URI & GI stasis

[pigsonthewing5]

Hey y’all, long-time lurker on this forum for when I Google my hundreds of questions about my piggies, so I just decided to make an account.
My pig, Garfunkel (5), has been a regular at the vet since November. He’s been battling a URI for 2 months, and yesterday he was discharged from a very expensive 2-day stay at the vet for GI stasis. He’s being nebulized thrice a day and is on a slew of medications. I’m also having to feed between 20-25 mL of Critical Care four times a day since he is refusing to eat and drink, and he’s producing hardly any poop.
I feel so guilty that this is his life right now, even though I have tried to be the best pig parent possible by taking him to multiple vet appointments, calling the vet frequently with concerns, etc. He hasn’t left his hidey all day, but his brother, Simon, has been keeping him company. I worry I’m not doing enough for him or that I’m not doing things correctly. I fear he will take another turn for the worse, but I don’t want him to be in pain anymore, like I can tell he is.
Wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar situation.

 

[StayGold86]

Are you giving him any probiotics or motility drug? Is he on an antibiotic?

 

[pigsonthewing5]

Are you giving him any probiotics or motility drug? Is he on an antibiotic?

Yes, he’s on enrofloxacin (2x a day), acetylcysteine (3x a day), and sulfatrim (2x a day). For gut motility, he’s on cisapride.

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

I would definitely give him some probiotics as he is on 2 antibiotics. Probiotics do there best to keep the gut moving and keep it stable as antibiotics can upset the gut causing piggies to stop eating. Do you have any to hand?

 

[lauryn1289]

I’m no help here with medical stuff but just wanted to say I’m sorry you and your little boy are in this situation. My boy Bobby died a couple days after a bladder stone surgery last week and it’s so easy to worry if you’re doing enough or doing everything right and feel guilty about them being uncomfortable, but you sound like a wonderful piggy parent and your pigs are so lucky to have you. Sending you good vibes and I hope your little boy starts to improve

 

[StayGold86]

For probiotics I use Bene-Bac. I think that brand is more common in the USA. Do some searching on this forum and you'll find multiple options.

 

[pigsonthewing5]

I’m no help here with medical stuff but just wanted to say I’m sorry you and your little boy are in this situation. My boy Bobby died a couple days after a bladder stone surgery last week and it’s so easy to worry if you’re doing enough or doing everything right and feel guilty about them being uncomfortable, but you sound like a wonderful piggy parent and your pigs are so lucky to have you. Sending you good vibes and I hope your little boy starts to improve

So sorry to hear about your Bobby! I know you gave him so much love and care. Thank you for the kind words

 

[pigsonthewing5]

I would definitely give him some probiotics as he is on 2 antibiotics. Probiotics do there best to keep the gut moving and keep it stable as antibiotics can upset the gut causing piggies to stop eating. Do you have any to hand?

Sounds good - yes I do. Adding that to the routine now!

 

[Popcorns & Wheeks]

Sounds good - yes I do. Adding that to the routine now!

That's great, hopefully it will help boost his apetite. Sending best wishes.