Pain Medication

[ninjapig28]

Hi, i was wondering if any one could recommend a pain medication for guinea pigs that wouldn't damage them. I have metacam but i was wondering if there was some thing that was easier to get a hold of and not so harsh.

Thanks

P.s I will be consulting the vet so don't worry

 

[Wiebke]

Pm alcesterpigs, who is the best medical expert on this forum.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I don't think new members can PM until they have 50 posts.

Rimadyl is considered the best tolerated pain relief for guinea pigs, although Metacam is perhaps more commonly prescribed.

 

[alcesterpigs]

Rimadyl, Metacam, Baby Calpol are all useful pain-killers.
Buscopan, whilst it is not a pain-killer as such, is a very worthwhile anti-spasmodic drug, ie it reduces muscle cramps, and hence pain, in cases of bloat. I consider it to be an obligatory drug to keep in the first-aid kit. Colic pain can send a pig into shock and death. You could also keep Gripe Water and/or Dentinox Colic Drops in stock as well.
Where a pig is in pain or discomfort, the use of a pain-killer can often buy time whilst the underlying problem is diagnosed and treated.

 

[amentalcat]

I also sometimes used meadowsweet syrup from Galens Garden as it is a natural product. (It contains a tincture of willow/aspirin).

Ali

 

[ninjapig28]

Thanks all that's amazing.

Is there a place on line (or brand) you can recommend?

 

[Wiebke]

I don't think new members can PM until they have 50 posts.

Rimadyl is considered the best tolerated pain relief for guinea pigs, although Metacam is perhaps more commonly prescribed.

Sorry, I wasn't aware of that!

 

[ninjapig28]

I'll mention that to my vet, its for an inflammed bladder by the way. Forgot to mention that.

 

[ninjapig28]

i found this on a site, is it ok to do this?

Cystitis

This usually affects sow’s , but can affect boars, this is identified by blood in the urine and squeaks been given out when passing urine, treat as you would a human with cystitis, dissolve on sachet of cystocalm or a similar product in water and get the guinea to drink as much as possible, if there is no improvement in 24 hours please consult a vet as these symptom can indicate that the pig could have a bladder stone, this is easily diagnosed and treated.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Yes, human cystitis products can be used. Dissolve at the same ratio - I tend to do half a packet to half the amount of water recommended, and store in the fridge. Refresh the mixture after 12-24 hours.

The best treatment though, if 'alternatives' don't work, is Septrin and Rimadyl. The combination will most effectively deal with both the infection and the inflammation.

 

[Berry Pigs]

If you wanted to use baby calpol as a temporary pain relief, could you do that yourself? Or only on vets advice? How much would you give?

 

[trudy2995]

cystitis

I have read split the sachet in top three equal parts and give over three days! sorry this was quoted in a Peter Gurney book. Just though I would add incase it would over dose the piggy!

i found this on a site, is it ok to do this?

Cystitis

This usually affects sow’s , but can affect boars, this is identified by blood in the urine and squeaks been given out when passing urine, treat as you would a human with cystitis, dissolve on sachet of cystocalm or a similar product in water and get the guinea to drink as much as possible, if there is no improvement in 24 hours please consult a vet as these symptom can indicate that the pig could have a bladder stone, this is easily diagnosed and treated.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Cystitis remedies are made up to the same ratio as for humans. A full sachet in the full 200ml of water, or to prevent wasting as much, half a sachet in 100ml water or a quarter of a sachet in 50ml water. Same strength, but wasting much less. As for amounts the pig will get through - you'd be lucky to find a pig who will take more than 30-40ml a day.

Berry Pigs - no need to get vet approval BUT it is advised that you discuss pain medication with the vet. If you can get Rimadyl or Metacam, most owners and vets will be considerably happier. Childrens Calpol or Nurofen is safe to give, but very rarely approved by vets, so do try to come to an agreement with the vet if it is for a particular medical problem. Calpol or Nurofen is, in my experience, best saved for emergencies when the pig needs urgent pain relief, before I can get the pig to a vet/CCT, and I have no Metacam or Rimadyl to hand.