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Post by bazookagoof on Nov 2, 2022 23:21:09 GMT
I use a few layers of newspaper at the bottom of the plastic tray, then fill a few inches of Kay-Tee bedding (unscented). Recently I realized the bottom of Stilgar's cage has had some scum building on it, so I found an old scrub brush and gave it a vigorous rub down. Got rid of most of it, apart from a tiny trace. He wasn't in direct contact with it as far as I can tell- whenever I clean the cage, I roll up the newspaper and see that everything holds together despite being wet from urine.
Still, his cage (and Zeke's, too) is cleaner than before. I also scrubbed down their pigloos too.
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 3, 2022 19:58:17 GMT
Sounds good. No rough bedding to hurt his feet. I guess you just have to wait for the treatment to work. I googled bumblefoot, and read that it's not a quick cure, but takes time and treatment to cure. You're probably right on schedule. One site did say to do daily soakings of the foot/feet in warm water and Epsom salts. 1/2 Cup of warm water with 1/8 tsp of Epsom salts. As I've said, I find it easiest to put the water in a sink, and put the pig, all four feet, in the water. Then I gave lots of tiny treats to keep them occupied for 20 minutes or however long the soak lasts. I'm not sure, but I think Epsom salts takes about 20 minutes to be effect in a soak. I'm sure you'll get there, and when you do, he'll be an even happier guinea guy
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Post by bazookagoof on Nov 3, 2022 23:20:21 GMT
I certainly hope so. He seems to be losing his patience in the mornings and has knocked over the little container of medicine once. I still don't see any progress, but am worried about that hefty price tag in the potential operation the next vet appointment. At least if it looked like things were improving, I'd relax a bit.
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 4, 2022 18:23:29 GMT
Do all the online research you can, just so you have a reasonable understanding of what's happening. Then you can make some educated decisions, ask educated questions. If he can walk on that foot without any indication it's hurting him, I can't imagine why surgery would be necessary. Perhaps a second opinion would be less expensive than continuing with a vet who suggests expensive surgery. Good luck, and I'll keep all digits crossed.
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Post by bazookagoof on Nov 5, 2022 0:15:33 GMT
He moves around in his cage without pain, and when I clean his cage he walks around without apparent discomfort. The only time I've heard him squeak once when I was drying off the paw in question after a soak.
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Post by Bean on Nov 5, 2022 8:07:17 GMT
I'd certainly be pondering whether to proceed with surgery if he seems quite comfortable now. That will definitely cause him pain after, and then you've got the risk from surgery and further infection. Plus if he has issues with his teeth, being groggy from surgery, and not eating as much, could affect this too.
As 3iggles said, the epsom salts soak is a good at-home treatment to keep it clean and ensure it doesn't get any worse, so it might be worth trying that when his current treatment has finished, instead of automatically taking the surgery route. Good luck with it all, and I'm glad that even though he's tiring of the meddling, he seems comfortable.
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 5, 2022 18:17:25 GMT
I agree. If he's walking around fine, he doesn't need surgery. I'd put that off until you see signs of him not being able to walk without pain. Then the risk of infection from the bumblefoot is equal to any infection he'll get from or after surgery.
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Post by bazookagoof on Nov 5, 2022 21:33:03 GMT
Once the meds run out, I'll try the epsom salts bath for a bit. The vet did say she wanted to see him in about four weeks, but we didn't make an appointment- so I think I can let it slide for an extra week or two to monitor his progress. I need to build up money anyway.
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 7, 2022 19:59:03 GMT
As long as he seems to be getting around fine, I don't think an extra week will hurt
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Post by bazookagoof on Nov 14, 2022 0:42:01 GMT
I went and got new meds for Stilgar- I had a free Saturday to do it, and it only cost $38. I was going to do the Epson salts treatment until I re-read the info about how it takes 20 minutes to be effective. I can't spare that amount of time in the morning. Five is already pushing Stilgar's limits.
The vet texted me about setting up an appointment for his teeth. I don't have money for that right now, so I'll let that slide for a few weeks. I'm sure it won't make a big difference. I'll monitor his eating habits to make sure. So far, no issues.
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 14, 2022 14:50:48 GMT
Sounds good
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Post by bazookagoof on Dec 31, 2022 21:53:25 GMT
Stilgar is checking out whatever Zeke is up to next door! Zeke is just too relaxed to care!
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Post by Bean on Jan 1, 2023 9:55:58 GMT
Gorgeous boys, it's lovely to see them. Zeke does look very chilled out there.
I really need to get better at snapping my lot a bit more often. Reggie doesn't help, being black. It's hard to get good photos of her unless she's outside.
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 1, 2023 13:57:15 GMT
Aw, I love relaxed pigs. It says they feel safe in their environment He's gorgeous <3
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Post by bazookagoof on Jan 1, 2023 15:12:54 GMT
After I posted the pics, I noticed Zeke's bowl was empty, so he was in all likelihood gorged to repletion!
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Post by 3piggles on Jan 3, 2023 20:24:55 GMT
They are not called piggies for no reason
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Post by anawilliam on Jan 4, 2023 15:45:16 GMT
He is beautiful! I love his colors!
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Post by bazookagoof on Mar 24, 2023 23:43:44 GMT
I snagged a few pics of Stilgar looking up- there were three great ones, this one might be my favorite, but it's hard to decide! I posted a similar picture of Zeke, but this is a closer shot of him being a lump.
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Post by Bean on Mar 25, 2023 6:58:36 GMT
Gorgeous! Stilgar's looking well and I love Zeke's little nose stripe.
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Post by bazookagoof on Jun 11, 2023 23:58:19 GMT
Some shots from this weekend: Stilgar peeking out from the box! Zeke just resting after an hour of grazing! Just another gag shot of the guys pretending to be one long guinea pig!
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