LucyP
Forum Donator 2024/25
Hi all
It’s been a while since I posted but I hope you and your pigs are doing ok.
Last August we got Mabel from a rescue, she is now just under 2 years old. She was one of 16 pigs abandoned when a couple moved out of their flat. Mabel’s had two general vet checks since we got her, and she had a clean bill of health both times. She seems happy and healthy, eats well, engages well etc. She does move less than our other pig and is less inclined to do things like climb the bars but she can run and jump when she’s motivated to (she has been known to get on top of a carrot cottage for example!)
Last Monday she started making a clicking noise so we took her to the vets that day, suspecting something respiratory. I was expecting to come away with URI meds. On examination they said there was crackling sound and fluid build-up. I was quite shocked when the vet suggested we hospitalise her there and then so they can try her on furosemide and keep an eye on her overnight in case she needed oxygen support, but that’s what we did. Next day she was doing much better, the drugs had made a huge difference. I’m glad it helped but also gutted if that means she possibly/probably (?) has a heart condition, especially as she’s not even 2 years old.
Tomorrow she is having a heart scan. They said this would be done consciously but that if the results of that suggest follow up activity or tests, she would need sedation or anaesthetic. For example if they needed to drain any fluid or do further blood tests and X Ray which they would advise we do there and then if needed (if we agree). We really want to get to the bottom of what’s happening with her so we can get her on the best care plan and prepare ourselves for whatever is next. I don’t have any objections to the process or the costs and we know she is in good hands (experienced exotics team) but I am very anxious about the risks.
Do any of you have experience of your pigs going through these procedures that you could share?
Is there additional risk to heart disease pigs of having anaesthetic that I need to be aware of? I am really nervous about this.
Any particular questions I should be asking the vets about the pros and cons of these procedures? The conscious scan seems fine but the rest is a bit less clear to me. Heart and lungs is one of the areas we haven’t had to deal with yet.
Would really appreciate hearing others’ experiences if possible.
Thanks all
Lucy
It’s been a while since I posted but I hope you and your pigs are doing ok.
Last August we got Mabel from a rescue, she is now just under 2 years old. She was one of 16 pigs abandoned when a couple moved out of their flat. Mabel’s had two general vet checks since we got her, and she had a clean bill of health both times. She seems happy and healthy, eats well, engages well etc. She does move less than our other pig and is less inclined to do things like climb the bars but she can run and jump when she’s motivated to (she has been known to get on top of a carrot cottage for example!)
Last Monday she started making a clicking noise so we took her to the vets that day, suspecting something respiratory. I was expecting to come away with URI meds. On examination they said there was crackling sound and fluid build-up. I was quite shocked when the vet suggested we hospitalise her there and then so they can try her on furosemide and keep an eye on her overnight in case she needed oxygen support, but that’s what we did. Next day she was doing much better, the drugs had made a huge difference. I’m glad it helped but also gutted if that means she possibly/probably (?) has a heart condition, especially as she’s not even 2 years old.
Tomorrow she is having a heart scan. They said this would be done consciously but that if the results of that suggest follow up activity or tests, she would need sedation or anaesthetic. For example if they needed to drain any fluid or do further blood tests and X Ray which they would advise we do there and then if needed (if we agree). We really want to get to the bottom of what’s happening with her so we can get her on the best care plan and prepare ourselves for whatever is next. I don’t have any objections to the process or the costs and we know she is in good hands (experienced exotics team) but I am very anxious about the risks.
Do any of you have experience of your pigs going through these procedures that you could share?
Is there additional risk to heart disease pigs of having anaesthetic that I need to be aware of? I am really nervous about this.
Any particular questions I should be asking the vets about the pros and cons of these procedures? The conscious scan seems fine but the rest is a bit less clear to me. Heart and lungs is one of the areas we haven’t had to deal with yet.
Would really appreciate hearing others’ experiences if possible.
Thanks all
Lucy
I hope that you get a good outcome at the vets tomorrow. Sending good vibes to her xx
