Adopted June 8, 2013 at age 12 weeks. Except for lice, probably caught from his cagemate, Peek, he's been pretty healthy. When I realized I'd botched the introductions between the two, and would have to separate them because of fights, I decided to look for a couple of girls to be companions to both, knowing that neutering was in their futures regardless of risks. (Now I positively cringe at how much I thought I knew, and how little I actually did know.)
On Jan 16, 2014, he was diagnosed with a "possible" URI and prescribed Baytril LA, .06 ml once daily for 14 days. (Sorry, that's all I wrote down in his book.)
On Jan 19, I wrote: "Scatter appears to be having trouble with his rear legs; lays down to eat; acts like they can't hold him up. When he does stand up, he seems to stretch 1 or both legs out behind, but holds the stretch for much longer than normal. When he lays down, he kicks or pushes all bedding (still on Carefresh) away from himself so he's laying on bare choroplast." I stopped the Baytril and called vet. Vet agreed that this was probably a good idea when I finally got him in to see her, and suggested Critical Care until recovered, which was, as I remember, remarkably fast once he was off the Baytril. It seems like he took 24 hours or less and he was acting normal again. I didn't keep very good records back then.
Anyway, vet decided he was well enough to be neutered, and we scheduled that for the 30th.
Jan 30, 2014 was neutered. Surgery went well.
Feb. 18, 2014 Developed a "slight" infection; vet prescribed Zithromycin - 1 ml once a day, and a diluted Betadine solution "flush" twice a day. It was 2 days before we actually found the Betadine, so it took me that long before I started the rinse/flush.
Feb. 24, 2014 "Very little sign of incision - no scab. Still rinsing/flushing with Betadine solution.
Feb. 25, 2014 Vet re-check. She found an unknown lump on his right side genitalia. Performed exploratory surgery; found and removed infectious "sack". My husband was pretty grossed out but he knew I'd be interested in seeing it.
Scatter's surgery 2.25.14Mar. 10, 2014 "All healed up"
March 2014 - Joined by young female - Fuzzbutt, who spent the next 3 days huddled in a corner, screaming for all she was worth everytime he came near her. I finally took pity on her and switched her and Flossie.
Flossie put up with none of his BS and there she remains. He's happy.
Nov. 14, 2014 Annual exam - all good, took fecal sample (results = clear of parasites).
Aug. 6 2015 Many, many times I treated all guinea pigs with Ivermec or Revolution attempting to get rid of lice. It appears I've finally succeeded. To date, there have been no further incidences of illness or injury .
