Ovarian Cysts???
Thanks everyone, to give you some background why I think heart issues are likely... besides her now pea eye. For the past year for sure (can't recall her younger age if she did) she bobs her head when she breathes (not all the time but often enough for me to notice). Her breathing is never slow and calm like other piggies, but fluttered, not like uri where chest expands, bust just her regular belly area. She also occasionally "hoots" when she goes to bend down and eat a the healthy green poops from her bum. Based on the bpatters link and all the other pigs and their symptoms, I think this is likely the case. She has been slightly more lethargic than Bella (when she wasn't sick at the end) where even during floor time and activities she doesn't seem to like to do much, which I know she's older (3) than younger rambunctious pigs. But I think all of these tie in together.
I would love to try her on meds, but my only concern is with stupid COVID-19 not being able to directly communicate these concerns (since only able to talk over phone during appointment) with the vet makes me think they'll brush it under the rug or waste time with tests, which seeing as many (even my exotic cavy savy vet) don't know/have enough research with piggies. Do you guys have any tips for this?? Sometimes I feel like I know my pig than the vet better despite the lack of medical training. I sometimes get frustrated because I think they don't listen, if that makes sense. I still take them to the vet, but I hope my frustrations make sense??
I would love to try her on meds, but my only concern is with stupid COVID-19 not being able to directly communicate these concerns (since only able to talk over phone during appointment) with the vet makes me think they'll brush it under the rug or waste time with tests, which seeing as many (even my exotic cavy savy vet) don't know/have enough research with piggies. Do you guys have any tips for this?? Sometimes I feel like I know my pig than the vet better despite the lack of medical training. I sometimes get frustrated because I think they don't listen, if that makes sense. I still take them to the vet, but I hope my frustrations make sense??
She's nearing 3. So as of now she has pea eye, possible heart condition, and within a few hours managed to hurt her leg/and or hip. She squeals when I touch her hip area and keeps pulling in her leg while laying down. So it might be hip. Going to syringe her water seeing as she doesn't want to get up. She ate veggies and some hay, but those were all places in front of her..... I swear my girls only get hurt or sick after hours! Tomorrow am I will be calling ASAP to get her in.
- daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2021
Go to GL heart page and any other guinea pig heart information you can find and photo copy/print it and get your vet to read them. Tell them what you notice and tell them what you want!
I know how frustrating it is with stubborn vets, I lost 4 piggies with similar symptoms you describe and Joy had. The only reason Joy went onto heart medication was because she had fluid in abdomen and chest areas and a heart murmur.
Try to explain to your vet there is NO test for guinea pigs and their hearts. The only way to find out is to try the medication as long as the right dose for her weight is measured out it will do her no harm! If she improves it is her heart, if she stays the same then no harm done. Good luck!
I know how frustrating it is with stubborn vets, I lost 4 piggies with similar symptoms you describe and Joy had. The only reason Joy went onto heart medication was because she had fluid in abdomen and chest areas and a heart murmur.
Try to explain to your vet there is NO test for guinea pigs and their hearts. The only way to find out is to try the medication as long as the right dose for her weight is measured out it will do her no harm! If she improves it is her heart, if she stays the same then no harm done. Good luck!
Said it wasn't pea eye but conjunctivitis. Said they have other pigs on heart meds and it's usually an emergency and can hear murmur and fluid (neither of which Bailey has according to vet) she wouldn't even let me get a word in really about heart, and for her leg she she she pulled it all which ways and it was fine. As of 2 am she was squealing in pain but I left her alone. She stayed in one spot almost all night and didn't drink water (which is her favorite) so I supplemented her with water via syringe. I doubt she's fine seeing as she's not fully herself. I'm at a loss for words. I don't have the funds or time to play hop scotch with vets.
Last edited by Brist1cm on Thu Jun 04, 2020 11:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
- daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2021
Hey I understand your frustration as I have been there many times. And I have lost piggies to vets thinking they know it all! I am surprised she didn't (a) X-ray leg, teeth,chest and abdomen. (b) that she wasn't even prepared to listen to you!
I have had vets like that! Are you weighing her? Is she eating on her own? Is she on hormone treatment? Is Bailey on pain medication? Are you hand feeding?
We had to go to vet yesterday with Jill, in one eye she had like a piece of skin hanging in corner. Vet looked in eye and said looks like third eyelid and she said she saw hair in the eye. BUT when she pulled it out it was a hay seed. Thankfully it didn't have time to do any damage!
Your not going to like me but I really think you need to see another vet, one who is guinea pig savvy and is willing to listen to you! It took me many years and I lost many piggies before I found a vet I am comfortable with. And I understand how expensive it can be!!! Sending massive hugs to you and Bailey!
Where do you live? Maybe someone can recommend a piggy savvy vet? Here is GL's list of vets for you. I know how you feel! You want the best for your piggies and those who should be helping aren't and are making things worse! https://www.guinealynx.info/vetlist.html
I have had vets like that! Are you weighing her? Is she eating on her own? Is she on hormone treatment? Is Bailey on pain medication? Are you hand feeding?
We had to go to vet yesterday with Jill, in one eye she had like a piece of skin hanging in corner. Vet looked in eye and said looks like third eyelid and she said she saw hair in the eye. BUT when she pulled it out it was a hay seed. Thankfully it didn't have time to do any damage!
Your not going to like me but I really think you need to see another vet, one who is guinea pig savvy and is willing to listen to you! It took me many years and I lost many piggies before I found a vet I am comfortable with. And I understand how expensive it can be!!! Sending massive hugs to you and Bailey!
Where do you live? Maybe someone can recommend a piggy savvy vet? Here is GL's list of vets for you. I know how you feel! You want the best for your piggies and those who should be helping aren't and are making things worse! https://www.guinealynx.info/vetlist.html