1 - breed, age and sex of pig
Heddwyn, 3 or 4, male recently neutered, satin
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems
Fluid in lungs not responding to either 2 weeks on bactrim or 1 week on baytril/doxy
3 - diagnostics done and the results
Several xrays failed to show heart since fluid obscures view.
4 - treatment, med and dosage
lasix twice daily
lotensin, starting with a small dose to check tolerance
5 - results of treatment
TBD
6 - other med issues
Severe boneloss, which is responding well to calcium and sunlight. Frequently impacted. Maintains weight and energy level.
Request for heart pig stories
-
HollyT
- Get on your bike.
1 - breed, age and sex of pig
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems
3 - diagnostics done and the results
4 - treatment, med and dosage
5 - results of treatment
6 - other med issues
Peruvian, age not known, F "Pia"
laboured breathing, no uri, weight loss, lethargic
lotensin twice daily (5mg)
will know shortly
ovarian cysts (spayed) one uri
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems
3 - diagnostics done and the results
4 - treatment, med and dosage
5 - results of treatment
6 - other med issues
Peruvian, age not known, F "Pia"
laboured breathing, no uri, weight loss, lethargic
lotensin twice daily (5mg)
will know shortly
ovarian cysts (spayed) one uri
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Mum
- I GAVE, dammit!
1 - breed, age and sex of pig: Llewelyn, approx 4, neutered male
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: recent weight loss, severe gurgling after neuter surgery which responded well to lasix, much quieter than previously. Yesterday brief rattling, heart murmur, this morning faint hooting.
3 - diagnostics done and the results: heart x-ray taken a year or so ago was normal. Not doing a new one at the moment
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lasix 3mg twice a day for about a week, lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues: arthritis in one knee
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: recent weight loss, severe gurgling after neuter surgery which responded well to lasix, much quieter than previously. Yesterday brief rattling, heart murmur, this morning faint hooting.
3 - diagnostics done and the results: heart x-ray taken a year or so ago was normal. Not doing a new one at the moment
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lasix 3mg twice a day for about a week, lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues: arthritis in one knee
1. Fluffy, abbysinian male, 5 1/2 years old
2. labored breathing with gurgling/wheezing sounds
sleeps very soundly with eyes closed
drinking more water lately
good appetite and attitude still
3. chest xray showed alot of gas in abdomen and some fluid in lungs; heart very hard to discern but looks somewhat enlarged, lungs hard to discern as well (too much fluid and gas)
dry, scaly skin
4. vet gave 3 injections:
banamine 50 mg/ml inj/cc
baytril 22.7 mg/ml 0-1cc
vitamin C inj 0.1-0.5cc
treated with Revolution
meds precribed:
furosemide (Lasix) 10mg/ml - .17cc 3x daily for 3 days then .17cc 2x daily for 14 days
cipro 50mg/ml - .26cc 2x daily for 14 days
metacam cc/5cc - .23cc once daily for 3 days then .11cc once daily for 14 days
5. recheck and re-xray chest in 2 weeks
vet is worried about a possible tumor
Fluffy had a cancerous mammary tumor removed in 2003; she noticed his remaining nipple had a bit of discharge and was lumpy.
6. vet also noticed some arthritis on the xray
Fluffy is my very first piggy. He had a very poor start in life and I was almost going to have him put to sleep when he was a baby. I can't believe I've had him over 5 years. He's such a little trooper.
2. labored breathing with gurgling/wheezing sounds
sleeps very soundly with eyes closed
drinking more water lately
good appetite and attitude still
3. chest xray showed alot of gas in abdomen and some fluid in lungs; heart very hard to discern but looks somewhat enlarged, lungs hard to discern as well (too much fluid and gas)
dry, scaly skin
4. vet gave 3 injections:
banamine 50 mg/ml inj/cc
baytril 22.7 mg/ml 0-1cc
vitamin C inj 0.1-0.5cc
treated with Revolution
meds precribed:
furosemide (Lasix) 10mg/ml - .17cc 3x daily for 3 days then .17cc 2x daily for 14 days
cipro 50mg/ml - .26cc 2x daily for 14 days
metacam cc/5cc - .23cc once daily for 3 days then .11cc once daily for 14 days
5. recheck and re-xray chest in 2 weeks
vet is worried about a possible tumor
Fluffy had a cancerous mammary tumor removed in 2003; she noticed his remaining nipple had a bit of discharge and was lumpy.
6. vet also noticed some arthritis on the xray
Fluffy is my very first piggy. He had a very poor start in life and I was almost going to have him put to sleep when he was a baby. I can't believe I've had him over 5 years. He's such a little trooper.
1. Breed, Age, Sex.
"Jiffy" Abbysinian (Black), 12 month, Female.
2. Symptoms.
Has always been a heavy drinker.
Always been calm.
History of coughing more than the other pigs, approx. 1-2 times per week at least (sometimes more).
Has had a few episodes of a gassy tummy which responded to Simethicone.
Starting to develop pea eye.
3. Diagnostics.
Had whole body X-ray done 9/06 (when she was 10 months old) to check for heart problems due to subtle symptoms. Heart enlarged on X-ray and pushing up on trachea probably causing coughing.
4. Medicine prescribed/dosage.
Started on Lotensin 1/2 mg twice daily. Slowly increased to 1 mg twice daily over the next 2 months.
5. 13 days after starting Lotensin observed her playing with her cagemate and popcorning alot for 3 mornings in a row. Previously never played with cagemate, would just get upset at being bothered by her and pee in her face. She is generally more interactive with owner and cagemates. Coughing has decreased. Still drinks alot. Beginning pea eye is gone although it comes back occaisionally for short periods.
6. None
"Jiffy" Abbysinian (Black), 12 month, Female.
2. Symptoms.
Has always been a heavy drinker.
Always been calm.
History of coughing more than the other pigs, approx. 1-2 times per week at least (sometimes more).
Has had a few episodes of a gassy tummy which responded to Simethicone.
Starting to develop pea eye.
3. Diagnostics.
Had whole body X-ray done 9/06 (when she was 10 months old) to check for heart problems due to subtle symptoms. Heart enlarged on X-ray and pushing up on trachea probably causing coughing.
4. Medicine prescribed/dosage.
Started on Lotensin 1/2 mg twice daily. Slowly increased to 1 mg twice daily over the next 2 months.
5. 13 days after starting Lotensin observed her playing with her cagemate and popcorning alot for 3 mornings in a row. Previously never played with cagemate, would just get upset at being bothered by her and pee in her face. She is generally more interactive with owner and cagemates. Coughing has decreased. Still drinks alot. Beginning pea eye is gone although it comes back occaisionally for short periods.
6. None
-
HollyT
- Get on your bike.
1. I thought I would update that Harry continues to be one of my most active pigs even though he is probably around 6. His pea eye remains fairly severe in both eyes but he consistently runs figure eights in the cage and popcorns. He is still on .65 of lotensin twice daily and .1 of metacam once daily.
2. Frizzle coughs so infrequently now. I cannot remember the last time she coughed with or without eating. Her activity level is normal. Still receives .6 lotensin twice daily.
3. Pia no longer breathes with a severe head bob or flattens herself out like she's collapsed. She has filled out with weight. I think she should probably go in for a recheck and xray. Just a gut feeling. She remains on .4 lotensin twice daily.
2. Frizzle coughs so infrequently now. I cannot remember the last time she coughed with or without eating. Her activity level is normal. Still receives .6 lotensin twice daily.
3. Pia no longer breathes with a severe head bob or flattens herself out like she's collapsed. She has filled out with weight. I think she should probably go in for a recheck and xray. Just a gut feeling. She remains on .4 lotensin twice daily.
Update on Fluffy:
Continues to have labored congested breathing. Lasix is helping.
Receives .17cc Lasix (10 mg/mL) 1-2 times per day; 0.15 mL simethicone 1-2 times per day for gas.
Eats and drinks well.
Received compounded Enalapril today, but want to verify dose with others here first before starting him on it:
Enalapril banana 5 mg/mL suspension
give 0.1 mL by mouth every other day
Fluffy weighs approximately 890-900 grams.
Should I start out with a lower dose at first?
I'm worried Fluffy may have another mammary tumor. I noticed red discharge yesterday. I don't know that he could tolerate another surgery at this point. He will be 6 this Summer. He had a cancerous mammary tumor removed in 2003.
Thanks.
Continues to have labored congested breathing. Lasix is helping.
Receives .17cc Lasix (10 mg/mL) 1-2 times per day; 0.15 mL simethicone 1-2 times per day for gas.
Eats and drinks well.
Received compounded Enalapril today, but want to verify dose with others here first before starting him on it:
Enalapril banana 5 mg/mL suspension
give 0.1 mL by mouth every other day
Fluffy weighs approximately 890-900 grams.
Should I start out with a lower dose at first?
I'm worried Fluffy may have another mammary tumor. I noticed red discharge yesterday. I don't know that he could tolerate another surgery at this point. He will be 6 this Summer. He had a cancerous mammary tumor removed in 2003.
Thanks.
Update on Fluffy:
He's been on Enalapril for about 1 week. I started giving him 0.1 ml of the 5 mg/ml compounded solution every day. Continue with Lasix 2 times per day as well as the simethicone.
He seems much more active and is eating well. His breathing is very labored when he eats though. It's raspy with a squeaky sound, if that makes sense. I'm going to call my vet and try and switch to Lotensin.
Poor little fellow. I feel so bad for him.
He's been on Enalapril for about 1 week. I started giving him 0.1 ml of the 5 mg/ml compounded solution every day. Continue with Lasix 2 times per day as well as the simethicone.
He seems much more active and is eating well. His breathing is very labored when he eats though. It's raspy with a squeaky sound, if that makes sense. I'm going to call my vet and try and switch to Lotensin.
Poor little fellow. I feel so bad for him.
-
Mum
- I GAVE, dammit!
Candy, 3+ years abby sow, pulled from shelter 1/16.
Very thin, hunched, fluffed, fast heart rate, not gaining weight. Hooting occasionally.
Xray, full bloodwork, T4. T4 normal.
Xray showed enlarged heart (diagnosed by 2nd vet - first said looked normal), fluid in lungs, stones
1/23 Lasix, bactrim
2/23 After 2nd vet evaluation concurred heart was enlarged. Started on lasix.
Weight instantly started to increase.
Stones to be re-evaluated at a later stage. Two vets concur the 10-20 1ml stones which appear to be in the bladder do not show bladder in normal place.
Very thin, hunched, fluffed, fast heart rate, not gaining weight. Hooting occasionally.
Xray, full bloodwork, T4. T4 normal.
Xray showed enlarged heart (diagnosed by 2nd vet - first said looked normal), fluid in lungs, stones
1/23 Lasix, bactrim
2/23 After 2nd vet evaluation concurred heart was enlarged. Started on lasix.
Weight instantly started to increase.
Stones to be re-evaluated at a later stage. Two vets concur the 10-20 1ml stones which appear to be in the bladder do not show bladder in normal place.
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Mum
- I GAVE, dammit!
I had xrays done on three pigs here quite some time ago. I just sent them to Dr. R. and he said that two most definitely have enlarged hearts, and the third is in a 'gray' area. Given the symptoms of the third (Llewelyn) he thinks we should go ahead and start another trial of heart meds.
1 - breed, age and sex of pig: Llewelyn, approx 4, neutered male
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: recent weight loss, severe gurgling after neuter surgery which responded well to lasix, much quieter than previously. Yesterday brief rattling, heart murmur, this morning faint hooting.
3 - diagnostics done and the results: heart x-ray taken a year or so ago was normal. Not doing a new one at the moment
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues: arthritis in one knee
This is copied from the post I made in October. He didn't seem to tolerate the lotensin, and I stopped after two doses. I'm going to give it another trial, but starting at a much lower dose and working up.
*****************************************
1 - breed, age and sex of pig: Goldie, 5 year old sow
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: very sound sleeper, not particularly active, but has occasional 'zoomies.' A few times I've had trouble waking her up. Gradual weight loss over the past few years.
3 - diagnostics done and the results: Heart xray taken some time ago was originally diagnosed as normal. Submitted to Dr. R who says heart is definitely enlarged.
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues:top front incisor was removed - occasionally regrows and has to be clipped.
*****************************************
1 - breed, age and sex of pig: Snuggles, abby sow, 18 months old
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: has always been extremely quiet, even as a baby. Occasionally rattles and hoots (this started last summer).
3 - diagnostics done and the results: heart x-ray taken last summer was said to be normal. Dr. R. says shows definite enlargement.
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues: none
1 - breed, age and sex of pig: Llewelyn, approx 4, neutered male
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: recent weight loss, severe gurgling after neuter surgery which responded well to lasix, much quieter than previously. Yesterday brief rattling, heart murmur, this morning faint hooting.
3 - diagnostics done and the results: heart x-ray taken a year or so ago was normal. Not doing a new one at the moment
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues: arthritis in one knee
This is copied from the post I made in October. He didn't seem to tolerate the lotensin, and I stopped after two doses. I'm going to give it another trial, but starting at a much lower dose and working up.
*****************************************
1 - breed, age and sex of pig: Goldie, 5 year old sow
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: very sound sleeper, not particularly active, but has occasional 'zoomies.' A few times I've had trouble waking her up. Gradual weight loss over the past few years.
3 - diagnostics done and the results: Heart xray taken some time ago was originally diagnosed as normal. Submitted to Dr. R who says heart is definitely enlarged.
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues:top front incisor was removed - occasionally regrows and has to be clipped.
*****************************************
1 - breed, age and sex of pig: Snuggles, abby sow, 18 months old
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems: has always been extremely quiet, even as a baby. Occasionally rattles and hoots (this started last summer).
3 - diagnostics done and the results: heart x-ray taken last summer was said to be normal. Dr. R. says shows definite enlargement.
4 - treatment, med and dosage: lotensin 1mg twice a day
5 - results of treatment: TBD
6 - other med issues: none
1 - breed, age and sex of pig
Satin, 2 years and 9 months old, boar
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems
Morrison wasn't eating right, dropping pellets, had recurring URI, often lay quietly on his pillow, no longer ran to edge of cage. Baytril wasn't working. Soft hooting from the cage in the morning, getting load enough to wake me from sleep until he took a drink of water, coughed and no more hooting.
3 - diagnostics done and the results
Vet suggested teeth problems and trimmed incisors. No help. Baytril for URI. No help. I asked for x-ray. Found large amounts of gas, vet said heart did not look enlarged, no fluid in lungs. Said we could have blood drawn, or try Lotensin.
4 - treatment, med and dosage
Lotensin .1mg 2x per day.
5 - results of treatment
Saw results right away. Morrison was not dropping any pellets by the second day on Lotensin and was eating whole strands of hay rather than the shortest pieces he could find. Still doing well! Weight has leveled off and Morrison is much more active during the day.
6 - other med issues
None, other than barbering of back leg hair. Stopped after Lotensin and is now growing back thick again.
Satin, 2 years and 9 months old, boar
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems
Morrison wasn't eating right, dropping pellets, had recurring URI, often lay quietly on his pillow, no longer ran to edge of cage. Baytril wasn't working. Soft hooting from the cage in the morning, getting load enough to wake me from sleep until he took a drink of water, coughed and no more hooting.
3 - diagnostics done and the results
Vet suggested teeth problems and trimmed incisors. No help. Baytril for URI. No help. I asked for x-ray. Found large amounts of gas, vet said heart did not look enlarged, no fluid in lungs. Said we could have blood drawn, or try Lotensin.
4 - treatment, med and dosage
Lotensin .1mg 2x per day.
5 - results of treatment
Saw results right away. Morrison was not dropping any pellets by the second day on Lotensin and was eating whole strands of hay rather than the shortest pieces he could find. Still doing well! Weight has leveled off and Morrison is much more active during the day.
6 - other med issues
None, other than barbering of back leg hair. Stopped after Lotensin and is now growing back thick again.
1 - Abyssnian/5 year old/male
2 - chronic gas/hooting/pea eye/deep sleeper-sleeps with eyes closed/lap pig/lost his wheek/trouble waking up last time under anesthetic
3 - xray showed enlarged hard reaching almost past 4th rib
4 - enalapril 0.5 mg once a day
5 - by 2nd night gas reducing/more energy-running around play area with more zest/3rd night didn't want to cuddle on chest - too energetic to cuddle :O)
6 - has been on reglan to help with the chronic gas/hoping to reduce the reglan and eliminate it/meloxicam for arthiritis on his knee which showed on xray/every since a tooth break in december his incisors need to be trimmed every few weeks because his bite is now off
2 - chronic gas/hooting/pea eye/deep sleeper-sleeps with eyes closed/lap pig/lost his wheek/trouble waking up last time under anesthetic
3 - xray showed enlarged hard reaching almost past 4th rib
4 - enalapril 0.5 mg once a day
5 - by 2nd night gas reducing/more energy-running around play area with more zest/3rd night didn't want to cuddle on chest - too energetic to cuddle :O)
6 - has been on reglan to help with the chronic gas/hoping to reduce the reglan and eliminate it/meloxicam for arthiritis on his knee which showed on xray/every since a tooth break in december his incisors need to be trimmed every few weeks because his bite is now off
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LAWomans
- "Live Long and Prosper"
Freddie
1-Texal/under 4 years/neutered male
2- Coughing occasionally in the morning, runs around then falls asleep anywhere, sleeps soundly.
3- X-ray shows enlarged heart, no fluid in lungs
4-On .3cc Lotensin twice a day
Too soon to tell if the Lotensin is making a difference.
1-Texal/under 4 years/neutered male
2- Coughing occasionally in the morning, runs around then falls asleep anywhere, sleeps soundly.
3- X-ray shows enlarged heart, no fluid in lungs
4-On .3cc Lotensin twice a day
Too soon to tell if the Lotensin is making a difference.
1 - Peeky, sow approx 4.5 yrs old, teddy
2 - always sounded "snuffly" from the time of adoption at 2.5 yrs. Sedentary. Has episodic hooting - a couple episodes severe enough to hear from across the room. Before going on meds, she got so bad she could not walk the 28" back to her hidey hut from the hay box without resting first.
3 - an xray was done, but the heart could not be seen because of all the fluid in and around the lungs. Some liver issues (possibly enlargement) was noted, which the vet said was also indicative of heart issues. There was also some gas present. She had previously received antibiotics with no improvement.
4 - Peeky was put on .2cc q12h of lasix, which was gradually increased to .35cc q12h. Despite the vet preferring enacard, she was placed on lotensin .2cc q24h (first two weeks .1cc q24h). After a number of weeks, I am working on decreasing the lasix. The lotensin was started a few weeks after the lasix.
5 - Peeky had one awful episode of hooting (where she could be heard trying to breathe from across the room) approx 1 week after starting the lotensin. Since that time she has not hooted (about a month or two). Her bald spots are now growing back in. She has the same level of activity, but does not have problems making it across her cage as she did during the worst of it.
6 - Peeky has had chronic hair loss issues. Previously this was resolved only by 2 weeks of maleseb baths, though the diagnosis of fungus did not really make sense. I thought perhaps her skin was the issue, but it remained a mystery problem. It is worth noting that Peeky saw a non-cavy savvy vet several times and the diagnosis she received are as follows: a) (initial exam) "no problem" b) "bordetella" (no discharge was present, other pigs healthy) c) (vet speculation over phone) "asthma/allergies" At the time of proper diagnosis (with a cavy savvy vet and when I could suggest a diagnosis), Peeky was developing one of her characteristic side bald spots (not bilateral), which is currently filling back in approx 2-3 months after starting treatment.
2 - always sounded "snuffly" from the time of adoption at 2.5 yrs. Sedentary. Has episodic hooting - a couple episodes severe enough to hear from across the room. Before going on meds, she got so bad she could not walk the 28" back to her hidey hut from the hay box without resting first.
3 - an xray was done, but the heart could not be seen because of all the fluid in and around the lungs. Some liver issues (possibly enlargement) was noted, which the vet said was also indicative of heart issues. There was also some gas present. She had previously received antibiotics with no improvement.
4 - Peeky was put on .2cc q12h of lasix, which was gradually increased to .35cc q12h. Despite the vet preferring enacard, she was placed on lotensin .2cc q24h (first two weeks .1cc q24h). After a number of weeks, I am working on decreasing the lasix. The lotensin was started a few weeks after the lasix.
5 - Peeky had one awful episode of hooting (where she could be heard trying to breathe from across the room) approx 1 week after starting the lotensin. Since that time she has not hooted (about a month or two). Her bald spots are now growing back in. She has the same level of activity, but does not have problems making it across her cage as she did during the worst of it.
6 - Peeky has had chronic hair loss issues. Previously this was resolved only by 2 weeks of maleseb baths, though the diagnosis of fungus did not really make sense. I thought perhaps her skin was the issue, but it remained a mystery problem. It is worth noting that Peeky saw a non-cavy savvy vet several times and the diagnosis she received are as follows: a) (initial exam) "no problem" b) "bordetella" (no discharge was present, other pigs healthy) c) (vet speculation over phone) "asthma/allergies" At the time of proper diagnosis (with a cavy savvy vet and when I could suggest a diagnosis), Peeky was developing one of her characteristic side bald spots (not bilateral), which is currently filling back in approx 2-3 months after starting treatment.
-
GP Lover
- My home, ruled by pigs!
1 - breed, age and sex of pig
Elsie is an american short hair, 7yrs + 3mth old, female.
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems
Came home from work and found her struggling to breathe and crackly breathing sound. She also wouldn't eat in the morning or when I came home from work.
3 - diagnostics done and the results
X-ray - the vet could not see the heart...too much fluid. Ultrasound done the next day revealed an enlarged heart, fluid and an aorta twice the normal size. I was advised she was in advanced heart failure.
4 - treatment, med and dosage
Spent two days in oxygen and given meds by injection. Went home with Bactrim in case of infection, Enalapril at .13 twice/day every other day and Lasix at .3cc twice/day
5 - results of treatment
Within a few days she returned to normal but had lost a lot of weight while at the vets office. Although she has not put the weight back on she continues to eat well, maintaining the weight she is at and runs around like a 1yr old pig at floor time. I reduced her lasix down to .1cc 2 x day and continues to take Enalapril.
6 - other med issues
Requires tooth clipping every 4-6 weeks for the last two years.
Elsie is an american short hair, 7yrs + 3mth old, female.
2 - brief description of symptoms that made you suspect heart problems
Came home from work and found her struggling to breathe and crackly breathing sound. She also wouldn't eat in the morning or when I came home from work.
3 - diagnostics done and the results
X-ray - the vet could not see the heart...too much fluid. Ultrasound done the next day revealed an enlarged heart, fluid and an aorta twice the normal size. I was advised she was in advanced heart failure.
4 - treatment, med and dosage
Spent two days in oxygen and given meds by injection. Went home with Bactrim in case of infection, Enalapril at .13 twice/day every other day and Lasix at .3cc twice/day
5 - results of treatment
Within a few days she returned to normal but had lost a lot of weight while at the vets office. Although she has not put the weight back on she continues to eat well, maintaining the weight she is at and runs around like a 1yr old pig at floor time. I reduced her lasix down to .1cc 2 x day and continues to take Enalapril.
6 - other med issues
Requires tooth clipping every 4-6 weeks for the last two years.