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Post by Bean on Apr 15, 2015 12:27:30 GMT
I used to use the 1ml ones and just chop the ends off to make it easier to suck up and push out the food (filing down any rough edges) - I tried all different sizes but that worked best for me for syringe feeds.
Glad your vet visit has been brought forward - will keep everything crossed, she definitely sounds promising.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 15, 2015 15:44:47 GMT
I'm not sure what type of syringe you have, but I cut the tips back to widen the opening, and that usually helps. I've also fed a thicker mash on the end of a spoon, which seemed to work well. Glad you have an appointment, and got the Critical Care. I hope she gets some much needed nutrients from the CC  |
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 17, 2015 0:25:27 GMT
I just came back from the vet. She was really good. Mila is in emergency surgery right now - her back teeth are growing into her tongue. The vet just called that it went well, but she will do blood work to see if everything else is ok. It will be expensive, but I sure hope Mila will be fine after all of this. Poor little girl.
I'm kind of mad though, because the second vet I saw, didn't even check her teeth. That's really horrible.
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Post by Bean on Apr 17, 2015 8:04:12 GMT
Oh your poor little girl, but thank goodness this vet got to the bottom of it. Everything will be crossed here for her to get through the surgery well.
When you're in a better frame of mind to do it, a letter to the other vets might be a good idea, to let them know that something that could so obviously cause the problems she was presenting with wasn't even checked. Help to stop someone else's lovely piggy not getting the treatment they need right away.
I had a pig with dental problems and the recovery can be slow going - their mouths get so sore that eating can be uncomfortable for quite a while after the teeth have been fixed. I found regular pain meds made a big difference and had to syringe feed pretty much every mouthful he had for at least a few days. He made it through just fine though, and it didn't ever recur. I really, really hope that Mila's problem has been spotted before it's caused her any long lasting health problems. Please keep us posted and good luck Mila. xx
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Post by bongosfriend on Apr 17, 2015 15:07:57 GMT
Fingers crossed for Mila!
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 17, 2015 15:46:31 GMT
Finally!!! I know it's expensive, but you know what the problem is, it's fixed, and she can lead a great life now This has to be a huge weight off you. Will you have to have her teeth trimmed regularly, or will being able to eat the hay and pellets be enough? Excellent news!!! |
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 17, 2015 23:18:34 GMT
I just picked her up from the vet and she will be on a lot of medications for a while and has to go back on Monday. There's some other issues than her teeth though, so she's still kind of in limbo. The vet has to look closer at her blood work, because there might be kidney issues , she has diarrhea and then she has a swollen, red foot. She showed me the x-rays and it does look weird. She doesn't know if it's related to the teeth (infection or something) or it's arthritis, so we will have to keep an eye on that. They said she ate like a pig :-), so she must have been starving. I feel so bad. I'll keep feeding her critical care and hopefully she will get better. She actually gained weight over night, which is really rare after dental surgery, I was told.
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Post by cookie72 on Apr 18, 2015 1:41:05 GMT
I'm so glad that this vet was able to figure out the problem. And shame on those other 2 vets who didn't check something so obvious that's a known problem with piggies. I guess when that 2nd vet was looking at his big book, he must have missed the chapter on teeth!
Good sign that she ate alot now, and I hope she continues to recover and whatever other issues the bloodwork may reveal won't be too serious. Good job to you Whimsy, for being persistent in finding a better vet. Hopefully now with a good vet Mila will have many happy piggy days and years ahead!
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 18, 2015 6:09:32 GMT
I'm really worried about her. She does eat more, but it's like she has not balance. She almost couldn't drink out of the water bottle, because she's so wobbly that she would fall over when she tried reaching for it. It must be that one foot that's causing the problem. It's horrible to watch and it just breaks my heart to see her like that. The vet seemed pretty concerned about it too, so of course that doesn't make me feel better. I really am glad I found this vet, but I shoukd have gone there earlier. I just hope it wasn't too late.
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Post by Bean on Apr 18, 2015 8:23:10 GMT
I'm assuming she's on some pain meds after the dental work so hopefully they'll be making her foot more comfortable than it appears. She has you to help her with her food and water, to make sure she get what she needs. I know how upsetting it is to see them not right though. Can you move the water bottle down a bit? I was going to suggest giving her some extra bits of watery veg like cucumber (cubed up and maybe with the rind removed if eating isn't easy yet) just to make sure she stays hydrated, but if her stomach is a bit upset then it might be best to only offer a small amount and concentrate on the high calorie and more solid food.
Keeping everything crossed here. xx
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Whimsy
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 18, 2015 14:08:17 GMT
I woke up at 3.30am and tried to give her something to eat and drink, but she wasn't interested. I had a feeling that she wasn't going to make it, so I just sat with her and held her. She was kind of out of it. I went back to bed and woke up at 6 and checked on her. I could tell she was dying, so I held her and told her I love her and then she passed away a few minutes later. I'm heart broken. I am happy I got to be with her when it happened - I've done the same with two cats and a dog before and it gave me some peace and hopefully the animals too.
Anyway, thanks for all your support. I wish I had better news.
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Post by bongosfriend on Apr 18, 2015 14:27:44 GMT
Oh Whimsy, I'm so sorry for your loss. You did everything you could for her, but sometimes that isn't enough. Rest in peace, Mila.
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Post by Bean on Apr 18, 2015 17:43:54 GMT
Oh no, I'm so very sorry to hear this. Thank you for all you did for Mila and for not giving up even when everything seemed to be against you. You did her proud and I'm sure that you being there at the end was a massive comfort. I'm truly sorry that she didn't make it.
Sleep tight Mila xx
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Post by cookie72 on Apr 18, 2015 18:14:31 GMT
Aww I'm so sorry to hear this sad news today. But I'm glad you were able to sense she wasn't going to make it, and hold and cuddle her as she passed. While it must have been very hard for you to see that, I'm sure it was comforting to both you and her, to have those final moments of love together. You really did everything you could for her, above and beyond, by seeking a 2nd and 3rd opinion when you knew something still wasn't right. She was lucky to have a great mom like you. So sorry it ended up this way. R.I.P. little Mila.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 18, 2015 20:46:10 GMT
I am so, so sorry  I'm glad you got to be with her. It really does allow us to say goodbye, and know they knew we were there. You tried so hard, but it wasn't possible to save her. Lots of hugs <3 <3 <3 |
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Post by jolovespiggies on Apr 19, 2015 19:01:51 GMT
I am so very sorry sweetheart, I am sending lots and lots of hugs to you.
Hugs
JO xx
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Whimsy
Bronze Member
Posts: 400
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Post by Whimsy on Apr 23, 2015 0:56:00 GMT
Thank you everybody for your kind words and support. I know many of you have tried losing a guinea pig or another pet and it's really heart breaking. I have lots of good memories with Mila, but of course I wish she could have lived a longer life. I will post a picture of Mila with a tiny little bouquet of flowers and a tiny little get well card. My friend brought it for Mila, when she heard she was sick. It was so sweet. Mila really doesn't look well in the picture, but I still think you should see it. Attachment Deleted |
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Post by cookie72 on Apr 23, 2015 7:03:25 GMT
Whimsy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know exactly what it feels like, losing a beloved pet. Leaves a big hole in your heart. Your Mila piggie was very beautiful and we all know you did your best and did everything you could do to try and get her well.
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Post by Bean on Apr 23, 2015 8:19:13 GMT
Aww beautiful Mila, and that picture really shows how loved she was. How sweet of your friend to do that for her, it must be clear to everyone around you how much you love your furry family and I hope that has meant you've had support and understanding from everyone around you.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 23, 2015 13:18:34 GMT
Beautiful picture, and you're right, she's not well I'm glad you have a friend close to you who can give you the support you need. It is so hard to lose a lovey |
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I'm glad you got to be with her. It really does allow us to say goodbye, and know they knew we were there. You tried so hard, but it wasn't possible to save her. Lots of hugs <3 <3 <3