[Gpdd] HEALTH Cocoa

[Penny Charlesworth]

Suzy, I am so sorry that Cocoa is still struggling to eat.

When Baytril first came out here, it was going to be the new super antibiotic, which cured everything but yes, it tastes horribly bitter and has to be given twice daily. I used to follow up the Baytril with a syringe of sweet tasting baby food for a piggy that was having to be syringe fed. For piggies that could eat for themselves, I gave out a slice of a favourite veg to take away the nasty taste. The my vet started to use Marbocyl, which can also be given orally, but was only needed once daily.

Then I discovered the CCT, who advised using Septrin, a children's liquid suspension antibiotic, which, as it tastes of banana, was readily accepted by the piggies, some of whom have grabbed the syringe out of my hand to get at the yummy meds. So any sick Piggyfriend always has that one now. ( 1ml. twice a day ).

Your vet was bound to find some food in Cocoa's mouth. I have watched my rodentologist insert the buccal separators and then clear out the chewed food with a little scoop before he could get a look at the teeth.

I tried Recovery when it first arrived. It is made by Supreme Petfoods and if memory serves me well, it began life as "Rabbit Recovery". Here is some info on the product. http://www.russelrabbit.com/science_recovery.php  When I used it, I found that it was rather gritty and would stick in the 1ml. syringe that I prefer to use but the formula may well have been improved between then and now. Piggies needing syringe feeding have to take as much in as possible so I soon switched back to the CCT formula, which I much prefer. I add Vit C to the formula.

I've said this before to Glynis when she has been struggling with Duke's teeth. I wish that I could magically transport Cocoa to my rodentologist, who could have a proper look at his teeth without needing to keep knocking him out. I know that most vets prefer to do dental work this way but if the teeth are not correctly clipped the first time, it is not in the piggy's best interests to keep being anaesthetised over and over again. Cocoa would be able to stay at my rodentologists, who would syringe feed him as necessary and be constantly on hand to administer any meds required and have repeated looks at his teeth to see exactly what is going on. This is particularly useful for people who cannot take their sick piggy to work with them and they can rest assured that the little one is having the best possible care.

I don't wish to cast aspersions on the veterinary profession, but there are so few vets in England that are any use with piggies so if anyone reading this has a good vet, treat him/her with care as he/she is worth their weight in gold.

You are doing everything that you can for Cocoa so just keep going with that syringe. When they had to be anaesthetised for dental work, I have hand fed piggies for a fortnight or more until they were able to eat for themselves so it can work. I remember keeping Ginger going for nearly three weeks with little rolled up cauli leaves poked to the back of her mouth plus slivers of watermelon in addition to the syringe feed. I was amazed when, one day, she decided that she could eat again by herself and never looked back. It really CAN work!

Lots of love to Cocoa.

Penny and the Piggyfriends.