Jill, Jaffa and Jupiter

[daisymay]

Thanks for the replies. Sadly the news is not good. Took Jaffa to vet early as she lost 80grams in 24 hours. Vet could find nothing wrong. Jaffa was sedated and blood taken.

Whilst under teeth checked and checked for diabetes. Teeth normal. Sugar in blood 4.6. So blood is being sent away for possible organ failure. She lost another 70grams in 24 hours. At this rate she'll be gone by next week.

Keep you posted! Feeling really low here. Jaffa still not eating being hand fed. X-rays weren't taken as vet couldn't feel anything. She has gone from 871grams 48 hours ago to 755grams.

She was born same day Jessie left us! Even has birth mark on bottom of paw in shape of a heart. A piggy hardly been ill. It's just not fair! May get results as soon as tomorrow(Saturday). A part of me doesn't want to know!

[Sef]

I'm sorry that she's doing poorly. It sounds like it could possibly be renal failure.

[Lynx]

I am so sorry to hear this news. I know how much you love your guinea pigs and how hard you fight for them.

[daisymay]

Thanks for the replies! Did you hear me all the way in the USA? Blood results are back. After a nervous wait, sleepless night, there was no signs of organ failure.

I asked about cancer and she said white blood cells were strange(have no idea what that meant)she said bloods don't show presence of cancer?????

She said maybe infection. Try Flagyl, if no improvement bring her in with Joy on Monday and X-rays will be done. Which I asked for last week.

I asked about thyroid test but she said there was none and Jaffa didn't look like a piggy with thyroid problems.

So for now I can breathe and sleep easier. Thanks for all the support, replies and comfort you gave. It all meant so much!!!!!

[Bookfan]

Sending good luck vibes!

[daisymay]

Thank-you Bookfan! Took Jaffa to the vet today. Since on the Flagyl the weight lost has stopped and small weight gains are happening. But to play it safe she is going back tomorrow for X-rays as she is still not eating by herself and we are force feeding her.

Will keep you posted and thanks again to all who replied!

[daisymay]

Below vets comments on Jaffa's X-rays taken Tuesday November 12th 2019.

If Jaffa is still losing weight, I would swap his(Jaffa is a she) ab’s to doxycycline- on x-ray he appears to have a little fluid in his lungs. Apart from that, the only abnormality I can see is a very gaseous abdomen with a large gas filled ceacum

I have sent x-rays to the specialist site we subscribe to to see if a small mammal specialist may be able to help me interpret. I’ll be in touch.

Now when Jan and Joy had/have wind they were put onto Zantac Syrup 0.2mls twice a day. Should I start Jaffa on it or wait? Any replies thanking in advance.

[Lynx]

I can't comment on the Zantac (am not really familiar with its use) but as to the fluid in lungs, if this is one of the suspected heart pigs, it would seem furosemide could help.

Is she close to being bloated?

[daisymay]

Nope no bloat. Tummy feels soft and when you tap the tummy it is a quiet sound. No only Joy has heart issues? Though she may only have an infection as well.

Jan and Joy have had wind problems for years, Dr Vella suggested the Zantac syrup. When ever i take them off they stop eating. If Zantac doesn't help Jaffa will try Metomide tablet 1/10. Thanks Lynx.

[daisymay]

When Jiffy was sedated her teeth were looked at. Given the all clear. BUT when/if she eats there is a sloppy noise coming from her mouth. Things like carrots she bites them and spits it out. Is this teeth or something else? Elongated roots?

Since on Zantac(2 days)back to losing weight, should i take her off it and try Metomide and see how that goes? Or off the Flagyl and onto Doxy for fluid in lungs?(Small amount). Is there something going on with Joy+Jaffa? Both with fluid in lungs?

Any adice would be greatly appreciated. Thought we were seeing light but now we are back in the dark. Please if some one can help that would be great! By the way Jaffa not on any pain meds. Booked in at vet Monday morning.

[Lynx]

I would only be guessing if I said anything. Since I do not have a medical or veterinary background I do rely on and hope your vets can make the final decision on this kind of thing.

[daisymay]

Thanks OK Lynx. Was just hoping for general advice. Like maybe teeth or infection or heart. Just possiblities I could ask vet Monday. Thanks for the reply!Only symptoms is weight lost, noise in mouth, not eating.

[Lynx]

I do think you are pretty knowledgeable by now. And I bet you have memorized some of the pages! Signs of weight loss and not eating we usually point to malocclusion. You have dealt with malocclusion with several of your guinea pigs.

[daisymay]

I do think you are pretty knowledgeable by now. And I bet you have memorized some of the pages! Signs of weight loss and not eating we usually point to malocclusion. You have dealt with malocclusion with several of your guinea pigs.

When sedated for bloods teeth were looked at though which is what has me confused. Even molars way at the back. No X-rays taken though. I have to listen to the vet as you stated in post before last one.

I would only be guessing if I said anything. Since I do not have a medical or veterinary background I do rely on and hope your vets can make the final decision on this kind of thing.

[daisymay]

If it were teeth would she still be eating pellets? Cause at least 3 times a day she will go to the pellet bowl and eat some. Nothing adds up and I am confused! I will see if I can get dental X-rays done but doubt if they will have plate small enough and one machine that zooms in.

[daisymay]

Was hand feeding Jaffa some grass and at times was pawing at her mouth and at one point it was like she was gagging. Like there was a blockage or swelling in her mouth. And she was trying to get the grass out of her mouth.

Definitely going to see if this vet will do a dental X-ray as to whether they have a small enough X-ray plate and machine that zooms in. Keep you posted!

[Lynx]

Pinta has said there is kind of a pocket in the throat. That could be involved. Another sign of gagging could be indeed caused by a blockage such as an internal tumor. Perhaps an xray would show something. See if the dental xray will also include the throat for evaluation (I think they could do this).

[daisymay]

Jaffa went to vet this morning where again under sedation it was discovered this time some pre-molars top and bottom had her tongue trapped. So had them filed down.

We noticed over week-end her incisors were slanted and didn't match up. She was given a Baytril injection for infection. Temgesic Temvet injection for pain. Told Flagyl for 3 more days and keep up the Critical Care.

Lets hope now she can start eating and putting weight on again. Was told for tonight to keep her away from her sister Jill. Kept stress free for tonight.

Will keep you posted and thanks again for all who took the time to reply and offer advise and support! Much appreciated!

[Lynx]

Ah, then my idea of these signs indicating possible malocclusion were a reasonable suggestion.

I hope things improve.

[daisymay]

Thanks Lynx. Jaffa is still not eating and lost 30grams overnight. Weighing in at 730grams. We are still hand feeding her and this morning I decided to give her some Meloxicam. 0.3mls twice a day.

I don't think she is in pain I just think her mouth feels strange especially having her tongue free. Jessie use to get her teeth filed to gum line every 2-4 weeks and she wanted to be fed 5 minutes after she woke up. So am hoping Jaffa picks up soon!

If she is no better Friday will have to bring her back into the vet as she hasn't got much weight to lose now. I use to struggle to pick her up and now all too easy!

Even Joy and Jay are heavier than her now and she use to fight with Jewel as to who was the fattest pig so what a big turn around! Will keep you posted