Impaired pig

[colonthree]

Hello again, everyone.

It seems my little guinea girl Mimi will have to live out the remainder of her life with a permanent head tilt, due to damage from an inner ear infection. The vet said she isn't in pain, but is there anything I can do to improve the quality of her life? It breaks my heart to see her stumble around like she does.

And yes, we are sure the infection is cleared up- vet cleared her.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[3piggles]

I don't know of anything that will definitely help, and hope some other members do know. My only assessment might be to create soft-sided paths for her, limit her travel area, and make everything as padded as possible.

Is she very active, or is her activity limited to going for food? She needs some exercise to stay healthy, so I wouldn't limit her space too much, but I wouldn't force her to go to far for necessities.

Good luck!

[yodelpig]

A permanent head tilt can indeed result from an ear infection that affects the inner ear/balance centre. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do. She will hopefully get used to it over the course of the next few weeks. Most piggies adjust to changing circumstances; I have and have had several cataract piggies.

In time you can try to pair her up with a very gentle natured/motherly sow for company and snuggling; that is what most rescues do with their permanent resident head tilt piggies. Many of those have got theirs due to a not treated ear infection before they were rescued. These piggies often live a happy, normal life. The head tilt won't even keep them from popcorning!

[colonthree]

Unfortunately, I have some very bad news. Mimi's hurt her eye. I'll be getting her to the vet in the morning. It doesn't look very good at all. Please keep her in your thoughts... I have no idea how this could've happened as there is, of course, nothing in the cage that could cause harm to my girls. I feel so terrible about it! Poor girl has had a rough life so far. Hopefully we can get her well, permanently. And soon!

[Whimsy]

Oh what an unlucky little pig. I hope she gets well soon.

[colonthree]

Got back from the vet's this morning. It's not looking good. He told us she likely wouldn't see out of that eye again, but she'd be able to tell light and dark. She's got antibiotic eye drops that also have a pain reliever. She'll have a checkup midway through the week to see her progress, and we're hoping she won't lose this eye.

The good news is that she's eating, drinking, and otherwise active and bright, although stumbly as always. She's been such a tough cookie, and I'm very proud that she hasn't given up.

[3piggles]

My late Teddy girl, Molly, was a walking mass of bad health. We weren't together very long, but we had a wonderful time while we were together. She didn't play with the other pigs during floor time. I would sit cross legged on the floor, and she would sit on my knee. She loved to be carried, to cuddle with me and sleep. I think because she was blind, and because she was never that healthy, she just loved all the attention she got. Make the most of having an impaired pig. It will be great for both of you, for however long it lasts!

[colonthree]

Thank you so much for that, I think it was just what I needed to hear. I think she really does love the extra attention.

[doodles]

Hi Colonthree,

I'm so sorry Mimi is having such a rough time of it. Poor baby. I sure hope her injured eye will be feeling better soon. It hurts to see these little sweet creatures suffer. I think you are doing the best thing you can do by just taking care of her and giving her love and attention.

Best wishes to you & hope things go better for her soon.

[jolovespiggies]

Just give her lots of love which I know she gets from you love. Please give her a hug from me and I am sending oodles of comforting and healing vibes.

Hugs

JO xx