Help for Casper - deaf/blind white baby with teeth problems

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Caspersmom

Post   » Sat May 03, 2008 10:35 pm


With hand feeding, she's gained about 20 or 25 grams so she's now about 250 grams (in 15 hours). Thanks everyone for the help and encouragement!

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pigsforlife3

Post   » Sun May 04, 2008 7:51 am


Casper - I live in Perth as well. The only cavvy savvy vet in W.A is Dr Vickeridge at Rabbit Medicine - I take it you are seeing her? She is really nice, but does tend to rush you through so getting an half hour appointment may be a good idea (as a pose to a 15 minute appointment).

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Jennicat

Post   » Sun May 04, 2008 8:17 am


Caspersmom, bless you for taking care of her. There are so many people that wouldn't bother for "just a guinea pig". Please let us know how Casper keeps doing!

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Caspersmom

Post   » Sun May 04, 2008 8:20 pm


Pigsforlife3, it is Dr. Vickeridge I tried to get in to this morning - but she's away till Friday, so I booked a half hour appointment for then (thanks for that tip). They suggested Riesely Street, Murdoch or Balcatta clinics for an emergency check up, and to come in to their clinic to pick up Critical Care and pain meds. Is there any other vet you can think of here that could trim Casper's teeth this week?

Jennicat, this is a special little pig, I don't have a choice!

I also realized that she gains 20 grams each meal - then poops about 20 grams. So she's not really gaining weight, but maintaining weight at least.

If I can figure out how to add a photo here, I will.

EllieMom

Post   » Sun May 04, 2008 8:55 pm


Tell Casper there are a lot of people out here rooting for her.

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Caspersmom

Post   » Sun May 04, 2008 10:11 pm


Aw, thanks EllieMom, much appreciated!

I found the best way to get her to eat on her own is to grate the veggies with a veggie grater (carrots, sweet potato, zucchini) and then very finely slice everything else.

We're off to the fill-in vet (Risely Street) to get her teeth trimmed hopefully, and pick up the Critical Care.

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Caspersmom

Post   » Mon May 05, 2008 2:18 am


Just got back from the vet - he said her mouth is deformed as well as her teeth, there was nothing he could do and that she would die. Casper shrieked a lot while he poked around, poor little thing. He didn't charge me, was very nice, but I drove teary-eyed to the specialist's office to pick up Critical Care.

The Rabbit Medicine staff were really nice - said they didn't think it looked that hopeless (I filed a good amount down apparently!) and the vet will help on Friday. They didn't make Casper shriek when they looked at her mouth. They showed me how to feed her Critical Care, and fed her some (they thought her weight looked pretty ok considering). So I'm feeling more hopeful. She may not live a long life but I'll make sure she lives a good life.

And I couldn't help but get a baby rabbit to keep my rabbit company, a little chocolate dwarf lop. I'll get him in a few weeks time, and the price includes neutering. Dangerous place to visit!

I'll try to link to some photos here. As you can see, Casper's pretty adorable, full of personality and a tough little critter to survive 7 weeks with me, her idiot mom, throwing big chunks of food at her.

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Tracis
Let Sleeping Pigs Lie

Post   » Mon May 05, 2008 2:23 am


Casper looks so adorable, and she is very lucky to have you to care for her. You are doing such a wonderful job with her. :)

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pigsforlife3

Post   » Mon May 05, 2008 5:38 am


Casper is very very cute.

Unfortunately all of the 'normal' vets dont know a hell of alot about pigs and so I would not believe anything the vet on Risely Street told you until you have seen Dr Vickeridge. I had to take Ella to the Balcatta Emergency Vet when she first came here as it was after hours, and looking back they did alot of things wrong.

Grating veggies up is a good idea, pigs with teeth problems tend to find it easier to eat this way. I have also found that the pigs like the Critical Care better if it is as thick as possible - yet can still be syringed up. It takes a bit of experimenting but it gets easier with practice.

If she isnt eating by herself at all, then you need to aim to get about 50mls of the CC down her each day. It is a heck of alot I know. Be sure she is getting plenty of fluids as well.

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salana
GL is Just Peachy

Post   » Mon May 05, 2008 8:20 am


Einy's lower jaw was a total mess and he lived to 2 and a half.

EllieMom

Post   » Mon May 05, 2008 9:30 am


Casper is a beauty, and lucky to have you. Sometimes doctors are pessimistic because they assume that people aren't willing to do what's necessary to keep these little guys. Einy is a great example.

You've got her this far. She's weaned. She's eating grated vegetables. You've got Critical Care and know how to syringe feed her. Most lethals never get to that place, so most doctors know zip about what's possible and what's not.

Hang in there, Casper and Caspersmom.

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Bethie
Still supporting in 2014

Post   » Mon May 05, 2008 2:04 pm


She is beautiful. All you can do is give her your best for whatever time she has. I hope she does well.

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