Tsunami needs a probiotic. I'm confused. Help!

[willowfaery]

I took Tsunami to the vet and they tested her poo and said she needs a probiotic. The vet was very impressive UNTIL he told me to give Tsunami a 1/2 cc of yogurt twice a day. I was very disappointed when I heard this, because I know that guinea pigs are not supposed to have yogurt. So, I've read on here and Guinea Lynx about probiotic options and I'm a bit confused. I know that you can give them the poo from a healthy piggy, but it has to be the part of the poo they eat? Is this correct? How do I know if it's the right part? Also, I will not be here Saturday morning and night nor Sunday morning. I am going out of town. I have a friend who will come and give them their veggies, and I know that she can give Tsunami her probiotic. This being said, I read that I could buy some acidphulus (sp?) tablets and crush them up and put them on her veggies. This would be easier for my friend and I both. Would this be alright? If so, how much of the tablet should I give Tsunami and how often? If the poo thing is the best route, could I do that while I'm in town and have my friend give her the tablets while I'm gone? Or is this just a bad idea? Help please.

[Ly&Pigs]

The poo they need from the healthy pigs are the ceceal poo's or in simpler terms, the poo's they eat themselves. Then take 1/2 of one of these poos, crush and mix with water and syringe feed it to the pig who needs it. This is actually the best method because it restores the actual gut flora that is missing.

If you are going to go with acidophilus, either looks for the powder or capsules instead of tablets. Something like this would work- http://www.walgreens.com/storeproduc...18#nutri tion. It has only the probiotic they need and no other added stuff. You'd just break open a capsule and give about 1/2 a capsule once or twice per day. Read Guinea Lynx :: Probiotics for more info on probiotics.

[willowfaery]

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

The poo they need from the healthy pigs are the ceceal poo's or in simpler terms, the poo's they eat themselves. Then take 1/2 of one of these poos, crush and mix with water and syringe feed it to the pig who needs it. This is actually the best method because it restores the actual gut flora that is missing.

If you are going to go with acidophilus, either looks for the powder or capsules instead of tablets. Something like this would work- http://www.walgreens.com/storeproduc...18#nutri tion. It has only the probiotic they need and no other added stuff. You'd just break open a capsule and give about 1/2 a capsule once or twice per day. Read Guinea Lynx :: Probiotics for more info on probiotics.

The poo they eat they pull from their butt right? So if I were to acquire one of these coveted poos, how exactly would I get to it before they eat it? And does it need to be fresh? Does it look different from regular poos? If I mix it with water, how do I get her to swallow it? With the yogurt (which I'm not going to use) I could see her taking that....she would probably like the taste. But poo and water? Thank you, Ly, for all your help by the way. I really don't know what I would do without your advice, as well as the advice from everyone else on this site.

The link you sent me didn't work. Could you give me the name of the product and the mg/capsule. I just don't want to give her too much.

[Ly&Pigs]

I gave you directions on how to do the poo and water. Read my post again. If they eat their own poo, they should take the poo mixed with a bit of water and they are the ones they pull from their bums but they don't always eat them. If you are unsure, just find a fresh poo (any poo) from one of your other pigs to give.

Sorry about the other link, try this one-
Probiotic Acidophilus | Nature's Bounty | Walgreens

According to GL, giving too much probiotic/acidophilus won't hurt or harm.

[pigsforlife]

I have used both prodexin and acidophilous (sp?) capsules. The prodexin had to be diluted alot, and then put in their water bottle (which I didnt want to do) or syringe fed (which neither me nor the pig enjoyed as it took ages). Acidophilous capsules worked much better. I just pulled the capsule bit apart, or stabbed a hole in the capsule with a skewer then tipped the contents over a wet lettuce leaf. I believe that the cecal poops are greener? Not sure how exactly you tell the difference.

[willowfaery]

Ly - It's been a while since I've replied, but Tsunami is still having the same poo issues. I tried the acidophilus and it didn't work. She is eating, drinking and playing just fine still. It's just the texture and mess of her poo that is the issue. So I want to try the poo and water remedy. I just have a couple more questions. How many times a day and for how many days should I give Tsunami the mixture? And does it matter how much water I mix with the poop? Thanks again for all your help.