Impaction (Prednacare use)

[lovemypiggiee]

i went to the vet an hour ago after i noticed my boar had a lot of poop trapped and making a sound of pain. in the vets he received an injection which the vet said was similar to iv, some form of laxative and metacam. it’s been about an hour after the vet and i am worried as my piggie is making the sounds again and has only pooped out three tiny bits of poop. i was wondering if it will take a lot of time for the medicine to kick in etc. he is also five to six years old. i just feel concerned as he is still making noises as if he is in pain. he is eating normally by the way

 

[Piggies&buns]

Well done for getting him to the vet.

You need to help him by carefully getting the poop out. I have added a guide below which explains everything about impaction.

I hope he is ok

Thread 'Impaction: Practical Care and Diet (with videos)'

Nov 6, 2014

1 What is impaction?
- Potential causes
- Why the need for a vet check
- Diet advice
2 Impaction care videos
- How to check for impaction
- How to remove impaction
- Before and after impaction care
3 An impaction carer's practical experiences and tips
- Diagnosing an impaction (description)
- Treating impaction in the short term
- Treating...

• LisaAli
• boars impaction older
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Vet Visits & Various

• 

 

[lovemypiggiee]

i went to the vet bout a week ago to deal with a large impaction, so my guineapig initially was given 0.15ml of metacam per day and 0.2ml of lactulose. after a day or two his poos all became a normal shape, although a few poops still ended up being trapped and needed being helped out. (my guineapig made grunting noises multiple timed throughout the day and they seemed to stop after we helped him out) so we went back to the vet. now my guineapig is put on fibreplex, Doxycycline and 1/4 of a prednacare tablet. I was wondering whether it is normal to give prednacare for as when I was doing research people seem to be very against it due to the side effects. although my vet never mentioned any of this - is this normal?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Prednacare active ingredient is prednisolone which is a steroid and oral steroids must never be given to guinea pigs.

Thread 'The Problems With Steroids And Why They Shouldn't Be Used.'

Feb 1, 2016

Hello all,

I wanted to make a quick post on the use of oral steroids in Guinea pigs (and almost all exotic species) and why they should never be used.

Guinea pigs are very sensitive when it comes to the use of steroids and they should always be avoided. The problem with steroids is that it causes immunosuppression and can cause any current illness or underlying illness (even when there are no symptoms) to become worse with often dire and fatal consequences. Most often than not piggies will have underlying respiratory disease even with no symptoms and taking steroids can often be fatal in...

• Abi_nurse
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Emergency Information and Care

• 

This is our impaction guide which explains the issue and how to deal with it.

Thread 'Impaction: Practical Care and Diet (with videos)'

Nov 6, 2014

1 What is impaction?
- Potential causes
- Why the need for a vet check
- Diet advice
2 Impaction care videos
- How to check for impaction
- How to remove impaction
- Before and after impaction care
3 An impaction carer's practical experiences and tips
- Diagnosing an impaction (description)
- Treating impaction in the short term
- Treating...

• LisaAli
• boars impaction older
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Vet Visits & Various

• 

I’ve merged your two posts together and edited the title to reflect the new issue re use of steroids so that it is all in one place.

 

[lovemypiggiee]

Prednacare active ingredient is prednisolone which is a steroid and oral steroids must never be given to guinea pigs.

Thread 'The Problems With Steroids And Why They Shouldn't Be Used.'

Feb 1, 2016

Hello all,

I wanted to make a quick post on the use of oral steroids in Guinea pigs (and almost all exotic species) and why they should never be used.

Guinea pigs are very sensitive when it comes to the use of steroids and they should always be avoided. The problem with steroids is that it causes immunosuppression and can cause any current illness or underlying illness (even when there are no symptoms) to become worse with often dire and fatal consequences. Most often than not piggies will have underlying respiratory disease even with no symptoms and taking steroids can often be fatal in...

• Abi_nurse
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Emergency Information and Care

• 

This is our impaction guide which explains the issue and how to deal with it.

Thread 'Impaction: Practical Care and Diet (with videos)'

Nov 6, 2014

1 What is impaction?
- Potential causes
- Why the need for a vet check
- Diet advice
2 Impaction care videos
- How to check for impaction
- How to remove impaction
- Before and after impaction care
3 An impaction carer's practical experiences and tips
- Diagnosing an impaction (description)
- Treating impaction in the short term
- Treating...

• LisaAli
• boars impaction older
• Replies: 2
• Forum: Vet Visits & Various

• 

I’ve merged your two posts together and edited the title to reflect the new issue re use of steroids so that it is all in one place.

I did end up reading this and somewhere else online mentioning it as a last resort, however I am struggling to find any more articles on it apart from that thread. I was just wondering if you knew anyone else who could give another opinion on it

 

[Piggies&buns]

I did end up reading this and somewhere else online mentioning it as a last resort, however I am struggling to find any more articles on it apart from that thread. I was just wondering if you knew anyone else who could give another opinion on it

It’s standard knowledge amongst knowledgeable and exotics vets that steroids should not be given to rodents (or rabbits) except in exceptional circumstances. They are immunosuppressants and can cause more problems than they solve in rodents (leaving them open to risk of other infections).
If you search the forum you will find the cases where steroids have been prescribed are last ditch cases (lymphoma usually but there are a few pneumonia cases), that in itself says a lot, they simply are not prescribed for anything else.
I couldn’t find any case of it being prescribed for impaction.

It may be that your vet is aware of the risks they can pose and has decided your case is such an exceptional circumstance (is there another heath issue alongside/causing the impaction which would warrant steroid use?) but I would have thought they would have informed you of this.

Personally I’d not be happy to give it unless the vet had explained their reason behind the decision when it is known they shouldn’t have steroids

 

[lovemypiggiee]

It’s standard knowledge amongst knowledgeable and exotics vets that steroids should not be given to rodents (or rabbits) except in exceptional circumstances. They are immunosuppressants and can cause more problems than they solve in rodents (leaving them open to risk of other infections).
If you search the forum you will find the cases where steroids have been prescribed are last ditch cases (lymphoma usually but there are a few pneumonia cases), that in itself says a lot, they simply are not prescribed for anything else.
I couldn’t find any case of it being prescribed for impaction.

It may be that your vet is aware of the risks they can pose and has decided your case is such an exceptional circumstance (is there another heath issue alongside/causing the impaction which would warrant steroid use?) but I would have thought they would have informed you of this.

Personally I’d not be happy to give it unless the vet had explained their reason behind the decision when it is known they shouldn’t have steroids

thank you for your response, i will go and consult with another vet to see if there are alternatives. i’m still a little confused myself since i couldn’t find a lot of information online about this and the vet hadn’t told me it was a steroid

 

[Truffolo]

thank you for your response, i will go and consult with another vet to see if there are alternatives. i’m still a little confused myself since i couldn’t find a lot of information online about this and the vet hadn’t told me it was a steroid

Guinealynx is good: Guinea Lynx ::

 

[Piggies&buns]

thank you for your response, i will go and consult with another vet to see if there are alternatives. i’m still a little confused myself since i couldn’t find a lot of information online about this and the vet hadn’t told me it was a steroid

The impaction guide I linked in explains that as its usually caused by loss of muscle strength due to ageing- the usual treatment is increased fibre intake, exercise, ensuring enough water intake. You would need to assist daily with clearing out the anal sac.

If the impaction is caused by another health issue then that issue needs to be addressed (along with the above increased fibre intake, etc). Any pain associated ie if it’s caused by arthritis then daily metacam would be a good idea (Prednacare and metacam definitely must never be given at the same time).

 

[Piggies&buns]

And to add -
0.15ml once per day is a small dose possibly bordering on cosmetic rather than managing pain. At the very least piggies need pain meds twice a day as they metabolise them within 12 hours. While doses are based on weight and clinical need so a lower dose is not unusual, as general guide the maximum doses twice a day for a 1kg piggy is 1.2ml of cat metacam or 0.4ml of the stronger dog version.

 

[lovemypiggiee]

The impaction guide I linked in explains that as its usually caused by loss of muscle strength due to ageing- the usual treatment is increased fibre intake, exercise, ensuring enough water intake. You would need to assist daily with clearing out the anal sac.

If the impaction is caused by another health issue then that issue needs to be addressed (along with the above increased fibre intake, etc). Any pain associated ie if it’s caused by arthritis then daily metacam would be a good idea (Prednacare and metacam definitely must never be given at the same time).

The impaction guide I linked in explains that as its usually caused by loss of muscle strength due to ageing- the usual treatment is increased fibre intake, exercise, ensuring enough water intake. You would need to assist daily with clearing out the anal sac.

If the impaction is caused by another health issue then that issue needs to be addressed (along with the above increased fibre intake, etc). Any pain associated ie if it’s caused by arthritis then daily metacam would be a good idea (Prednacare and metacam definitely must never be given at the same time).

i agree and think it is due to old age, so we have been helping him clear out. the vet gave him his first dose of all his medicines (including prednicare) so i am going to consult with another vet and wait for when it’s safe to give him more of his rheumocam

 

[weepweeps]

I’ve had an older piggy with impaction. He was about 6.5. He didn’t need any medication. I just had to clear his anal sac daily. He wasn’t in any pain with it. I hope your piggy is soon feeling better.

 

[lovemypiggiee]

And to add -
0.15ml once per day is a small dose possibly bordering on cosmetic rather than managing pain. At the very least piggies need pain meds twice a day as they metabolise them within 12 hours. While doses are based on weight and clinical need so a lower dose is not unusual, as general guide the maximum doses twice a day for a 1kg piggy is 1.2ml of cat metacam or 0.4ml of the stronger dog version.

sorry for bothering, but do you know how long i should wait from the first dose of the prednicare to when it is safe to give metacam? my guineapig seems to be hunched over and i want to give him some relief until he sees the vet on monday. he has been making hooting noises too, but i think that’s due to me putting more hay in his cage as the vet recommended a hay diet since it stops when he coughs it up

 

[lovemypiggiee]

my guineapig has started making this crackling sound for the past few hours and all the vets near me are closed. would anyone be able to give me advice for how i can support him tonight ? i gave him critical feed and also own a nebuliser if that’s any use. i potentially think this may have been triggered by the prednacare as he had a history a year or two ago of respiratory illnesses and only started after this iCloud Photos - Apple iCloud

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry this has happened.
It is possible the prednacare may have triggered it due to the immunosuppressant effect of it and respiratory issue history.

All you can do is get him to the vet as soon as you can today, along with daily weight checks, syringe feeding.

I don’t know how long after stopping steroid that metacam can be given. Some websites are saying at least 24 hours, others are saying a week. I think this is something only a vet can answer.

I hope he is ok

 

[weepweeps]

Sending healing vibes to your piggy. Good luck at the vets.

 

[lovemypiggiee]

Took him to an out of hours vet last night and now he is acting so much better

 

[fluffysal]

Sending support and healing rumbles from my boys

 

[VickiA]

Good to hear he’s perked up.

 

[lovemypiggiee]

Everything is going bad, the vet said he’s 750g and there’s nothing else they can do. He was around 1100g about two weeks ago. Had diarrhoea told me he’s dying, put on 0.2 ml of rheumocam per day. Was looking for advice

 

[lovemypiggiee]

Haven’t done xrays or anything

 

[lovemypiggiee]

Sorry my vet said he would be lucky for
christmas

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry to hear this.

Urgently step in with syringe feeding a recovery feed or mushed pellets. As he is losing so much weight must stop any more by syringing at least 60ml to him each day.
Also make sure you are weighing him each morning so you know he is getting enough food to keep his weight stable every day.
He could need to be fed as often as every two hours depending on his much he takes at each sitting
Syringe a little water to him with each syringe feed is also a good idea to combat dehydration risk from diarrhea.

As he has diarrhea, then remove all veg from his diet. His digestion is struggling and he needs lots of fibre to try to get things back on track.
He would benefit from a probiotic (if genuine already on one)

Is there another vet you can see?
How are his respiratory issues?
Was he put in any medication for the respiratory issues? (I’m wondering whether an antibiotic has been given and that has upset his digestion)

The guides below explain every thing diarrhea, syringe feeding and weight check related

Thread 'How to Improvise Feeding Support in an Emergency'

May 31, 2024

1 Feed
- Important crisis management resources
- When is improvising necessary?
- Which food group am I replacing with my feeding support?
- How much and how often should I feed and water?
- What can I use that I have already got at home?
- Other possible easily available foods with their pros and cons
- How do I prep a syringe for rougher pellet fibre?
- What can I do without a syringe?
- The role of lukewarm water
2 Probiotics
- Probiotic products...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Emergency Information and Care

• 
• 

Thread 'Wiebke's Guide to Poops'

May 30, 2024

1 How the Digestive System Works
2 Poo Eating (Coprophagy)
3 Health Monitoring: Weighing vs. Poos Watching
- What does weighing do?
- What does the poop output tell you?
4 Minor Poop Issues
- How to deal with a minor tummy upset
- Funny poops: What do they mean?
- Caked on poops
5 Serious Diarrhoea
6 Impaction
7...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Wiebke's Guides to the Body

• 
• 

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

Jun 20, 2024

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Health & Illness Support Corner

• 

Thread 'All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures'

Mar 9, 2022

Introduction
1 Choosing the right place to medicate/feed your piggy
2 Guinea pig whispering and asserting your authority
3 Recovery products and emergency improvisation
4 Syringe recommendations
5 Weight monitoring: your biggest ally
6 Weight loss guidelines and when to step in with feeding
7 Syringe feeding amounts/frequency advice
8 Practical medication and syringing tips
9 Medicating and feeding cooperative guinea pigs (videos)
10 Medicating and feeding uncooperative guinea pigs (hold pictures and tips)
11 The line between life and...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Health & Illness Support Corner

• 
• 

 

[lovemypiggiee]

I’m so sorry to hear this.

Urgently step in with syringe feeding a recovery feed or mushed pellets. As he is losing so much weight must stop any more by syringing at least 60ml to him each day.
Also make sure you are weighing him each morning so you know he is getting enough food to keep his weight stable every day.
He could need to be fed as often as every two hours depending on his much he takes at each sitting
Syringe a little water to him with each syringe feed is also a good idea to combat dehydration risk from diarrhea.

As he has diarrhea, then remove all veg from his diet. His digestion is struggling and he needs lots of fibre to try to get things back on track.
He would benefit from a probiotic (if genuine already on one)

Is there another vet you can see?
How are his respiratory issues?
Was he put in any medication for the respiratory issues? (I’m wondering whether an antibiotic has been given and that has upset his digestion)

The guides below explain every thing diarrhea, syringe feeding and weight check related

Thread 'How to Improvise Feeding Support in an Emergency'

May 31, 2024

1 Feed
- Important crisis management resources
- When is improvising necessary?
- Which food group am I replacing with my feeding support?
- How much and how often should I feed and water?
- What can I use that I have already got at home?
- Other possible easily available foods with their pros and cons
- How do I prep a syringe for rougher pellet fibre?
- What can I do without a syringe?
- The role of lukewarm water
2 Probiotics
- Probiotic products...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Emergency Information and Care

• 
• 

Thread 'Wiebke's Guide to Poops'

May 30, 2024

1 How the Digestive System Works
2 Poo Eating (Coprophagy)
3 Health Monitoring: Weighing vs. Poos Watching
- What does weighing do?
- What does the poop output tell you?
4 Minor Poop Issues
- How to deal with a minor tummy upset
- Funny poops: What do they mean?
- Caked on poops
5 Serious Diarrhoea
6 Impaction
7...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Wiebke's Guides to the Body

• 
• 

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

Jun 20, 2024

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Health & Illness Support Corner

• 

Thread 'All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures'

Mar 9, 2022

Introduction
1 Choosing the right place to medicate/feed your piggy
2 Guinea pig whispering and asserting your authority
3 Recovery products and emergency improvisation
4 Syringe recommendations
5 Weight monitoring: your biggest ally
6 Weight loss guidelines and when to step in with feeding
7 Syringe feeding amounts/frequency advice
8 Practical medication and syringing tips
9 Medicating and feeding cooperative guinea pigs (videos)
10 Medicating and feeding uncooperative guinea pigs (hold pictures and tips)
11 The line between life and...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Health & Illness Support Corner

• 
• 

No respiratory issue, vet just said he’s old and dying. Said there was no point getting x-ray, I am going to continue with his syringe feed and fibreplex. Just in case it’s his last few days I want to continue feeding him his favourite vegetables and fruits. Going to try and get my parents to take him to another vet but they haven’t been willing to let me take him to another today when I asked, only thing vet said was that his breathing seems faster. He has a very reduced appetite but still seems to be popcorning and lively when I take him out to pet, will crawl on my arms and jump around me

 

[Piggies&buns]

The guide below gives more support and advice about end of life care.

Thread 'A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs'

Feb 20, 2020

1 Your mental health, sensitivities and work commitments
- Mental health and support resources
- Sensitivity aspects
- When work and other commitments clash
2 Life or death emergency – Can my piggy be saved?
- Contacting a vet clinic at all times and link to life and death emergencies list
- What to do if I cannot access vet care instantly?
- The need to save up for emergency vet access
3 Is my...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 6
• Forum: End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner

• 

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you hugs and healing vibes to your piggy.

 

[lovemypiggiee]

Luckily my guineapig’s weight has went up 40g compared to this time yesterday, I hope this is a good sign! He has also brought up his appetite a little, although I am still syringe feeding him about 70-80ml of critical care mixed with some baby food. Tomorrow we are going to see an exotic vet so I hope we can find out what’s wrong

 

[Piggies&buns]

That’s good.

If he is still having diarrhoea I really would encourage you to cut out any veg (and the baby food provided he will take critical care without it) to help his digestion. Too little fibre when compared to veg will make diarrhoea worse and if there is something wrong with h that can be cured then making sure to get his digestion back on track will really help a general recovery

Let us know how you get on

 

[Roselina]

I hope the new Vet will help your piggy
Well done for looking after him and for doing the syringe feeding it’s tough but so worth it !
Good luck tomorro

 

[lovemypiggiee]

That’s good.

If he is still having diarrhoea I really would encourage you to cut out any veg (and the baby food provided he will take critical care without it) to help his digestion. Too little fibre when compared to veg will make diarrhoea worse and if there is something wrong with h that can be cured then making sure to get his digestion back on track will really help a general recovery

Let us know how you get on

Poops are beginning to toughen up, on Friday they were wet but now are practically solid and starting to form the original shape. I will take away his veg now but will still mix little spoonfuls of baby food in his critical care since it has been encouraging his appetite

picture on left was friday and on the right is today !