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More Bloat :-(

Had to reschedule her appointment because we left all of her information at home, I'm so absent minded. Driving home now and have to come back at 3:30 :/
 
Eryan said:
We made it home! The car ride went well and Pixie is just as alert as always, in no way close to how poor Clover was when we made the same drive a month ago. I'm very grateful that she made it home with us, but we've still got this bloat to deal with.

The vet gave us proviable and chloramphenicol... Neither of which will help move her gut along I don't believe. Will any of this help with bloat?

I'm sad that they didn't give me the medications I asked for to help with gut mobility and now I'm not sure what to do. We're back in our apartment now, some 200 miles away from that vet and an hour from the vet that let Clover suffer with bloat for months. Last time we called no vets in the area were taking new clients. What do we do if these meds don't do anything to help?

Do we go back to the vet that left Clover undiagnosed and request those specific medication recommend I'm the bloat guidelines? What should we do?
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Glad that you have come home. what you have been given is a stronger formula of probiotic support (proviable) and a strong antibiotic (chloramphenicol). You have to see how the chloramphenicol works on the guts; it's usually used topically for bad eye injuries so I have not much experience how it works when taken orally.

I am very sorry that you do not have a vet within reach that is piggy savvy and understands the importance of gut support for guinea pigs with persistent digestive problems. I would give your local vet a try and see whether they are willing to prescribe metoclopramide (emeprid is a variant of metoclopramide) and cisapride.
Here in the UK, all vet medication is prescription-only and not available online.

And sorry if I cannot be around much; I currently have a very ill piggy of my own to look after. I rely on my team members to link me in at need during UK day time hours.
 
Eryan said:
Got a call back from the vet saying they have no gut stimulants on hand so we'll have to wait, but we're going to go in still and see what they say.
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Just if you were near my practice I’d have said pop along and we’ll dispense some, but you’re a bit far away! Yes, you really need to find a practice who will dispense a gut stimulant I’m quite surprised they didn’t do that straight away or at least give an injection
 
Jesse's pigs said:
Just if you were near my practice I’d have said pop along and we’ll dispense some, but you’re a bit far away! Yes, you really need to find a practice who will dispense a gut stimulant I’m quite surprised they didn’t do that straight away or at least give an injection
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The closest that might have the stimulant is two hours away and they'd still need to see her :-(
 
Wiebke said:
Glad that you have come home. what you have been given is a stronger formula of probiotic support (proviable) and a strong antibiotic (chloramphenicol). You have to see how the chloramphenicol works on the guts; it's usually used topically for bad eye injuries so I have not much experience how it works when taken orally.

I am very sorry that you do not have a vet within reach that is piggy savvy and understands the importance of gut support for guinea pigs with persistent digestive problems. I would give your local vet a try and see whether they are willing to prescribe metoclopramide (emeprid is a variant of metoclopramide) and cisapride.
Here in the UK, all vet medication is prescription-only and not available online.

And sorry if I cannot be around much; I currently have a very ill piggy of my own to look after. I rely on my team members to link me in at need during UK day time hours.
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The most local areas don't take guinea pigs and aren't willing to prescribe anything without seeing her. Do you think if we see this vet we're going to later and they prescribe the meds and give the local clinic a ring, that if they have it, they may fill the order for us?

Also thank you so so much for responding. I'm sorry to hear about your piggy ♥️
 
Update:

The vet went well! We were told to stay off the antibiotic but start the probiotic and double her meloxicam dosage because it was too low for her. This vet reconfirmed everything the last vet we saw said but this time gave us a prescription for a gut stimulant!

We ordered cisapride and got expedited shipping so we should have it soon enough. For now we just have to keep an eye on her and try our best to keep her comfortable, hydrated, and loved. Thank you guys for your help so far!
 
I hope your piggie recovers soon.I'm glad youve been able to access a more guinea pig savvy vet,sending virtual hug and support.x
 
Eryan said:
Update:

The vet went well! We were told to stay off the antibiotic but start the probiotic and double her meloxicam dosage because it was too low for her. This vet reconfirmed everything the last vet we saw said but this time gave us a prescription for a gut stimulant!

We ordered cisapride and got expedited shipping so we should have it soon enough. For now we just have to keep an eye on her and try our best to keep her comfortable, hydrated, and loved. Thank you guys for your help so far!
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Fantastic news, I’m so glad you’ve found someone to help. I hope she recovers well.
 
Eryan said:
So just go along with the meds given? No known issues with chloramphenicol? I've never used it before and so I'm a bit anxious.
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Where do you live? Pixie needs to see a vet that specialises in Guineas. I don’t know how to find it but there’s a page here that shows all the guinea pig vet specialists. They’ll see see even if new customer. Anyone know how to help? @Wiebke
 
Eryan said:
So just go along with the meds given? No known issues with chloramphenicol? I've never used it before and so I'm a bit anxious.
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Vet Locator

Find the vet closest to you. Even if it’s an hours journey, do it. I’ve travelled 2 hours to get one of my Guineas the best vet. Good luck xx
 
Guineasmama said:
Where do you live? Pixie needs to see a vet that specialises in Guineas. I don’t know how to find it but there’s a page here that shows all the guinea pig vet specialists. They’ll see see even if new customer. Anyone know how to help? @Wiebke
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The OP is in New York so our vet locator won’t help here unfortunately
 
Eryan said:
Update:

The vet went well! We were told to stay off the antibiotic but start the probiotic and double her meloxicam dosage because it was too low for her. This vet reconfirmed everything the last vet we saw said but this time gave us a prescription for a gut stimulant!

We ordered cisapride and got expedited shipping so we should have it soon enough. For now we just have to keep an eye on her and try our best to keep her comfortable, hydrated, and loved. Thank you guys for your help so far!
Click to expand...
Didnt know you were in NY... hope this helps:
Top 10 Best Guinea Pig Vet in New York, NY - Last Updated January 2021 - Yelp
 
Update:

Medication seems to be doing the trick and she's pooping much more now! I'm so relieved!

However, I'm curious about when to cut the cisapride. Will she have to return to the vet and be given a clean bill of health or can we decide when to take her off the medicine ourselves? How often long do piggies usually stay on the medication? Or does it vary from pig to pig?
 
Glad to hear your girl is doing better. I think consult with your vet regarding when to stop the cisapride.
 
Update:

We called the vet yesterday and she said that Pixie could be taken off the gut medication and then after a few days the meloxicam as well.

Unfortunately after 24 hours off of the cisapride, Pix is bloated again. We cleaned her cage before work and then 4.5 hours later we come home to find only two poops in the entire cage. Back to cisapride for her. Will call the vet again in the morning.
 
Oh no. Make sure she’s not eating spinach or kale or sprouts as they can produce gas. Good luck. Also if you massage her tummy and tap it, it can help. Watch this video for tips:

Good luck. Also google electric toothbrush. The vibration of it can help a lot.
Could it also be she’s lonely? But of stimulation with a New Guinea might make her move around and she has another guinea pigs poop to eat (healthy poop which will help her tummy).
Good luck.
 
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