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To Anaesthetise Elderly Piggy For Dental Work Or Not?

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debbierudd

debbierudd

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi guys,

So I posted yesterday as I was worried about my little lady who is 7yrs old. She is currently being treated for a potential cyst - the cyst doesn't seem to cause her any problems, but the only way to diagnose is with invasive surgery which I don't want to put her through.

Anyway, the newest symptom is that I think she needs her back teeth filed (she has had this before), and I am taking her to the cavy savvy vet tomorrow to get her checked out. I asked them and they cannot operate without putting her under.... my question is this...... is this a quick procedure? would she be under for long? generally she is healthy for her age, and the only thing troubling her since yesterday is not being able to eat solids. She still has a good appetite and I have stepped up the syringe feeds to maintain her weight.

I am still concerned about putting her under. Does anyone have experience of dental work in elderly piggies?
 
debbierudd said:
Hi guys,

So I posted yesterday as I was worried about my little lady who is 7yrs old. She is currently being treated for a potential cyst - the cyst doesn't seem to cause her any problems, but the only way to diagnose is with invasive surgery which I don't want to put her through.

Anyway, the newest symptom is that I think she needs her back teeth filed (she has had this before), and I am taking her to the cavy savvy vet tomorrow to get her checked out. I asked them and they cannot operate without putting her under.... my question is this...... is this a quick procedure? would she be under for long? generally she is healthy for her age, and the only thing troubling her since yesterday is not being able to eat solids. She still has a good appetite and I have stepped up the syringe feeds to maintain her weight.

I am still concerned about putting her under. Does anyone have experience of dental work in elderly piggies?
Click to expand...

@furryfriends (TEAS) is running a sanctuary for guinea pigs with chronic dental issues. I am tagging her for you. Personally, I would not like to put a 7 year old piggy under. Can you come as far as Northampton to the Cat&Rabbit Care Clinic for a conscious dental?
The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic - Home
 
I would strongly advise getting to see Simon at Cat and Rabbit Clinic, in Northampton. As well as being able to carry out dental work without GA, he is also the most experienced vet for dental work. People travel the length and breadth of the country to see him, as he works wonders with dental piggies.
 
Back again! So Sookie had a little dental op and recovered well. That was 3 weeks ago and she is struggling to eat again. I can't keep putting her through dental procedures, she is 7.

She has metacam (0.12) each morning to help her eat solids to keep her teeth ground down but I don't think she is eating enough solids. I have to mix her nuggets with a little hot water to soften them if not she doesn't eat enough.

I know that she is in her golden years and that at 7 we may not have that long together but I just want to see if anyone has any tips on caring for an elderly piggy?

She is still energetic and a happy little lady so I don't want to take any drastic measures as she is not suffering (it appears anyway).

She eats lots of hay, and I have provided nibbly sticks to help with her teeth. Is there anything more I can do?

image.webp
 
debbierudd said:
Back again! So Sookie had a little dental op and recovered well. That was 3 weeks ago and she is struggling to eat again. I can't keep putting her through dental procedures, she is 7.

She has metacam (0.12) each morning to help her eat solids to keep her teeth ground down but I don't think she is eating enough solids. I have to mix her nuggets with a little hot water to soften them if not she doesn't eat enough.

I know that she is in her golden years and that at 7 we may not have that long together but I just want to see if anyone has any tips on caring for an elderly piggy?

She is still energetic and a happy little lady so I don't want to take any drastic measures as she is not suffering (it appears anyway).

She eats lots of hay, and I have provided nibbly sticks to help with her teeth. Is there anything more I can do?

View attachment 45796
Click to expand...

Simon and KIm Maddock are back in Northampton; they are able to conduct dental procedures without GA unless absolutely necessary. If you can get there in any way, it may buy Sookie and you a lot more time together!

I am going there by train to have my 6 year old Hywel treated for a recurring jawbone/incisor root abscess, which requires (conscious) teeth filing whenever he starts chewing only to one side due to the abscess again. Without it, it would have been curtains for him last autumn!
The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic - Home
 
I second the Simon and Kim recommendation. I know it seems a long way to go but it would be worth it. We have travelled there on the train from Hertfordshire a few times.
 
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