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My piggie is very ill.

retro

retro

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi, a few days ago I posted about my guinea pig Robin. at first I thought it was just hay in his eye and he looked fine and better after I cleaned it...now his right eye is kind of wet and he’s all hunched up and fluffed up... I know exactly what’s going to happen..doesn’t want to eat sometimes, I gave him critical care, or rather home made...I took his oxbow pellets and added water to encourage him to eat. Doesn’t wanna come out of hidey and isn’t acting himself. just all the classic signs of the...Inevitable. I am trying to make it as comfortable as possible for him. I understand that Vets can help... But they also come with a large price tag. Robin is almost 4 years old.... he’s getting up there.... In my situation I don’t want him to suffer so I am leaning towards euthanizing...He has diarrhea but I think it’s the poop from his critical care since it’s soft, then again I’m not sure.... He’s just not himself and......I worry… When getting robin and Ziggy, I knew the risks at the time I had enough money to take those risks. Now at this very moment I have stuff going on in my life and that stuff consist of money issues. Life happens unfortunately. No I cannot borrow from anyone. But one thing I can do is put him rest, at the very least. I ask of no judgment just understanding... As angry as it may make you. Please try to understand my point of view. My dog got very sick. she is 9...I had to give her to a rescue A few days before Christmas...that was the hardest thing to do in my life. It’s like giving up a child. The sacrifice of my happiness led to her being better... And that’s all I want..... A few days into 2021 my cat died of old age. She was 9 As well...I was going to drop her off at the shelter to get help (wether it be put to sleep or taken care of…but I was too late.) I’m doing the best I can.... I just....I don’t feel okay. Robin is such a drama queen but he’s no longer that queen. He’s just not OK. What he has might be cute but almost $200 for bloodwork is not OK for me right now. There are no rescues here. I can’t just take him somewhere. I have to sit and watch and wait on hold and tell him how much I love him until that time comes. There are no rescues here. I can’t just take him somewhere. I have to sit and watch and wait and hold and tell him how much I love him until that time comes...I feel like I’m drowning. Ziggy will be Alone once he’s gone...I can’t get any more piggies. I refuse to. But I will give Ziggy as many snuggles as he wants. So he doesn’t feel alone. If anyone has tips let me know I guess. But right no I’m just...waiting.
 
I’m sorry your situation is difficult, I really am. Sometimes things happen and we can’t control everything.

It is unfair to let him suffer like that and you have to consider it may take a long time for him to pass away, if he’s that bad. Perhaps speak to some vets (including your own) and see if they’d be able to take him on (speak to them about the financial issue) or know of any rescues. I have found two rescues in NC. I know they may be a long way from you but I feel you must contact them today and see what they say. And contact some in neighbouring states as well. Would the one you surrendered your dog to be willing to take him on? There’s no harm in asking. It’s extremely difficult at this time but I would say it’s also urgent that you do all this soon.

Hunching is a sign of pain. Try offering the soaked pellets on a spoon or perhaps in a syringe - you’d have to cut off the tip. And maybe try and get hold of some critical care.

All the best and I hope you find a solution that’s suitable for your boy. As an aside, 4 isn’t particularly old when it comes to guinea pigs.
 
I’m calling a vet this morning. I’ve tried those rescues in the past and honestly, they either can’t or won’t take them, don’t care to reply, are at capacity or in this case, take WAY too long to even respond or process anything, that’s how rescues are when it comes to intaking an animal, however they can be quick with adoption..I’ve tried that route. My dog went to a rescue that is dog and cat only unfortunately. I know he’s in pain, I’ve just discovered if I run my finger down his spine he will wheek and there might be something going on with his underbelly, near his boy parts. He actually ate some slices of apple last night. Not much, but just a little. It got me excited a little. I already do that with oxbow pellets. Weird...he didn’t act like this until I bought them.
 
I’m afraid eating an apple isn’t enough. They need fibre to keep their gut going so you need to have him taking some of the soaked pellets - as much as possible in a 24 hour period. Preferably minimum 60ml.

Please also try and call the rescues this morning. Tell them how serious the situation is and see what they say - even those a little further away. Hope you make some headway.
 
Siikibam said:
I’m afraid eating an apple isn’t enough. They need fibre to keep their gut going so you need to have him taking some of the soaked pellets - as much as possible in a 24 hour period. Preferably minimum 60ml.

Please also try and call the rescues this morning. Tell them how serious the situation is and see what they say - even those a little further away. Hope you make some headway.
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I’m trying. He will not let me feed him. At all. I’m trying to feed him mushed oxbow and I can barely get it in a syringe. In fact, I can’t, it’s too thick. I’m trying here. I can’t exactly just call the rescue, they have emails.
 
retro said:
I’m trying. He will not let me feed him. At all. I’m trying to feed him mushed oxbow and I can barely get it in a syringe. In fact, I can’t, it’s too thick. I’m trying here. I can’t exactly just call the rescue, they have emails.
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Can you add one water?
you may need to cut the end off the syringe if it isn’t wide enough
 
Piggies&buns said:
Can you add one water?
you may need to cut the end off the syringe if it isn’t wide enough
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It’ll be pure soup?
And if I do, I was told not to force any water down my guinea pigs throat. The syringe was cut off but it didn’t work.
 

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Is there a vet you can call tu surrender him? Not sure how it works over there, but our RSPCA (your SPCA) works with vets and often take in pets who needed medical care when owner couldn't afford it. Vets usually know which rescues to call when such animal is brought to them.
 
That eye looks quite badly damaged. I’m not sure if flushing will make a difference. Is it gunky? Doesn’t look like it in the photo. But f so you could wipe it with some saline water.

Have you emailed the rescues? Are you able to get to those that are a bit further away? And how did it go with speaking to some vets? Asking about a payment plan is a good way. Here they have a vet that covers fees for those on certain benefits. Is there anything at all like that where you are?

Following someone’s suggestion above, how about the SPCA?
Contact Us | SPCA of Northeastern North Carolina

I’m sorry but only a vet can help. Hope you can get in touch with someone.
Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List

PS you will have to be a little more firm when giving him the mushed pellets. But you’re right in you have to be careful not to squirt too much into his mouth in one go. Put a little at a time and let him swallow. Rinse and repeat. If it’s still not getting through with the tip cut off then, as suggested, add some more water.
 
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I got a vet appointment! Tomorrow at 2pm! I really hope I can find someone who can take me. I can’t watch him suffer. I need to go get syringes. I’m trying and hoping! His fur around his eye is wet, I sometimes use a wipe to gently wipe it away. I really hope to get this fixed. I can’t wait to help him. They were booked today.
 
Did you tell them about being hunched up etc? I would say it’s an emergency. But good you got an appointment tomorrow.
 
Hopefully vet can help, I know it can be much more expensive for things in US than UK. I know the LA Guinea pig rescue recommend after removing hay terramycin as an antibiotic to the eye and CBD oil to ears to ease pain.
 
Everyone! Robin has been seen! He is now on antibiotics and eye ointment! Apparently his teeth were too long, and caused an eye issue. Atleast, that’s what the vet thinks, either that or the eye issue is hay (I’m not surprised, my boy likes to go all in on the hay, little oink..) but we are taking it one step at a time with recovery! I thought it was something super serious....turns out, he’s not eating because his teeth were long. He is fine, we just have to work on the eye now since his teeth have been trimmed! And he was given a steroid and some fluids! Oh happy days. I’m so happy I have a family friend that helped me!
 
Belfadin said:
Hopefully vet can help, I know it can be much more expensive for things in US than UK. I know the LA Guinea pig rescue recommend after removing hay terramycin as an antibiotic to the eye and CBD oil to ears to ease pain.
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Love saskia. She’s so sweet and helpful. So is Scotty!
 
retro said:
Everyone! Robin has been seen! He is now on antibiotics and eye ointment! Apparently his teeth were too long, and caused an eye issue. Atleast, that’s what the vet thinks, either that or the eye issue is hay (I’m not surprised, my boy likes to go all in on the hay, little oink..) but we are taking it one step at a time with recovery! I thought it was something super serious....turns out, he’s not eating because his teeth were long. He is fine, we just have to work on the eye now since his teeth have been trimmed! And he was given a steroid and some fluids! Oh happy days. I’m so happy I have a family friend that helped me!
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I took him to a vet that, by fate, could act fast and give me a low price. They did some of the work for FREE. Just when you think some good is gone in this world by greed...also, I taught the anatomy of guide a pigs to the nurses. It was hilarious because she was cleaning his hind, nowhere close to his actual bum.
 
I’m so pleased you got your boy seen, and hopefully he will be ok. Do get some critical care in though, and keep a super close eye on him xx
 
Siikibam said:
What was the steroid for?
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Boost healing maybe, or the fact that he’s basically a limp noodle...he’s still not eating. He just had his teeth clipped. I just got done feed him some home made critical care and water...I tried to get him to eat, and it’s like...he’s chewing, but he’s not strong enough to snap the straw or fruit. Any idea what that could be? Or is it normal to still not be able to eat quite right after a tooth trim?
 
Hi. Sorry to hear about piggie. .
You have some hope and well done. .
I think postive vibes off you is helping piggie.
Keep it up. . Best wishes x
 
They're usually still in pain when they have their teeth done. Was he prescribed any painkiller? And what do you mean by home-made critical care - is it mushed pellets? You should ask what exactly he was given. Was it written on the fee note by any chance?
 
Siikibam said:
They're usually still in pain when they have their teeth done. Was he prescribed any painkiller? And what do you mean by home-made critical care - is it mushed pellets? You should ask what exactly he was given. Was it written on the fee note by any chance?
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Yes, mushy oxbow pellets. I can name them. The syringes are labeled “Baytril Injectable” (though I put it in his mouth) the ointment is labeled “Neo-Poly-Bac” triple antibiotic ...I hope this helps? I thought piggies couldn’t feel their front teeth’s?
 
Is the ointment for his eye? And what about painkiller?
 
I take it the ointment is for his eye? Baytril is an antibiotic. And what about painkiller?
 
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