PetFamilyBK
Well-known Member
Cavy Slave
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2019
- Posts
- 80
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2019
- Messages
- 80
Hi Everyone,
On Tuesday, Nibbler (4.5-5yr old boar - about 2.3lbs) was suddenly lethargic and mostly disinterested in hay, pellets and water (a total 180 from the day before). He would sink his head down (like a sad dog) and often lay on his side. So we decided to bring him to the vet that afternoon.
(He had eaten some small bell pepper slices and a baby carrot so I knew he was taking something in.)
Unsure of what the issue is, Nibbler was prescribed Baytril (broken link removed) (1/2 pill) for 10 days and Metacam for 3 days.
We opted to get bloodwork done in order to help diagnose the issue and should have the results today. He was hand fed some mashed/blended pellets (Higgins Sunburst Gourmet) and some water via a syringe. At times he would also look to be eating some of his Timothy hay but man only from inside his plastic house (as if frightened to leave). I also noticed he had been pooping infrequently but the size was maybe slightly smaller. We also gave him Metacam at night before bed.
On Wednesday, upon me waking, he appeared to be in better form and alert. Fed him his 1st dose of Baytril with about 1cc of water. He was eating hay, some pellets (the green pieces mostly), some of his crunchy treats (nibble rings and a veggie stick) and wet veggies such as kale, arugula, and small bell pepper slices, but has not cared for his water bottle. I continued to hand feed him water about 2ccs a feeding (every 1.5 hrs). His poop/pee was again infrequent and slightly smaller than the day before. Working from home has been a blessing as I can monitor him, but it’s been challenging with syringe feeding/watering. When my wife comes home from work, she’s able to feed him mash better than me (which he seems to take) - I can’t wait for the help. Lol.
So, today (Thursday) - took his 2nd dose off Baytril with about 1cc of water and had a cucumber slice to help with the hydration. He’s been eating similarly to yesterday, and still water feeding from the syringe. He’s about to get his 2nd watering. His poop however looks even smaller than yesterday, and no longer pill or tear shaped - appears to look like crumbled up or fused pellets (photo attached). I understand it could be dehydration due to the medication and his lack of/or no drinking from the water bottle so I’m looking for some additional guidance?
I gave him some floor time with his boar-buddy Yancy and was following him, eating some veggies, rumbling and shaking his behind like usual (and now he’s resting). I ordered Critical Care which just came in so I’m excited to feed him this as I heard good things. I also bought a new water bottle (same style as before), and a multivitamin drop from Petco.
As far as me seeing anything wrong with Nibbler to help diagnose the issue:
I don’t see anything stuck in his butt or discomfort or sounds while pooping
He isn’t drooling
The vet said his teeth/mouth look good
He isn’t wheezing or sneezing
I’m unsure if bloated (I don’t feel his stomach bubbling when we hold him).
If anyone has any advice, please let me know! I’ve been browsing the forums and websites trying to see what the issue could be (especially with him no longer drinking water) - it’s been hard. Should I request probiotics from the vet?
He’s currently in a large enclosure with his boar brother Yancy.
We use SoPhresh Alpine bedding from Petco.
Average room temps is 75-79 during the day, and a little cooler at night.
Thanks for listening!
On Tuesday, Nibbler (4.5-5yr old boar - about 2.3lbs) was suddenly lethargic and mostly disinterested in hay, pellets and water (a total 180 from the day before). He would sink his head down (like a sad dog) and often lay on his side. So we decided to bring him to the vet that afternoon.
(He had eaten some small bell pepper slices and a baby carrot so I knew he was taking something in.)
Unsure of what the issue is, Nibbler was prescribed Baytril (broken link removed) (1/2 pill) for 10 days and Metacam for 3 days.
We opted to get bloodwork done in order to help diagnose the issue and should have the results today. He was hand fed some mashed/blended pellets (Higgins Sunburst Gourmet) and some water via a syringe. At times he would also look to be eating some of his Timothy hay but man only from inside his plastic house (as if frightened to leave). I also noticed he had been pooping infrequently but the size was maybe slightly smaller. We also gave him Metacam at night before bed.
On Wednesday, upon me waking, he appeared to be in better form and alert. Fed him his 1st dose of Baytril with about 1cc of water. He was eating hay, some pellets (the green pieces mostly), some of his crunchy treats (nibble rings and a veggie stick) and wet veggies such as kale, arugula, and small bell pepper slices, but has not cared for his water bottle. I continued to hand feed him water about 2ccs a feeding (every 1.5 hrs). His poop/pee was again infrequent and slightly smaller than the day before. Working from home has been a blessing as I can monitor him, but it’s been challenging with syringe feeding/watering. When my wife comes home from work, she’s able to feed him mash better than me (which he seems to take) - I can’t wait for the help. Lol.
So, today (Thursday) - took his 2nd dose off Baytril with about 1cc of water and had a cucumber slice to help with the hydration. He’s been eating similarly to yesterday, and still water feeding from the syringe. He’s about to get his 2nd watering. His poop however looks even smaller than yesterday, and no longer pill or tear shaped - appears to look like crumbled up or fused pellets (photo attached). I understand it could be dehydration due to the medication and his lack of/or no drinking from the water bottle so I’m looking for some additional guidance?
I gave him some floor time with his boar-buddy Yancy and was following him, eating some veggies, rumbling and shaking his behind like usual (and now he’s resting). I ordered Critical Care which just came in so I’m excited to feed him this as I heard good things. I also bought a new water bottle (same style as before), and a multivitamin drop from Petco.
As far as me seeing anything wrong with Nibbler to help diagnose the issue:
I don’t see anything stuck in his butt or discomfort or sounds while pooping
He isn’t drooling
The vet said his teeth/mouth look good
He isn’t wheezing or sneezing
I’m unsure if bloated (I don’t feel his stomach bubbling when we hold him).
If anyone has any advice, please let me know! I’ve been browsing the forums and websites trying to see what the issue could be (especially with him no longer drinking water) - it’s been hard. Should I request probiotics from the vet?
He’s currently in a large enclosure with his boar brother Yancy.
We use SoPhresh Alpine bedding from Petco.
Average room temps is 75-79 during the day, and a little cooler at night.
Thanks for listening!