The last couple days she seemed quieter and more reserved and I found some blood which I think has been positively tracked down to her -- and she seemed warmer than normal. She is otherwise eating and behaving normally. If Snowflake´s (pms pig) nipples are enlarged, hers may be also, as they are about the same size. No other symptoms -- no hairloss, nothing obvious.
I have an appointment this evening at 6:30 with the reputed better gp vet. He does not have ultrasound diagnostic equipment. I checked out old posts at CG -- Josephine mentioned diagnostics such as xrays, ultrasound, and bloodwork (to see if there is a systemic infection going on). From what very little I could find on the net, it would seem x-rays may not show things very well and would be better for diagnosing stones, that they would not help much with uterine problems (comment?).
Questions:
- If the blood is not diluted by urine, is it highly unlikely to be a urinary problem but much more likely a reproductive problem?
- Are there any other diagnostics that would definitely help? Is the only thing bloodwork would do is show the presence of an infection?
- With a standard spay, are the ovaries usually removed so if there were any cysts, they would be removed too (I don´t feel any cysts)?
- Nina is fat (this vet previously commented -- difficult to palpate). Does this mean she would be harder to perform a surgery on?
All the reproductive problems I read about seem to be "solved" by spaying. It seems if it is truly pymetra (unknown -- perhaps not that serious) this is an emergency situation and surgery would need to be done right away.
Both Pinta and Josephine have advised that pigs do not need to fast before surgery. Pinta states removing food 1 to 2 hours before the procedure is all that is necessary. Pinta noted how vital sterility during surgery is -- as abscesses can be a real problem. She mentioned antibiotics following any surgery. Pinta mentioned removing sutures in 10 days if they were used. Some incisions can be glued.
Josephine has mentioned: Good antibiotics: Baytril (enrofloxacin) or Trimethoprim Sulfa -- Baytril may be better since it is broader spectrum.
Ask for subcutaneous fluids (with B and C vitamins are good). Usually some will be warmed and used to rinse the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity of pus after a pyometra. She thinks it is essential for post-operative care in cavies.
"I would ask for a more potent pain killer like Torbutrol (butorphanol). I´m sure Oxymorphone can also be used, but it lasts longer. You want deep pain relief but not enough to knock them into oblivion forever so they don´t eat soon after surgery. Torb is a narcotic and is safe and effective for cavies. Carprofen (Rimadyl) usually doesn´t give as much deep tissue and long-acting pain relief, although it is good for other instances.
The towels, confinement, food supplementation, weighing, and observations are all good post-operative care. She needs to eat within a couple of hours of surgery so her gut keeps moving. Make sure the vet doesn´t fast her if she´s eating now. Cavies do not vomit and aspirate.
Josephine, the other pain medications you mention, is this post operatively?
As for post surgery, I found (and gave) some of the following advice.
Surgery -- recovery:
- Ask for pain medication (rimadyl?)
- Keep her on towels, change frequently (can watch pee and poop output and bleeding more easily). [white towels may work best for monitoring]
- Put her in a confined area so she doesn´t move around alot and create adhesions (scar tissue) at the incision site
- Of course make sure she has adequate food and water, extra vitamin C (Pinta has mentioned 50mg)
- Weigh her and make sure she is eating
- Watch her behavior (problematic behavior would include lethargy) and contact the vet if there are any problems.
- Watch for swelling or an incision that is hot to the touch -- any pus indicates an infection
- Ask your vet for any additional advice
Any personal experiences, advice appreciated. I´m hoping Pinta and Josephine have a chance to see this before I see the vet.