It's like a less extreme version of what Toast has, except without cystitis. I am constantly doubting myself about what is right for Oreo, too, and my family aren't being very supportive anymore and keep telling me I'm doing too much and that I need to leave Oreo alone. Beforehand, I was told I didn't take enough responsibility, apparently I now take too much. My vets also don't want Oreo to have another consultation for a week and a half, so I am driving to Northampton later on, to take Oreo to The Cat and Rabbit Clinic to have his teeth checked, as I can't wait until he's well enough for a GA at any other local vets (there are so many in my area, three on the high street alone!).