UK Piggy - Anselmo's Medical Thread

GP_mum · Post » Wed May 20, 2015 4:30 am

Am not sure if this will help but for my asthmatic pig (Ollie) I have taken to burning eucalyptus essential oil (added to water). I close the windows and door in the gp room but check on the burner constantly, as well as to top up the water in the burner. I have at least 2 burners going on at the same time for the room, raised to sit on the same level as the C&C.

I find it helps as can hear a difference in her breathing afterwards. This together with nebulizations of saline have kept her from having a rumbly/congested breathing for several months.

Jaycey · Post » Wed May 20, 2015 5:29 am

I'll definitely buy some, anything is worth a go, especially when he's quite rattly. Thanks GP_mum.

I know people are in two minds about your Vicks. The CCT are happy for people to put a dab on their nose. I'm not sure about it as they're stuck with a strong smell on their nose that they can't get rid of, and I don't really want them eating it.

I have put a bit on a tissue before and left it near the cage just in case he can smell it.

Even if we don't think it'll help Anselmo I'm going to mention nebulisers to the vet next time I'm there. It's good information to have on hand, as to whether they'd offer it to anyone, or where we can get the components if we were to try it ourselves.

Post » Wed May 20, 2015 11:56 am

I doubt septrin is a significant contributor to stones.

Jessie · Post » Wed May 20, 2015 12:06 pm

There has been talk about it, but no firm evidence that I can find. I think it's another possible theory. However, I'd always give septrin to a stone pig with an infection. It's a short course, and a small amount. You could discuss other abs. TEAS has a lws boy with URI on alternative antibiotics. Your vet could always discuss with Simon or Kim.

Talishan · Post » Wed May 20, 2015 7:33 pm

As far as heart goes, it's very difficult to diagnose definitively -- except at necropsy. Go on clinical signs when considering a trial of heart medication, if you can get your vet to go along with it.

Jaycey · Post » Thu May 21, 2015 3:33 am

Anselmo has had Septrin before, when he had stones previously. It's like Critical Care isn't it, worth the risk of stones if it's helping the pig in some other medical way.

I've had a pig on heart med's before, even after his death it wasn't 100% certain he had a heart problem (he has a few other issues on necropsy too), but the med's did help.

Anselmo doesn't seem anywhere near as poorly as him at the moment, so I think I'm happy to continue giving him his stone prevention med's and seeing how things go.

I've had Marbocyl prescribed before, but I can't remember who for, I'd have to look at my records. But, I think I'd be happy to go for a short course of Septrin if needed.

Today he's not sniffly at all, and inhaled his breakfast as usual. I think he just likes to keep me on my toes.

Talishan · Post » Thu May 21, 2015 7:40 pm

Of course. :-p

Jaycey · Post » Sat May 30, 2015 2:28 pm

Just a reminder for me.

Friday 29th May 6.30am Anselmo only ate one piece of red pepper and a piece of carrot for breakfast. Not interested in anything else.

When back in cage he stretched/dragged himself out of the cuddle cup ao I thought bloat was starting.

Gave him 0.6ml of Metoclopromide.

Watched him on PigCam from work. Around 1.30 pm he came to where I could see him eating hay clearly.

He's been okay since.

Talishan · Post » Sat May 30, 2015 9:45 pm

What an enormous blessing your PigCam is!!

Jaycey · Post » Sun May 31, 2015 4:24 am

I know! Not just for the piggies health, it really helps my nerves and keeps me sane (well, as sane as a pig slave can be!)

Jaycey · Post » Tue Aug 11, 2015 3:47 am

Just a quick update.

Anselmo lost his cage mate last Thursday, so is a lone piggy again. He seems to be okay, still eating and maintaining weight. Not quite as active as they used to spend quite a bit of time following or chasing each other around. But, he is still active, moving around the cage.

His sludge is back big time. It has been powdery until this morning when it felt quite gritty. I have absolutely no idea what it causing it this time. His diet hasn't changed at all. Only difference is him being less active in the past week.

I'll concentrate on getting more water into him over the next few days. I really have no clue why it's back.

LS in AK · Post » Tue Aug 11, 2015 4:59 am

So sorry to hear you lost a pig.

My first thought was that maybe Anselmo needed more fluids, too. May be off his water a bit from the loss of his cagemate, so output is a bit more concentrated than usual?

Also wonder whether stress may change how his body processes calcium?

Anyhow, hope the sludge issue resolves quickly.