Lethargy Guinea Pig behavior after surgery?

pigrat · Nov 25, 2013

Hi everyone,

Been lurking here for quite a while and decided to create a profile on account of my guinea pig's bladder stone surgery.

Anyway, we're on day two of post-operation and my guinea pig is still extremely lethargic. I've been force feeding her food and water through syringe and have been giving her the prescribed medications(pain & antibiotics) twice a day.

She looks really uncomfortable, is breathing heavily, and doesn't move around at all besides shifting her weight(I'm assuming because of the pain from the huge suture down her abdomen.)

I know guinea pigs are susceptible to death after surgery due to stress and what not. Is my guinea pig's lethargy and behavior normal on day two post-op? I'm extremely worried about her.

bpatters · Nov 25, 2013

What exactly are the medications you're giving her? Strength and dose, please.

If one of them is a pain killer, that may be the cause of the lethargy. And at two days post-op, the vet should be tapering her off pain meds anyway.

Is she eating and drinking? If not, or if not enough, you'll have to handfeed her. See https://www.guinealynx.info/handfeeding.html on how to do it. A pig that isn't eating is a pig that's in mortal danger.

Huge suture down the abdomen? How huge? My sow's incision wasn't more than half a inch.

pigrat · Nov 25, 2013

Hey bpatters, thanks for responding.

The antibiotics are Baytril(3.5 cc/mL) and anti-inflammatory Rimadyl(.05cc/mL). There are only two syringes left of Rimadyl. The incision is about two inches.

She is not drinking or eating on her own and is averse to force feeding but I've been able to get it done. I've been feeding her a paste of cilantro, lettuce, and crushed pellets via a full 2ml syringe. I feed her three times a day. I give her water 4-6 times a day also via 2ml syringe. Is this enough to sustain her?

She's also limping when she walks to get from outside her little house to the inside. That's the only time she really moves.

foggycreekcavy · Nov 25, 2013

She should be more active by now. Rimadyl shouldn't be making her inactive, but perhaps she needs a different pain med. You might ask the vet for some Meloxicam. If she is in pain she won't feel like eating.

I would have the vet take a look at her.

pigrat · Nov 25, 2013

I'm going to take her to the vet now. I was told by my doctor that the Rimadyl may be making her inactive, contrary to what you've said, but I'll let you guys know what's up when I return.

pigrat · Nov 25, 2013

So the vet said she'd lower the dose of the pain meds and wants to keep my pig until she starts getting up and about and feeding herself. Hopefully, this will be in the next 1-2 days.

pigrat · Nov 25, 2013

Vet just called. My guinea pig passed away.

CalicoSheltie · Nov 25, 2013

This is exactly what happened to my guinea pig Teddy. I'm so sorry for your loss. The only good thing about this is Your piggy is over the rainbow bridge and isn't suffering any longer.

pigrat · Nov 25, 2013

Do you guys think I should get another companion for my other guinea pig? I feel like my other one is a bit of a loner. She wasn't even phased when the one that got operated on disappeared for four days.

CalicoSheltie · Nov 26, 2013

My guinea pig is alone and he seems To be doing great. I don't think he's lonely at all.

foggycreekcavy · Nov 26, 2013

I agree with ThePigAlchemist. I believe that all pigs should have a pig companion. Contact a rescue in your area to help you pick a good buddy for your guinea pig.

I am sorry for your loss.

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Lethargy Guinea Pig behavior after surgery?

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