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Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Small pets

Our GP is dying

28 replies

enolagayits0815 · 30/10/2016 10:54

We don't know his age as he's a rescue pig who we got when his partner died three years ago. He's had an ear infection and been on antibiotics and was fine for a while. Since yesterday he's been falling onto his side and just lay on his side when I held him. He's been eating when I put food and hay in front of him but I've just put a chopped up carrot right in front of him and he's ignored it - that never happens the vet saw him two weeks ago and said nothing more could be done for him.

OP posts:

Report

FernieB · 30/10/2016 12:56

So sorry to hear this. There's sadly not much that can be done when piggies reach that stage. Just keep him warm and snug, offer him his fave treats and some water. Hopefully it will be peaceful for him and you.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/10/2016 16:24

Wee soul sounds like he's off to The Bridge.
If he's falling about and unable to support his own body and refusing food then that#s sure 'signs'

Can you make a little 'donought' from a towel to prop him up a bit (otherwise he'll just roll flat) maybe give him some sloppy pellets mashed in water (pop it just behind his teeth, tiny amounts) if he'll accept it.
Keep him near, stroke him, cuddle him if he wants.
He doesn't sound like he'll be with you long

Once they go into a spaced out mode, they are out of it, though at the end they sometimes 'fit' or do a drawn out shriek, but really don't know what's going on.

Bless him

EastMidsGPs · 30/10/2016 18:10

So sorry to hear this.

enolagayits0815 · 30/10/2016 18:38

He's still with us and is able to stay upright, he's falling when walking though.

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70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/10/2016 19:52

Ear infection will affect his balance , is there anything discharging from his ear?
Was it 2 weeks ago that he had the antibiotics?

I'd be a bit miffed at being told there was nothing can be done- has the vet suggested he be PTS?

Can you check his teeth if he's refusing food? See if there's anything amiss (you can see the front ones easily, the back ones need a vet to use a retractor)

ears/teeth/eyes are closely linked in piggies.

you'll need to feed him if he cannot feed himself, sloppy pellets and a Calpol syringe as an emergency, or Critical Care type food if you have it.

Veterinari · 30/10/2016 19:58

If it's two weeks since he's seen a vet and he's not improved then you need to return - the vet would have told you to bring him back after the antibiotics/if not improving, not just leave him to get sicker.

If his quality of life is a concern (and it sounds like it is, then he should be euthabased rather than left to feel constantly nauseous and dizzy until he starves to death

With an ear infection, it's likely his vestibular system is inflamed - this is potentially treatable, but if you decide to PTS that's ok too, then main thing is not to leave him feeling awful until he bloats and dies.

If your vet isn't confident with pigs then Look for a vet on the BVZS.org.uk website

Veterinari · 30/10/2016 20:01

Sorry OP
Just reread and saw he did get better but then deteriorated again yesterday - apologies

Still would recommend he sees a vet asap as if he's not eating he'all still bloat and the unfortunate outcome will be the same - it sounds as if the ear issue hasn't resolved

fortifiedwithtea · 30/10/2016 20:01

Sounds like a bad ear infection affecting his balance. Important to keep his gut moving so offer food to him and give mashed pellets. Then you have a chance of getting him to a vet for a different anti-biotic as current one doesn't seem to be helping.

Poor guinea boy hope he pulls through.

enolagayits0815 · 30/10/2016 20:38

Thanks. He's now eating and we will take him to the vet tomorrow.

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Millimat · 30/10/2016 20:39

Our gp2 had an ear infection but we didn't catch it quick enough so despite antibiotics it had affected his inner ear which led to lack of balance.

enolagayits0815 · 31/10/2016 12:52

He's still with us now, we're going to the vet tonight.

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Millimat · 31/10/2016 21:38

How did you get on at the vets?

clippityclop · 31/10/2016 22:05

Hoping for good news.

enolagayits0815 · 09/11/2016 20:02

He's still with us, amazingly! He's going back in a week.

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Starlight2345 · 09/11/2016 20:06

He is a little fighter isn't he.Wishing him a recovery.

EastMidsGPs · 09/11/2016 20:38

great news

Millimat · 09/11/2016 22:41

Aww

enolagayits0815 · 10/11/2016 14:10

He's having a problem with his fur, round his back end it's getting matted,I think it's because he's not walking round as much as normal. We're changing the bedding more frequently than usual and are using a soft topping on it. I'm using a wide comb (mine!) on him to comb it out and he doesn't mind that, he's also willingingly taking his medicine.

His companion is suffering I think, she's squeaking loudly whenever we take him out of their cage and is very defensive of him as she nips us gently sometimes when we take him out and will groom him herself, she's always been a friendly pig to us and they are very close. I think she's worried that he won't come back when we take him out, she must know he's not quite right.

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BusterGonad · 10/11/2016 14:15

I hope he's ok, I just adore guinea pigs. They make the best pets ever.

enolagayits0815 · 13/11/2016 20:42

He's gone downhill tonight, I keep expecting to find he's died, we're back to the vet tomorrow anyway and I think they might say to pts as he's going to need a third dose of pain relief and antibiotics, he can't go on like this.

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70isaLimitNotaTarget · 13/11/2016 20:57

Oh Enola he's probably not up to grooming or even moving his rump so yes, he'll be sitting right in it.
Fleece (if its the rough ones) wick well (the fluffy fleeces IME didn't wick) so the top level is drier and paper underneath to absorb.

I think by tomorrow you'll have your answer whether ot not he goes in the night or you ask your vet to call time. You're right in thinking if he's not improving then is it fair to keep on with medication.

His cagemate Bless her. (Our GP1 kept circling GP2 while he was dying. We had them on the bed, GP1 kept walking round and lying down. He pushed himself between GP2 and our hands, protecting his brother)

They know.

Peaceful night piggie.

enolagayits0815 · 14/11/2016 12:50

He's still with us but has an unpleasant smell of dirty, damp dog. I've just checked him whilst on my lunch break, he needs a good wash but I think that would stress him out as he hates water.

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enolagayits0815 · 14/11/2016 18:10

He's gone. Spare me the rainbow bridge stuff please.

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ThomasRichard · 14/11/2016 18:15

Sorry OP

kittybiscuits · 14/11/2016 18:30

Really sorry - piggies are the sweetest

Flip

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