Eye Discharge, Localized Hair Loss, and Antibiotic Treatment

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pinta

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:47 am


Yes because it's the fluid coming out. That's a good sign.

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Ketus15
Love is a Guinea Pig

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:57 am


Good! Good! The vet told me to expect about 60 grams lost in the next 2 to 3 days, but its faster than I thought.

Now if I can only get him to do a T-4 test before he throws that blood sample away, we might narrow almost everything down in one blood draw!

Thank you!

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Ketus15
Love is a Guinea Pig

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:21 pm


Ok, blood work is back.

Stopping antibiotics because white blood cell count is completely normal.

Blood Urira Nitrogen is elevated, indicating a kidney problem. Not sure if this is primary or secondary.

We are to continue Lasix and call on Monday. Deuce has lost 30 grams as of right now.

Its possible he had a kidney or bladder infection that overwhelmed his kidneys. The Lasix could help bring it into line.

Its also possible there is a bladder stone, not blocking the ureter, but just hanging out up there.

And, kidney disease is a possibility.

If no improvement with Lasix treatment, then the next step is urine culture and x-rays.

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snowflakey
E's Moriarity

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:24 pm


Stones in a boar can be a real potential killer. The urethra is too narrow to pass them. I would get an x-ray just to check, even as you are beginning lasix.

dribble

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 8:52 pm


Gosh, Ketus15, I just want to say thank you for how thoroughly and clearly you relayed the info from your vet, and how carefully you are taking care of your pig! Are you in the medical field? It sounds like your pig is in the hands of a great caretaker.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 10:29 pm


Yes, it does help to be thorough (and not lengthy). Your posts are quite helpful. I just wish we had the answers you need. An xray certainly is indicated if a stone is suspected.

Evangeline

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 11:15 pm


No, I don't have the T4 standards. Pinta or Joséphine might have them, though.

And I second what's been said. Get an x-ray to rule out stones because it could kill your pig if it moves and blocks the tubes. Make sure to get two different views because stones are sometimes hidden behind bones with just one view.

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Ketus15
Love is a Guinea Pig

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 11:36 pm


Will do. And this vet does include two views on an x-ray. Thank you.

The vet wants to hold off on the thyroid tests until this bladder/kidney issue is sorted out. But I did tell him this morning that there are guinea pigs that have received a T4 assay and also a TSH.

I understand that surgery can remove bladder stones, but is there any treatment for kidney stones?

Also, I just found a mistake in my previous post. Kidney stone blocks ureter, Bladder stone blocks urethra. Sorry about that. Deuce could have either.

I'm a certified phlebotomist/medical lab assistant, and I have 3 years towards a biology degree, but I don't work in either field. Too much stress. Such as is happening now...

Thank you for saying I'm taking good care of Deuce. I feel tragically useless most days. I feel as though these past 3 weeks have been so long. I've just been diagnosed myself with mystically appearing hypertension and aggrevating headaches that sound like nothing my doctor has ever heard of.

Thank you to everyone for your time and attention. Your prompt and thoughtful replies provide so much support. Thank you.

Evangeline

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 11:39 pm


I've never dealt with kidney stones, but as far as I know, the prognostic is very, very poor.

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Ketus15
Love is a Guinea Pig

Post   » Thu Apr 14, 2005 11:51 pm


Ok. X-rays first chance. Sounds like I should order some Critical Care and learn how to do SQ fluids. I'm good with needles, but at least when working on people, they understand why I have to hurt them. I don't think Deuce understands any of this. If it is kidney stones, he will get the best supportive care and pain relief until his last.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Fri Apr 15, 2005 12:17 am


You're under a lot of stress yourself. Hang in there.

pinta

Post   » Fri Apr 15, 2005 5:12 am


For Rachelle we did 5mg Lasix twice a day and twice daily 20cc subcues to counteract the Lasix.

T-4 measurements differ between Canada and the US. We tested two healthy pigs and got 15 and 23. Two suspected hyperthyroid pigs scored 44 and 30. The pig with 44 went down to 19 after going on Tapazole.

If you search, you may find US "normals" for T-4. Kara might have the numbers on file - I think I gave her numbers I got from Vicki of Jack Pine Guinea Pig Rescue.

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