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Specialist Stroke

Devyn50

Devyn50

Junior Guinea Pig
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Cincinnati, Ohio..U.S.
Believe 9mo Hamlet had stroke, 2 months ago. Head tilt, run circles and buldging eye.First vet ear infection..easily 3 weeks of antibiotics. New vet ..brain stem infection..another 4 weeks of different antibiotic. Last 2 week's antibiotic Baytril. Head tilt better but not stable walking. He has a wheeze when breathing..2xrays lungs clear. Not one doctor recommended probiotics. Took him off antibiotics, as nothing seemed to change and doctor seemed to have no answers. Is an exotic vet. Hamlet Now won't or can't eat. Been syringe feeding critical care..2 days. Gave probiotics and even mixed some of his cagemates liquefied poo into his food. Poops look better and whole but not many. I'm not kidding..$600 later and no answers.
 
Devyn50 said:
Believe 9mo Hamlet had stroke, 2 months ago. Head tilt, run circles and buldging eye.First vet ear infection..easily 3 weeks of antibiotics. New vet ..brain stem infection..another 4 weeks of different antibiotic. Last 2 week's antibiotic Baytril. Head tilt better but not stable walking. He has a wheeze when breathing..2xrays lungs clear. Not one doctor recommended probiotics. Took him off antibiotics, as nothing seemed to change and doctor seemed to have no answers. Is an exotic vet. Hamlet Now won't or can't eat. Been syringe feeding critical care..2 days. Gave probiotics and even mixed some of his cagemates liquefied poo into his food. Poops look better and whole but not many. I'm not kidding..$600 later and no answers.
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Hi and welcome

The poo output reflects what has gone in over the last few days. Please continue to syringe feed. Many general vets tend to underestimate just how much a piggy needs. You may find fibreplex helpful; it contains probiotics but other stuff, too.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide (including an overview over non-medication support products)
Please be aware that probiotics are NOT a medication. They are a food supplement and their effectiveness is not clinically proven, hence why vets do not prescribe them.

Unfortunately, what poor Hamlet is going through is right at the limit of current medical vet knowledge and in the realm trial and error. Any neurological problems are very cutting edge or still rather beyond. While medical knowledge has made huge strides over the last decade and especially in the last five years, every vet will tell you that it is still limited and that they come up against these boundaries more often the more their abilities expand. :(

@furryfriends (TEAS) @helen105281 @Jaycey @Freela
 
Has he been given any anti-inflammatories at all? In the UK these are usually Loxicom or Metacam. When my Phoebe had an ear infection we were given Metacam alongside antibiotics. I have also given them when I have had a pig who has had a stroke. Definitely worth asking your vet about.

How is his breathing now? I know the xrays said his lungs were clear but did they check the heart too? It may be that his nasal passages are narrow in which case a nebuliser may be beneficial or even a bowl of steaming water next to his cage.
 
He never had the ear infection, they just treated him for one and he did get the metacam. We have a humidifier near his cage. Going back to vet to have his teeth checked, he wants to eat as he runs to the syringe. If he tries to eat a veggie he keeps throwing his head up.
 
I'm sending you and your poor piggy some hugs and best wishes. It doesn't seem much, I wish I could do and say more but keep us updated.
 
Have they tried an antibiotic like Zithromax? I don't have a mass of experience with it, but I've heard many stories of it doing really well on things that other antibiotics can't fix.

I have a piggy with a head tilt, he was born like that. He can eat but his head slowly drifts to the side when he does. Does your piggy eat at all?

How are his eyes? Are they flickering around or still? One of my pigs had a seizure and his eyes flickered from side to side. He got over it very quickly (half an hour or so) so the vet didn't see it during the episode, but they believe it was neurological.

I've also had a pig who had a stroke. He got a permanent head tilt and couldn't walk. But he slowly regained the ability to walk.
 
I hope you manage to find some answers! I have a piggy with E.cuniculi who has a head tilt, walks in circles, neuro damage etc. It took a while but she managed to get back to having a pretty normal life in spite of everything. She wasnt able to feed herself due to nerve damage to the face..might be worth asking your vet about EC just in case as it caused her to need regular dentals for a while until the nerve damage repaired itself.
 
Thanks all for your prayers and info. Hamlet goes back to vet on tues. Having his teeth checked out and will ask about the EC and check out the Ohio vets. this forum has helped. Thank you all so much
 
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