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Loss of Piggy

M

Matt+emily+

New Born Pup
Joined
Nov 21, 2021
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140
Location
Cornwall
Hi all. We lost a 3 year old sow "Piggy" after a bladder stone op recently. Absolutely gutted.

Are there any uk vetenary guidelines I can check as I'm not too confident in the vets care, my thoughts could just be because of the situation though.

Piggy was sedated for her x-ray at 1330, was then in to theatre under general at 1600 finished by 1800 and released in to our care at 1900. She had injected pain relief plus 0.06mg buprenorphine orally every 6-8 hours, plus antibiotics plus injected solution to avoid dehydration.

This all seems so much for a tiny little piggie to cope with in 1 afternoon.

She survived just over 24 hours 😪

I'm also asking as her companion is also showing signs of stones now.
 
Welcome to the forum
I’m so sorry you lost your little piggie, sending you hugs, it’s always very sad when you lose one in any circumstance. None of us here are qualified vets unfortunately.
Sadly I’ve been quite disappointed with the vets I have used in Cornwall. I actually prefer (unless an emergency) to take mine to a vet in Northampton who is excellent including conscious dental procedures.
We have a recommended vet loclocator in the green bar but Cornwall is really lacking on the list and I personally cannot recommend one to you.
 
I’m bumping this thread as there might be someone out there that has experienced bladder stone problems and be able to help you
 
I’ve had no experience with surgery as my piggies are still relatively young, but all I can say is I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I hope with time you’ll begin to feel better. 💛
 
I am so very sorry for your loss :( In my experience, my vets usually keep hold of the piggy for a few hours before releasing them back in to my care to make sure they are eating etc after the surgery. I’ve never personally experienced bladder stones though so can’t really advise. From what I know, buprenorphine can make guinea pigs very sleepy. If you aren’t confident with your vet, have a look at our vet locator to see if any of them are within reach Recommended Guinea Pig Vets
 
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So sorry for your loss.
Be gentle with yourselves as you grieve.
How far can you travel for a good exotic vet?
I was just thinking that maybe around Bristol there may be a good vet who is experienced with guinea pigs. I know that is still quite a trek.
There’s a recommended rescue ( Little Wheekers) who will know a good vet @amy104

Welcome to the forum.
 
Thank you all for your lovely messages. The vet was nice and meant well but it seems they just didn't have the experience. I did ask whether they'd done it before and if they were confident and they said yes. Not looking to blame just nervous about going back with the remaining piggy as I think it was rushed. Would hate to go through all that again knowing prognosis for stone removal is usually pretty good. Think I'll be going further afield as you have all recommended if stones are found.
 
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve not got personal experience of surgery for stones in a sow. One of mine once did have a small urethral stone that was manipulated out under anaesthetic. And I was sadly once looking after a close friend’s piggy who died during stone removal surgery. I think there are any number of factors that can affect survival. It may be worth discussing these with your vet.
If you ever need expert guinea pig vets, and can get to Exeter, City Vets there have Livia and Kristina. Kris was my vet before she moved to Devon and is brilliant with piggies.
 
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