Impaction Impacted Piggy

[petgal49]

I have had an impacted piggy for a few weeks now and it is progressively getting worse even though I have been doing everything I can to help him out: he has a GREAt high fibre diet (however, he is eating less and less of it) bum bathes while I clean out his sac twice a day and I try to get him active to get his bowels moving but he has always been a lazy pig during floor time. What else can I do? I have very busy schedule as I am a nursing student and a part time job. I am worried I wont be able to keep up with his cleans as I have missed some due to 12 hour clinical days and then work. So I don;t really know what I am asking I just need some support as I am getting very tired of this impaction but I think once it comes it stays for life. I have had him for a year and a half and the Humane Society I got him from knew nothing about him except that he was an "adult". So I really do not know how old he is but I would guess around 3 maybe?

 

[ellisa]

I am sorry you're going through this. Unfortunately, I think the only thing to do with severe impaction is daily cleanings, which you seem to already be doing. Is there someone who you can teach to clean out his sac, so on days when you're busy you don't have to worry about him? Continue to make sure he's eating plenty of hay and getting lots of Vit. C. I'm sorry, I know it must be rough on both you and pig!

 

[petgal49]

Thanks for the reply ellisa. Anyone else?

 

[Kritastrophe]

Is he neutered? I've read a couple cases where getting them neutered can help alleviate some of that constriction down there that can cause repeat impaction. Might be something to discuss with your exotic vet. I also know having guinea pigs neutered can help prevent mastitis issues. It's something I've been considering doing with my boys, since they're still all fairly young, as a preventative measure.

https://www.guinealynx.info/impaction.html discusses neutering as an option. "Boars that have been neutered rarely if ever experience impaction."

 

[petgal49]

Yes I have read that but I am just concerned that the anethesia would be too much for him.

 

[bpatters]

Several people have said that regular exercise helps boars with impaction problems. Of course, if yours is like my two, you'd have to poke him with a sharp stick to get him to move during floor time.

 

[madelineelaine]

@bpatters that made me LOL

Does your pig have a large cage? Some pigs aren't into floor time. So maybe expanding the cage as big as you can make it, or making a temporary play pen, would be a good idea? Get little mr running around!

You've got to clean him daily, and I've read about inverting and flushing the sac for impaction too. Are you letting him eat what you clean out? He needs those vitamins for his gut.

 

[petgal49]

I have some sad news. He passed away early this morning
He was surrounded by love and he had a great life with us. I will miss him so much.

 

[ellisa]

I am very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, little pig.

 

[Cavy Treenie]

Rest in peace piggie. He looked a little old.

 

[Kritastrophe]

I am so sorry! You did a great thing trying to help him through his re-occuring impaction issues. He was very lucky to have you. Hugs from me and my piggies.

 

[Murk21]

What a sweet face. So sorry for your loss.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

What a pretty boy. I'm sorry he's gone.

How did he pass away? Three years old is not an old pig.