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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 2, 2023 0:32:54 GMT
Stilgar's teeth trimming got delayed, as the vet found lice and heart disease! He's on more meds, and I'll be disinfecting his cage this weekend. I have to go back next week for his teeth, as he was not in shape for it this week. Although this is upsetting, his quality of life is still quite good, so there's that. On a brighter note, Zeke managed to make a tactical error, much like his predecessor Theo did years ago... I gave him a carrot, he leaped like a gazelle around his pigloo and raced towards what he thought was the entrance, only to discover that he'd run the wrong way! He corrected this major oversight, ducked into the pigloo where I could hear him cursing himself for committing such a grave error.
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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 3, 2023 16:56:34 GMT
Stilgar's got four different meds to take now, and I forgot to refrigerate his meloxicam, so now I have to get more this week. He's also not thrilled with this current setup. He loves his painkillers, but everything else is an inconvenience for him. I spent almost two hours disinfecting the cages; I'm doing both just to make sure the guys are okay. I'm taking no chances. I have to spray down everything, then let it sit for ten minutes, then wash everything with soap and warm water. I'll be doing this twice a week, so Wednesdays are going to be a bit rough. Cage cleaning normally only takes about 30-40 minutes for both cages, but the additional steps add a lot of time.
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Post by Bean on Dec 4, 2023 8:17:48 GMT
I'm sorry to hear about Stilgar having heart disease. Are they hoping the meds will control the symptoms so it's safe for him to have the anaesthetic for his teeth? Fingers crossed he's okay, it must be a worry, but it's great you still feel he's enjoying life. Aside from when you're having to squirt in the horrid-tasting meds anyway.
And ugh to the lice! My sympathies are with you, having just been there myself a couple of months ago. We're free of them (for now at least!) and I hope your household soon is too.
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 4, 2023 20:22:51 GMT
I think quality of life is the deciding factor for me, but the cost of all the meds and vet visits also come into the equation for many people. I won't have a pig PTS because of cost, but that's me. I'm pulling for Stilgar, and I really like Zeke. He reminds me of me
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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 5, 2023 0:22:55 GMT
Yes, the meds are to get him to normal levels so they can work on his teeth. If all goes well, he has a re-check this Friday and they'll do the teeth work. I refuse to put him down unless he's suffering. So far, I see no evidence of that. My only concern is if my wife knew how much money was going into his care every month, she'd flip out. He IS getting used to the meds, though. There's one in particular that he shies away from, but the other three seem agreeable to him. Zeke isn't getting neglected, either. Even if Stilgar needs more care, I make sure Zeke is getting what he needs. After all, he's the one who eats peppers, not like that snob Stilgar.
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 5, 2023 20:51:49 GMT
What your wife doesn't know won't hurt her.
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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 10, 2023 21:19:14 GMT
I've noticed that one of Zeke's bottles may be faulty, for lack of a better term. Some weeks he drinks about half a bottle, others he barely drinks at all. I've studied the tubes, and it's hard to tell, but I think one of them doesn't let the water flow as much. It works, just not as well.
The plan is to keep the good tube with him as much as possible, so I'll swap it out only for a day so I can clean it out. I currently have a total of four bottles for the two guys, but two are different designs and I can't swap those out with this bottle. It should be okay; he's still getting his water.
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 11, 2023 0:05:24 GMT
It's always good to have more bottles than you need. You're doing the right things. Just have to troubleshoot the bottle problem. Good luck!
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Post by bazookagoof on Jan 25, 2024 1:14:52 GMT
I've noticed Zeke has gotten less selective about the extra snacks I dole out- I'm referring to the little crackers & biscuits I give them occasionally. Previously, only Stilgar would eat everything I gave him, with Zeke snubbing most of them. Lately, he's been quite receptive about taking practically everything. This makes me happy, because now I can give the guys equal portions without worrying about what I'm going to give Zeke.
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 27, 2024 19:13:31 GMT
That's great! They do change their minds
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Post by bazookagoof on Jan 31, 2024 0:44:36 GMT
Forgot to mention that I had a brief episode with Zeke during Sunday's cage cleaning- I picked him up and was bringing him to his towel & box so he could hide, when he wriggled out of my grasp and fell out. Luckily, he only fell a few inches onto the towel and was okay- but he did land on his back and lay there for a second, getting his bearings before scrambling up and scuttling into the box. I half expected some warblings, either cursing himself out for looking so undignified or me for being such a clumsy oaf.
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 31, 2024 18:29:02 GMT
Maybe he was thinking that was fun
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Post by bazookagoof on Feb 20, 2024 1:02:15 GMT
Zeke's eating habits are changing again, much to my annoyance. Last time I went shopping, I bought a bag of treats because Stilgar enjoyed them, and I was spoiling him as much as possible. Zeke initially wasn't as enamored with them, but once he observed Stilgar getting constant attention he too wanted a piece of the action. Now that Stilgar is gone, I offer Zeke the same treats and he sniffs them noncommittally and waddles off in search of fresh hay. I have a full bag of these things I can't get rid of!
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Post by Bean on Feb 20, 2024 8:49:48 GMT
Maybe you should eat them!
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Post by 3piggles on Feb 20, 2024 14:18:00 GMT
Call the rescue where you got the boys, and ask if they'd like them.
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Post by bazookagoof on Feb 21, 2024 1:24:14 GMT
The rescue I got Stilgar from is all the way in the city, and not worth driving all the way in. The shelter where Zeke came from was actually the PetSmart store I shop at- occasionally they handle any overflow of animals if a shelter is full. I can't see myself bringing in an opened bag of treats back to donate them. Maybe I WILL try them myself!
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Post by 3piggles on Feb 21, 2024 20:43:52 GMT
That's the spirit
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