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  • ONE THREAD per pig please!
    We really want your pig's history all in one place to help you. Please don't start a new thread for a new issue. Just reply to your old one. We can edit the title for you if needed.

Sick Sisters Exhibiting Symptoms: Crusty Eyes, Lethargy, Not Eating

PiggieMama07

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As the title states my sisters aren't doing so good. One sister Raina is quite shy but still allowed me to pick her up. I tried to check for bloat because I was cleaning and that prompted a health check. Raina seems fine and is eating pellets, hay, and yellow bell pepper. Cami, my other piggie, is having more issues. First, when I was petting her I felt her ribs very clearly. I can't see them only feel them because Cami's fur is very fluffy. She is exuberant and squeaky but just looks and seems out of it. She had non dried crust and currently is squinting. I've checked for URI symptoms and haven't found more except for my main problem. Cami won't eat. Not even bell peppers to entice her. I don't have critical care so I am going to mash pellets and spoon/syringe feed her. So far neither one has pooed but with one eating I'm hopeful. They are both together and if Cami isn't eating when I'm back I'll do the mashed pellets. I can't get to a vet till 5 so I'm hoping they're okay.

Sorry for the long post. All suggestions wanted.
 

Guinea Pig Papa

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If you can get them to a vet today that would definitely be optimal. Cami certainly sounds like she needs one and Raina could probably do with a check just to make sure. Certain baby foods can also be watered down for consistency and syringe fed. I can't remember which flavors are safe for piggies, but I believe bpatters knows.
 

PiggieMama07

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If you can get them to a vet today that would definitely be optimal. Cami certainly sounds like she needs one and Raina could probably do with a check just to make sure. Certain baby foods can also be watered down for consistency and syringe fed. I can't remember which flavors are safe for piggies, but I believe bpatters knows.

Thanks. I have arranged so that if they don't start recovering in the next few hours I'll take them into a vet. I want to be safe rather than sorry. I am definitely going to take them both, I don't want to make several trips and they will be better if they have company.
 

Guinea Pig Papa

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That's fantastic that you can get them in today. Piggies can go downhill so fast that timely treatment is often their only saviour, and unfortunately sometimes even that doesn't do the trick. Please keep us posted on how you make out.
 

PiggieMama07

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I'm back and Cami is doing much better. She's refusing bell pepper so I'm going to syringe feed her and see if she gets any better. Probably still a visit to the vets, but not so urgent unless she refuses the syringe.
 

bpatters

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Don't put off that vet visit. A guinea pig that's not eating is a guinea pig that's dying, and they can go from first symptom to dead in less than 24 hours.
 

PiggieMama07

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Upon a visit to the vet, Cami has injectable meds to keep her GI tract moving. She is being treated symptomatically. A follow up with a specialist is in order.
 

PiggieMama07

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*Long Post Disclaimer*
Full Veterinary Report:
Cami is being treated for GI stasis. X-rays were not taken but will be if symptoms do not improve. A cause for GI stasis has not been located. Her treatment is Ranitidine, and Metacam every 24 hours and Buprenex, and Reglan every 12 hours. She is on Critical Care- 4 ml 3-4 times a day. Once her appetite and poo becomes regular she will be on Cisapride and Meloxicam orally. While at the vet she was given SQ fluids, and her first dose of the non oral medications.

She is home and eating CC. She's perked up and is on her way to being a healthy piggie.
 

Guinea Pig Papa

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Great news that Cami seems to be on the mend! Please do update us on her progress.
 

PiggieMama07

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Cami died last night/early morning. She was doing better but lacking energy. How she died is uncertain but I'm going to focus on Raina and see if she need a new cage mate immediately or whether I can slowly search for one at my own pace. Thank you for all of your help.
 

Guinea Pig Papa

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Oh no, PiggieMama07, I am extremely sad to hear that. I'm so so sorry that you lost little Cami. I'm glad you did all you could, but it just breaks my heart when they go too soon. I hope everything works out for you and Raina, I'm glad you're going to find her a new friend.


Rest In Peace, Cami. :*(
 

Beatrix187

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I'm so sorry you lost Cami. Me and Domino give piggy hugs <3
 
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