New rescue: Underweight Boar

[HollyT]

Desitin is just zinc oxide. The mineral has been known to help heal yeast and fungus and other skin problems hard to heal. So regardless of what it is, it won't hurt him. You could even mix the two without an issue.

[rshevin]

See, now I'm torn again. My initial reaction to his belly was instantly "oh this has to be what fungus looks like" but then I got a few reactions saying it looked like urine scald so I backed off. Now there are other people saying yup, fungus. Maybe I should go with my initial gut feeling?

Lymdyp has to come from a vet right? Or is it one of the things you can get online like the ivermection? I got lucky being able to have the ivermectin so quickly. My friend only had a little left but when I told her I needed 1mL total to treat both pigs 3 times, she just laughed and had plenty for that.

Teeth problems are a HUGE fear. I took in a rescue named Washington a few months back. He was thin but doing fair; I could tell he had overgrown molars because he had the slobbers. I brought him on Saturday, teeth were trimmed Tuesday (first day I could get in), Wednesday he was so severely bloated, weak, and seizing that I lost him. It was devasting. I'm petrified of that happening again but at least this guy is chowing down on the hay. That's good, right?

New pig has no symptoms of tooth problems, yet. What are some good ways to keep an eye on the molars? Incisors look fine but that means nothing.

[HollyT]

You're worrying about problems that aren't there. I'm not even sure why teeth were mentioned. The stuff on his belly is no big deal. Try one that you feel he needs. Start with monistat or do a sponge bath of nizoral. If it doesn't clear up within a day or two try another. It's not going to kill him. Lym Dyp is a last resort. That stuff is horrid horrid.

[rshevin]

Holly, I've been worried about teeth since the moment I laid eyes on him. Teeth are always a concern with a rescue, especially an underweight one.

[HollyT]

He's eating, no?

[rshevin]

He's eating hay only, minimal pellets.

[HollyT]

His output is good?

[rshevin]

I went ahead and gave him about 20cc of critical care this morning because his weight was still slowly dropping. He didn't fight the syringe feeding so that was good. He wasn't just sucking the stuff down but I expect as much. Luckily I have time to go home for lunch today so he can get a little more and then again late in the day.

His weight increased 20 grams after feeding so I know I got some good stuff into his little tummy. He also ate his little bit of lettuce again this morning so at least he likes veggies.

My biggest concern is that Washington was exactly this way when I got him, eating veggies and hay but no pellets. Assuming things stay status quo for the next few days, I'm going to hold off on the vet and any necessary teeth issues until he puts on some weight with the syringe.

[Mum]

Assuming things stay status quo for the next few days, I'm going to hold off on the vet and any necessary teeth issues until he puts on some weight with the syringe.

I've always found it very hard to get a pig to gain weight on critical care - usually I can just get them to maintain, although not always that.

I understand your concerns, but it really might be wise to at least rule out teeth issues. Sometimes it can take quite a bit to find out the actual problem, and if you're handfeeding all that time the pig can lose condition.

And, yes, LymDyp is 'horrid' - but it works. However you do indeed have to live with a stinky pig until it wears off!

[rshevin]

Ugg, sedation and tooth grinding is obviously scary as heck to me given my past experience. I guess I'll re-evaluate my situation when I go home for lunch and this time make an appointment specifically with the most experienced vet in the practice. He's a rabbit specialist and has the most hallowed reputation I've ever seen from people with every kind of animal you can imagine. All the rescue ladies insist on seeing him for their dogs.

Meh, I have no problem with horrid smelling lymdyp if it works. I might have to move the quarentine cage to the bathroom for that night but I seriously doubt it could smell bad enough to keep me awake.

Oh, you forgot to say, can I get lymdyp online or should I ask the vet for some?

[Mum]

The vet will probably have it. Or you can order it online anywhere (no prescription needed). I know they have it at Valley Vet and several other places.

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html ... b0d0204ae5

[rshevin]

Thanks. It sounds darn useful for a rescue person to have on hand.