• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Very poorly piggie with URI

Dilly's Piggies

Dilly's Piggies

Teenage Guinea Pig
Joined
Jan 27, 2016
Messages
834
Reaction score
656
Points
525
Location
Lincolnshire UK
My 5 year old sow Dolly is currently battling a very nasty upper respiratory infection, the symptoms started a week ago and she saw the vet on Tuesday. She has hard/fast laboured breathing, lethargic, unwilling to move, refusing to eat apart from the odd nibble, her nose has dried crusts around it (although I haven't actually seen wet discharge from it) and her eyes look horrendous, they're bloodshot, closed most of the time and there's yellow/white discharge in excessive amounts, she's not eating either so her poops aren't great. Dolly was given metacam, baytril and fluids via injection at the vets and has been given oral baytril, metacam, emeprid and fibreplex to keep taking at home.

My concern is she's still quite poorly, she's still very lethargic and refusing to eat, her poops are tiny, deformed, few and far between. I've been losing my mind trying to syringe feed her as she fights me so much, I've tried so many suggested methods but when I do finally wrestle the syringe into her mouth, she spits most of it back out, it takes 3 hours just to get 10ml in. She has eaten small amounts of veggies, pellets and hay by herself, but no where near enough to do anything.

Another thing I'm concerned about is her weight, she is actually GAINING weight despite not eating which makes me worry about excess fluid. She weighs in at 1161g right now, she's gained about 100g since getting sick and that doesn't make any sense to me since she's not eating, maybe my scales are broken or something. Her breathing is laboured, fast and exaggerated, she can have loud snotty/snuffly sounds at times, but when the vet listened to her lungs she couldn't hear anything, just one side was a little louder than the other.

From reading on this forum I'm worried her baytril and metacam dosages are too low, she's getting 0.1ml baytril x2 daily and 0.2ml metacam once daily, I'm not sure that's enough for such a severe URI? My biggest concern is the fact she's not eating, the weight gain and I'm struggling with syringe feeding, I've read the guides and others posts on here but nothing works with her, I've never been more stressed, it's infuriating when I'm just trying to help her. I'm genuinely concerned I might lose her over this if she doesn't turn around soon. ☹ How long does baytril take to work for this issue? It has only been a day so maybe I'm just impatient, over worrying and losing track of time, I don't know.
 
Dilly's Piggies said:
My 5 year old sow Dolly is currently battling a very nasty upper respiratory infection, the symptoms started a week ago and she saw the vet on Tuesday. She has hard/fast laboured breathing, lethargic, unwilling to move, refusing to eat apart from the odd nibble, her nose has dried crusts around it (although I haven't actually seen wet discharge from it) and her eyes look horrendous, they're bloodshot, closed most of the time and there's yellow/white discharge in excessive amounts, she's not eating either so her poops aren't great. Dolly was given metacam, baytril and fluids via injection at the vets and has been given oral baytril, metacam, emeprid and fibreplex to keep taking at home.

My concern is she's still quite poorly, she's still very lethargic and refusing to eat, her poops are tiny, deformed, few and far between. I've been losing my mind trying to syringe feed her as she fights me so much, I've tried so many suggested methods but when I do finally wrestle the syringe into her mouth, she spits most of it back out, it takes 3 hours just to get 10ml in. She has eaten small amounts of veggies, pellets and hay by herself, but no where near enough to do anything.

Another thing I'm concerned about is her weight, she is actually GAINING weight despite not eating which makes me worry about excess fluid. She weighs in at 1161g right now, she's gained about 100g since getting sick and that doesn't make any sense to me since she's not eating, maybe my scales are broken or something. Her breathing is laboured, fast and exaggerated, she can have loud snotty/snuffly sounds at times, but when the vet listened to her lungs she couldn't hear anything, just one side was a little louder than the other.

From reading on this forum I'm worried her baytril and metacam dosages are too low, she's getting 0.1ml baytril x2 daily and 0.2ml metacam once daily, I'm not sure that's enough for such a severe URI? My biggest concern is the fact she's not eating, the weight gain and I'm struggling with syringe feeding, I've read the guides and others posts on here but nothing works with her, I've never been more stressed, it's infuriating when I'm just trying to help her. I'm genuinely concerned I might lose her over this if she doesn't turn around soon. ☹ How long does baytril take to work for this issue? It has only been a day so maybe I'm just impatient, over worrying and losing track of time, I don't know.
Click to expand...
I'm so sorry to hear this. My girl died tonight in my arms. The vet yesterday diagnosed a URI with possible UTI too. Her hutch mate died exactly a week ago. Sending you huge hugs you can do better than me and get your girl through this. C'mon Dolly, we are all rooting for you ❤️
 
Piggylove82 said:
I'm so sorry to hear this. My girl died tonight in my arms. The vet yesterday diagnosed a URI with possible UTI too. Her hutch mate died exactly a week ago. Sending you huge hugs you can do better than me and get your girl through this. C'mon Dolly, we are all rooting for you ❤️
Click to expand...
I'm so sorry to hear you lost two of your piggies, that is absolutely gut wrenching, I can't imagine the pain! It made me sad to read "do a better job than me", please don't blame yourself for that, you did everything you could, from experience URIs are horrible to deal with and take so many piggies, sometimes they are too sick and nothing can be done. They are popcorning over the rainbow bridge now. 🌈

My other girl Delilah has a URI also and is undergoing treatment too, but thankfully she is in much better shape than Dolly, despite being much older (7) and having heart disease plus thyroid cancer, I thought Delilah would be more affected but I guess not. I've had so many piggies and I've only had to deal with a URI maybe once or twice before in so many years, it's too much of a coincidence that suddenly both of my girls have one, they don't even live together either. I'm convinced it's my 22kg box of oxbow hay, it's way dustier than usual and they both get very loud when eating it so I've thrown it away and got a new one, I hope this one will be better. The cold weather doesn't help either. It's just so stressful, I hope Dolly picks up soon, it's heartbreaking seeing her struggle so much.
 
Dolly isn't getting better so I'm seriously considering having her hospitalised at the vet today. I'm struggling a lot with syringe feeding, she fights so hard and when I finally get some in, she spits all of it back out, she has improved but only a tiny bit, she's still hunched with her face against the wall all day, not moving, weak, lethargic, no poops, zero appetite, she can't breathe properly, nothing I'm doing is working. I hope the vet can do a better job and get her going again. I feel absolutely useless. 😣
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
It sounds like she’s got fluid on the lungs. This is why you are seeing the weight gain, despite her not eating. She will need a diuretic as soon as possible. This can be turned around, but swift action is needed xx
Click to expand...
I think the same, my other girl delilah has heart disease and is on frusol (diuretic) for that, it helps a lot, she gets in the same state without it. Wish I could just give a dose to Dolly right now and see if it helps since I have the meds, but I know that's a bad thing to do so I won't. Hospitalisation will cost a bomb but I just can't seem to do anything with her, no other option. 😣
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Personally, if she was my piggy, I’d give her a dose, but obviously I’m not telling you to do that. I’m just saying what I’d do. I’d then tell the vet what I’d done, as soon as I could speak with them xx
Click to expand...
My vet opens at 8.30am so I'm going to call them straight away. It's a general practise but there is one exotic specialist there that my piggies see, she's not in again until Monday though so it'll have to be a regular vet. Dolly already has an appointment with her for Monday but she can't wait that long, they said they were fully booked but I'm hoping they will see her today as an emergency, not sure whether to wait for her to potentially be seen today or just give it, don't want to wipe evidence if they see her today but its also difficult doing nothing when it could potentially give relief and buy her time before seeing the vet.

What she has seems much more serious than a common URI, it's more like full blown pneumonia, its really made her very sick and 0.01ml baytril doesn't seem enough but at the same time her appetite and gut is really suffering despite emeprid and fibreplex. I'll bring all this up and hopefully they can do something for her, thank you ❤
 
Ring at 8.30 and see how quickly they can see her and if they’re willing to give advice over phone. That’s a tiny baytril dose, so unlikely to work at all. I’ll keep everything crossed that you can get some better meds and that she can start to turn a corner xx
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Ring at 8.30 and see how quickly they can see her and if they’re willing to give advice over phone. That’s a tiny baytril dose, so unlikely to work at all. I’ll keep everything crossed that you can get some better meds and that she can start to turn a corner xx
Click to expand...
I just phoned, she's got an emergency appointment at 10:30am today, not with my regular exotic vet but I'll take anyone at this point lol. Hopefully we can do something, I have a feeling they will want to keep her in too as she doesn't look great. I'll give an update when I get home ❤
 
Just wanted to offer support, I’m so sorry you are having such a hard time, hope you get the meds you need and Dolly makes a full recovery 🤞
 
I've just got back from the vet... Dolly has been hospitalised as they gave me an ultimatum between hospitalising or euthanasia, which was horrible. I didn't like the vet at all, she was cold and apathetic and was pressuring me to euthanize Dolly, she doesn't think anything can be done yet they haven't even done any tests or found out what's really wrong with her yet.

Another horrible thing was they said the costs for hospitalisation, xray and treatment would be around £260 and I think that's just for one day, not including other stuff she might need. I've already just spent £250 earlier in the week for Dolly and Delilah too and £300 last month on just Delilah. I asked if they would do a payment plan, as they used to do this, but they've stopped doing them and told me if I can't pay the whole amount right now then they won't help and only option would be to put her down. Maybe I'm just dumb but I thought vets cared about animals and would consider welfare and treatment before money?

Anyway I demanded to speak to the manager like a true Karen and they have let me do a payment plan as a 'one off'. So Dolly is in hospital right now, but the general tone and with how sick Dolly is, I have a gut wrenching feeling this might be the end. I want to give her a chance and hope they will do everything they can do get her through, but I worry they won't even bother trying because they think I should PTS. I only have 2 piggies left, so if I lose Dolly then Delilah will be completely alone, it's just a horrible situation and I love Dolly so much, I'm praying she can pull through somehow. The vet listened to her heart and lungs and said they sound good, so I really don't understand whats going on and why she is struggling to breathe so badly, hopefully the xray will tell us whats wrong. Ugh my heart 😭
 
Oh wow how horrible for you. We've had experiences with vets like this before when we were actually there to have a pig Spooky put to sleep. She was awful (and rubbish, it's a long story) and we made a complaint. I understand how hard being a vet can be and what would we do without them but show some compassion, it's your job! 😠
I honestly hope to hear good news about Dolly. If it is fluid on the lungs and they can get her a diuretic quickly it may well clear it up.
Come on Dolly, you can get through this!
Thoughts and prayers to you both, and Delilah too ❤️🙏

PS have you seen @ceciliaxdee s thread re their URI piggy? She had fluid on her lungs x
 
I just had an update from the vet, a different one to the woman earlier, this one I've seen before and she's very nice plus experienced with piggies. They've done Dolly's xray and by the looks of things there's nothing seriously sinister that jumps out at this stage, she does have an area that looks darker/solidified in one of her lungs which she said could be lung damage from infection or a tumor, it could also be fluid, they aren't sure as its not clear. There isn't much if any fluid in her chest which is very surprising, so it's still kind of unclear why she's struggling so much.

She does have a pretty large build up of gas in her gut, which the vet thinks is a combination of swallowing air from struggling to breathe, as well as a slow gut motility from refusing to eat or swallow syringe feed. The vet doesn't think she needs to be PTS at this time, she wants to essentially throw the book at Dolly and try everything she can, they're going to add cisapride and possibly infacol to help her gut, and just syringe feed with sub q fluids, supportive care basically. She didn't say anything about a diuretic or different/bigger dose of antibiotics or painkillers, I should've asked about that, I totally forgot. I should've just asked them to give her a diuretic anyway as it might help, just incase there is any fluid, she didn't see any though so not sure.

Dolly is staying at the vets overnight, I really hope she improves because if she's not any better tomorrow, I will have to make that dreaded decision. I really hope I don't have to and she gets better. Not sure if I should phone back and query the diuretic plus different/bigger dosage of antibiotics and painkiller, not sure? At least I might get a little sleep tonight knowing she's being cared for, but the anxiety for tomorrow is strong, I just pray it pays off 😭❤
 
At least she's stable now. Give them a call if it will put your mind at rest, there's no harm in it. At least then you will know you've tried everything!
I hope she is improving by tomorrow ❤️
 
I'm sorry Dolly is so poorly.Directic will be good.maybe a change of antibiotic, but you have to decide what you think is best with vets advise.i hope Dolly improves overnight.you have done your utmost,and given Dolly the best chance.takecare.x
 
Piggylove82 said:
I'm so sorry to hear this. My girl died tonight in my arms. The vet yesterday diagnosed a URI with possible UTI too. Her hutch mate died exactly a week ago. Sending you huge hugs you can do better than me and get your girl through this. C'mon Dolly, we are all rooting for you ❤️
Click to expand...
I’m so sorry :( One of my boys died 2 weeks ago and another died tonight too so I understand how you must feel.
 
I’m no help but just wanted to wish your Dolly good luck and I hope she improves xx
 
lauryn1289 said:
I’m so sorry :( One of my boys died 2 weeks ago and another died tonight too so I understand how you must feel.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'm just battling with the 'what a sh*t owner I must be'. Truth is my boar had been going downhill weight wise, but putting on a brave act and still eating and getting along OK. His wife stayed with him those last few days, not coming out to eat veggies but with me being at work all day I didn't know if she was eating at other times After he died (a week ago Wednesday) and she was still quiet I put it down to grief so made plans to adopt a friend for her. I got him on Monday, they took to each other as much as a 4yr old and 7 month old boy could. But that's when I realised it wasn't just grief. And after a vet's appointment she was diagnosed with a URI and possible UTI. But on getting her home, she had just given up. That was Tuesday just gone, and when I got home on Wednesday and picked her up to give her her meds, she had a couple of little seizures and died 💔

So sorry for taking up OP's post with my rambling x
 
Piggylove82 said:
Thanks. I'm just battling with the 'what a sh*t owner I must be'. Truth is my boar had been going downhill weight wise, but putting on a brave act and still eating and getting along OK. His wife stayed with him those last few days, not coming out to eat veggies but with me being at work all day I didn't know if she was eating at other times After he died (a week ago Wednesday) and she was still quiet I put it down to grief so made plans to adopt a friend for her. I got him on Monday, they took to each other as much as a 4yr old and 7 month old boy could. But that's when I realised it wasn't just grief. And after a vet's appointment she was diagnosed with a URI and possible UTI. But on getting her home, she had just given up. That was Tuesday just gone, and when I got home on Wednesday and picked her up to give her her meds, she had a couple of little seizures and died 💔

So sorry for taking up OP's post with my rambling x
Click to expand...
You’re not a sh*t owner at all, you did the absolute best you could for your pigs. It’s all we ever can do unfortunately, sometimes it’s just their time. They were so lucky to have you. Good luck with your new boy if you’re keeping him ❤️

Sorry to the OP too, just when I saw you lost 2 in such a quick timespan I wanted to let you know I just did too so I understand how awful you must be feeling!
 
Thank you everyone for the support, but sadly Dolly went even more downhill today despite trying every medication they could, sadly we had to help her over the rainbow bridge. I'm absolutely devastated, I really hoped she could come through. I forgot to ask the vet if I could see her one last time, phoned back but they've already done it all, she was really suffering. I feel awful that she passed alone in a strange place with strange people, I hope she didn't think I abandoned her, that thought breaks my heart. Rest in peace my sweet angel piggie 😭❤

Polish_20210409_185612271.webp
 
Dilly's Piggies said:
Thank you everyone for the support, but sadly Dolly went even more downhill today despite trying every medication they could, sadly we had to help her over the rainbow bridge. I'm absolutely devastated, I really hoped she could come through. I forgot to ask the vet if I could see her one last time, phoned back but they've already done it all, she was really suffering. I feel awful that she passed alone in a strange place with strange people, I hope she didn't think I abandoned her, that thought breaks my heart. Rest in peace my sweet angel piggie 😭❤

View attachment 219026
Click to expand...
Such a beautiful little girl, I’m so so so sorry for your loss. She knows you loved her and were doing what was best for her. ❤️
 
Oh I’m so sorry you have lost Dolly, she was such a beauty, sending big hugs :hug: You must be devastated. Please treasure your memories of your sweet girl, she will have known just how much you cared and how loved she was x

Sleep tight little lady 🌈
 
Oh no 😢
What an amazing life she had with you.
My sister is a student vet nurse and I can promise you the staff will have treated her with dignity and care and comforted her, she wasn't alone.
My sister often sits with animals after they've gone just to stroke them and talk to them, especially if their owners couldn't be there.
Rest in peace, gorgeous pretty Dolly. Over the Bridge now 🌈❤️
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top