Del Boy's Med Thread - Heart

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BamBam

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 4:34 pm


Talishan

New foster. No formal diagnosis but all classic signs of being a heart pig:
1) pancaky
2) blue ear margins
3) panting even at rest
4) arrhythmia

We have a vet appt to try and get formal diagnosis but we have a heat wave here and he's breathing is quite laboured.

What's the risk of giving vetmedin to a pig who doesn't have heart issues?

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 4:56 pm


How old is he (best guess)?

If it was benazepril, the risk is minimal. With pimobendan, my honest answer is that I just don't know.

With four solid signs like that, and in the middle of a heat wave, my inclination would be to try 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2 the standard dosing and monitor his response.

Do you have any Lasix or benazepril, or is Vetmedin all you have to hand?

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BamBam

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:01 pm


18 months max

Nothing else to hand.

Don't know whether to leave him be or risk it.

Arrrggghhh.

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BamBam

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:02 pm


Oo, hang on, I have lasix. Better?

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:12 pm


At 18 months it'd be congenital most likely imo. Do you know anything about his background at all?

When is the vet appointment?

My gut hunch is to risk a small amount. Fwiw.

EDIT: yes, Lasix first. *Small* amount, again, a portion of normal dosing, but Lasix has a range of dosing. I just don't want to dehydrate him and throw off his electrolyte balance with an arrhythmia already present.

Is he drinking well/at all?

EDIT 2: can you hear fluid in the lungs/chest cavity?

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BamBam

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:19 pm


Ha, was just about to say he doesn't drink but am just watching him at the water bottle.

Agree it's going to be congenital. Don't know anything about his background. He local RSPCA foster.

Can't hear any fluid and vet appointment not until the week-end (we have a v limited pool of vets able to diagnose with any accuracy)

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:02 pm


My gut is to try a very small dose of Lasix and a very small amount of pimobendan. I certainly will not be offended if you decide to do either or neither. I wish I could give you solider advice.

Also move him to the coolest part of the house (I figure you've already done this).

Please keep me posted. I wish I could be more useful.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Mon Jun 19, 2017 10:51 pm


You said you had a heat wave? How hot and humid is the room he's in?

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BamBam

Post   » Tue Jun 20, 2017 1:36 am


Thank you both.

Tal - going to try and speak with vet today and give him a v small dose tonight when I'm home to monitor.

Lynx - the temp has been up to 30c here (unusual for
Us). Not overly humid but no air.
The house however is comparatively cool - around. 22/23c

Temps have dropped over night and are due to stay down today. He continues to pant and lay out.

Will let you know how we get on.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Tue Jun 20, 2017 11:19 am


Google says 30c is 86 degrees F. If not humid, it should not be a burden. And if it is much cooler in the house, not at all.

I agree then that this seems to be medical (I was hoping there was a simpler explanation and you could use a fan and cool a room).

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BamBam

Post   » Tue Jun 20, 2017 1:51 pm


Thanks Lynx

Was hoping for vet call today but nothing yet.

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Tue Jun 20, 2017 7:07 pm


Gah. Keep us posted. How's he doing tonight?

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