New rescue: Underweight Boar

Post Reply
Tracis
Let Sleeping Pigs Lie

Post   » Wed Aug 22, 2007 6:40 pm


"I'm just worried about the vet here being unwilling to do anything after his dismissal of my last weight concerns. I hate being dismissed like that. It makes me question my judgment."

You're a good "cavy mom", and you know your Smudgie better than anyone. I hope your new vet won't be so dismissive.

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Wed Aug 22, 2007 8:07 pm


Pft. Wait until you have to deal with human doctors on your own health issues. (Which I hope isn't anytime soon.)

You have to do your own research, basically tell them what to do (nicely), and prepare to be dismissed over and over and over again, without losing faith in your own research and judgment.

Dismissal indicates a closed mind, not poor judgment or being incorrect on your part. A good vet (or doctor, or specialist, or mechanic, or ...) will listen to you and if you are wrong, tell you why in terms you can understand.

User avatar
mmercedesmom
Supporter in '09

Post   » Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:21 pm


I too have found that older piggie, male or female, are bony in the hips. Hard to keep weight on the older ones sometimes, even with OK teeth.

I have a pair of boars who are over 4 yrs., best guess, and they are plenty heavy, but the distribution of it is another matter. Belly and dewlap galore, but bony butts. :-)

I have had similar experiences with elderly bunnies too.

User avatar
rshevin

Post   » Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:28 pm


Well thank you, everyone, for your support. I'm going to get back on the wagon weighing him more regularly and try a tiny bit of rolled oats with the mush tonight.

It's interesting that this body distribution seems common. I guess it's gravity taking it's toil.

Any further weight loss and we'll go to the vet and fight for that xray.

User avatar
Kermie831

Post   » Thu Aug 23, 2007 1:41 am


MM - I have often wondered that too, as humans get older, fat pockets redistribute. Bellies are bigger, and there is significant loss of muscle/fat in the arms and legs. It seems to be that way with my older pigs too - those that have no teeth/heart issues.

User avatar
mmercedesmom
Supporter in '09

Post   » Thu Aug 23, 2007 11:49 am


When I first brought home a "hospice" piggie from the shelter where I volunteer, I kept thinking she was losing weight. She would feel so bony when I picked her up. Yet, when I weighed her she was remaining constant, even gained a few ounces. Gravity takes a toll on us all, four legged and two legged.

She was 7 when she was going to be euthanized (weight loss, loss of appetite, "regurgitate" even though that isn't really possible, crusty eye that didn't respond to treatment) and I asked to go say goodbye to her. I was escorted to Medical and she didn't seem at death's door to me. I went home thinking I could bring her home and at least give her love and care. She was in a kennel in the Medical area surrounded by CATS. I got permission to bring her home.

She ended up living for 10 months with us before passing on her own. Surrounded by other guinea pigs here she was eating on her own, always happy to be petted, etc. She just needed a more relaxed environment. I did have to syringe CC into her the last couple of months to help her get enough food in, but she did have teeth problems at that point too.

User avatar
rshevin

Post   » Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:07 pm


Smudgie ate his pinch of oats quite well last night and seems none the worse for wear, but no weight gain yet (duh). My poor little old man pig.

cutemomomi
Obey My Authority

Post   » Thu Aug 23, 2007 3:32 pm


I noticed that with our McMac too, and after a consult with Dr. Naka, he said it is common for elder piggies to lose or shift their muscle tone and mass as they do get older.

It is most obvious around theory rump and upper shoulder areas in our McMac.

User avatar
rshevin

Post   » Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:08 am


Can I just add that this guinea pig must be crazy? I don't usually have hay right beside veggies during floor time, but this pig is choosing hay over WATERMELON. Um, ok. Strange pig.

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Fri Aug 24, 2007 9:31 pm


Strange, but good strange.

MM, bless you for helping the senior lady.

User avatar
rshevin

Post   » Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:03 pm


Boar! Senior boar! I can hear him put putting now. "That Piggy, he's so well endowed people think I'm a girl. Huff puff snuff."

:-)

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:20 pm


No, no, no, Smudgie, don't be insulted! Your build is just fine. ;-)

I meant Mmercedesmom's hospice piggy.

Post Reply