Noddy's sick. Aerococcus. Please help

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Hilary Holmes

Post   » Tue Oct 11, 2011 3:33 pm


Thanks folks. I'll carry on giving the Vit C. He's getting about 75mg / day, which from what Talishan says, seems an OK amount.
I'm trying to get about 40ml fluid into him, in addition to whatever he gets from his veg, which is always in plentiful supply.

His poops today have gone the other way, and although of normal size, seem very much more dry than usual, and certainly drier than MaggieMae's. Is 40mls fluid not enough? I'm finding it really hard to get more than that, or even that much into him. He's starting to fight the syringe. Maybe he's sick of having things pushed into his mouth.

Having said all that, the strange smell seems to be very much less, so maybe it was Noddy needing more fluids? He has scoffed some red pepper today, and seems to be eating OK, which is reassuring.

But, in between times, he's been much more sleepy again today. That seemed to be a sign previously that he was a bit dehydrated. I love him so much, as I have all my pigs, and am not ready to lose him. Has anyone ever given sub-cu fluids at home? Maybe it's too soon for that. I just feel I'm losing the battle again.

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Bytxlaura
Remembering Nemo

Post   » Tue Oct 11, 2011 4:13 pm


Subcues at home are really helpful for a pig that is fighting dehydration.

Fingers crossed for the two of you.

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gvstate01

Post   » Tue Oct 11, 2011 4:40 pm


I think 60ml is the minimum I would give. So I agree with Bytxlaura that subcues would be a good idea. In the US, they're prescription, but not sure about the UK. I don't think it's too soon for subcues, you can give them at any time. My vet gives them to make my pigs pee :)

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Tue Oct 11, 2011 7:27 pm


www.guinealynx.info/.html for more info. Yes, some people have done it at home.

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:09 am


"Has anyone ever given sub-cu fluids at home?"

Ohhhhh yeah. We've gotten downright good at it, the hard way. :-\

In the US, the isotonic saline or LRS is POM only. The needles, butterflies, delivery syringes etc. etc. you can get online in most states. You just need to get the fluids from a vet.

60 mL is about the minimum, ditto gvstate. Giving regular subcues depends entirely on the pig -- some get used to being stuck; others don't and become progressively more frightened to the point where the harm outweighs the benefit IMO.

We have, however, had more than one that one or two subcues would "jumpstart" their drinking and we didn't need to do it again. Noddy might very well benefit from one. Lots of times simple hydration can make a huge difference in the pig's behavior, demeanor and aspect.

Hilary Holmes

Post   » Wed Oct 12, 2011 4:13 am


Thanks everyone for that. I'd been aiming to get 40ml into him, so was obviously missing the mark a bit. I'm going to really push him with the oral fluids for another day or two and see if that helps. If it doesn't, then I will go to the cavy savvy vet BamBam uses and talk to them abut sub-cu fluids. I don't know if it ever gets done here in the UK. I'm a nurse, so drawing the fluids up shouldn't be a problem. Sticking a needle in Noddy could be! (But won't be, as it's for his benefit).
BamBam suggested sugar free cranberry juice, so I'm going to try that to see if he's just getting bored with orange and blackcurrant flavoured Vit C.
Thanks again for all the advice, I'd be lost without this site.

lilbitorange

Post   » Wed Oct 12, 2011 6:39 am


I haven't any advice, but sending get well wishes to Noddy for you Hilary. He's certainly a fighter :) x

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BamBam

Post   » Wed Oct 12, 2011 7:30 am


Hi Hilary. You'll be a dab hand at sub-cues and so will Nods.

You can get a bag of Hartmans from Vedra and I think I still have needles otherwise I'm sure Alicia will be happy to supply.

Plant a smacker on the top of his head for me - I know how much he loves kisses (not)

Hilary Holmes

Post   » Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:45 pm


Thanks again for the good wishes and support. He certainly is a fighter, lilbitorange, and I'll carry on fighting for him, while ever it is necessary and appropriate.
I'm just beginning to wonder if he's in pain. I can't convince myself he's crying when he passes urine, but while I had him on my knee he seemed a bit "shaky" on the odd occasion. I wondered if he was going to pu, but he didn't, but I guess a dose of metacam won't do any harm.
Then I'll see how he goes overnight.

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:51 am


"but I guess a dose of metacam won't do any harm.
Then I'll see how he goes overnight."

An excellent plan IMO.

Since you are a nurse, here's my experiences FWIW:

1. Use a different needle to draw the fluids out of the bag than to administer to the pig. I draw with an 18g; remove it, then replace it with a 21g or 23g butterfly. Please please PLEASE DON'T attempt this with anything larger than a 21g to start with or we will hear him all the way over here.

2. Butterfly sets allow the pig to move around a bit. I prefer them; others don't. Whatever works for you and what you are most comfortable with. The more comfortable and relaxed you are, the more comfortable and relaxed Noddy will be.

3. The stick differs from a human stick thus: a) the skin is much thicker and tougher (it's like you're sticking a football) and so is a harder initial stick. Then, b) once the stick is over the pig forgets about it ... as opposed to a human, whose skin is thinner and softer but who will continue to hurt for a while after sticking.

4. Don't push the fluids too fast. The bolus forming feels weird to them and they'll fuss while it forms less from pain than from the formation making them feel weird.

5. WARM THE FLUIDS!! Cavy body temp is 102-103 deg F. Squirt a little on your wrist before administration, and to clear the butterfly line. If you have had children, you're shooting for about how formula would feel or a tad warmer.

6. Gently massage the skin at the bottom edges of the bolus as it forms. This helps the skin to stretch and the bolus to form more comfortably. Our skin is stretchier than theirs but more sensitive.

7. Reread #5.

:-)

Good luck, you'll do just fine.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:19 am


Talishan, I added your advice to the bottom of the subcue page. Should there be anything you would like to add or change, let me know.

www.guinealynx.info/.html#tips

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gvstate01

Post   » Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:13 pm


Great advice, how-to Talishan! :)

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