Sierra

[Sef]

Absolutely--it's perfectly normal to worry about these guys and feel sad. They become such a huge part of our lives, and we love them and want them to be happy and healthy.

Brenda, do you think you'd feel comfortable with giving her subcues at home? Have you ever done them before? It might be something worth discussing with your vet.

[brendab]

so, is it not painful if they simply stop eating?

Sorry for sounding so ignorant...I just want to do the best thing for Sierra. She does not seem in pain at all.

My husband says that animals are different from humans in this way. So for an animal to just simply stop eating is different from a human starving to death. Don't know what to think...

[brendab]

I may drive out to the rescue tomorrow and ask them to show me how to do sub q's....

[Paula]

Oh, sorry, I wasn't implying to just stop feeding her altogether. I was handfeeding Chompsky Critical Care right up until Friday evening, when it was really clear he'd just given up.

And whether or not she's in pain is something you'll have to assess yourself. I'm certain Chompsky wasn't, or we would have taken him in to be pts.

As to your husband's theory on animals not eating - I don't know - my husband had a similar theory, that starving to death is kind of like freezing to death, whereas in the "end" you aren't cold or hungry in either case, but kind of in a delirious state. Whether or not either theory is true, I have no idea. In my case, my Chompsky didn't starve to death, because he was getting enough food. I'm certain there were other issues going on with him.

You know your girl best and I know you'll do the right thing for her, whatever you decide.

[brendab]

Thanks Paula. I am just so confused-likely from the sleep deprivation.

I remembered that Sierra enjoyed the seed heads in the hay we got at the rescue. KM's 3rd cut has none. SO I went to Petco and paid $10 for a tiny bag of Kaytee and she dove in. Tomorrow, I will go to the rescue and get more. I know seed heads are not the best but at this point I don't care. The rescue is closed today. I will ask about sub q's then too.

She also ate a small grape tomato.

She took a few sips of water. So I am waiting a bit and then starting critcal care with pedialyte and trying some pumpkin.

[Paula]

I know seed heads are not the best but at this point I don't care.

I was at the point with Chompsky where I was pretty much willing to give him anything he was willing to eat, so I totally understand.

[brendab]

She is moving more. Poops are bigger but have pinched end. She has some sass back. Cass is trying to sleep and she keeps biting his butt. (She loves him).

Still is super picky. Maybe I should get some different pellets too?

[Sef]

Which pellets are you using, brenda?

Small ends on the poops are common when a pig is having gut/motility issues (also, with dehydration). I'd just keep it up with the acidophilus and Critical Care, and push plenty of fluids.

Sending lots more good thoughts your way this evneing.

[brendab]

She is on KM because she previously would eat nothing else. But suddenly she is like a different pig...so maybe try some other brand???

She persisted in getting Cass to get out of her pink bed. Given the fact that the other night she barely moved I feel hopeful again.

This is such a roller coaster!!!!

Giving pedialyte now...

[sabrina]

I would try another brand of pellets, if she isn't interested in KM's. I remember when Elvis was sick once, he never touched Oxbow again. He had loved Oxbow previously.

Come on, Sierra! We're all rooting for you little girl. Brenda, don't forget to take care of yourself. I know that's easier said than done right now though.

[brendab]

What did Elvis have that made him picky?

She is running from a baby carrot...used to love them so much.

She ate 2 pellets and then ran away from the dish.

But she is eating the new hay and spring mix/escarole lettuces.

I am going to the rescue tonight to get Oxbow and more hay. Will it hurt to switch pellets or should I offer both?

[brendab]

And just because this is a safe place, I will tell you guys what I just did so you can have a good laugh...

I have not seen as many white spots on the fleece. Also, she has not peed on me within 5 minutes of holding her like she used to. So I though, Crap! She has a blockage-a stone.

So, I gave her 5 mls of pedialyte and then held her on my chest (without a towel, just my pj's) until she peed on me. Ha ha! Never been so happy to have that tell tale warm wet spot on my shirt.

I love her so much.

[sabrina]

When he was about a year old, he had what we believe was a stroke. He was sick for a while and we had almost given up when he finally started eating on his own. He has never liked Oxbow again.

I wouldn't think that offering both would be a problem. That's what I would do.

[brendab]

Hmmm...she was wobbly and had trouble getting up the ramp the other day.

But, it could also be an injury or because of her GI issues I guess too.

[brendab]

So, bought some oxbow. She sniffed it and then went and ate about 4 bites of KM. Sheesh.

Her weight is back up a bit, 906. Was 880 this morning. Got as low as 860. So I tried a baby carrot and she took it!

So, after spending about $50 on pedialyte, pellets, 2 kinds of hay, pumpkin, various veggies... she has decided she likes the old stuff and is eating...oh yeah, not to mention the $140 vet bill.

Silly pig.

Hope that she has really recovered. I know it can turn back around just as quickly.