Lucky

Question
QUESTION: Hi there! I have 2 piggies named Lucky and Cosmo. They are brothers and share
the same cage and get along just fine. My problem is Lucky. He is very big
(not really fat, just BIG - even the vet said he was a big piggy!) and doesn't
move around much. He has developed what the vet calls mucus plugs coming out
of his genitals and we have to check him daily and pull them out. My vet said
that if he "self stimulated" this wouldn't happen. What can I do? He seems so
blah. Even when I put them out in their play pen he won't move around a whole
lot. I just don't know what to do. Any help or advice you can give me would
be sooo appreciated!!


ANSWER: Hi Bonnie

I have to admit to not knowing much about the mucus plugs that the vet told you about.

Perhaps you could weigh lucky for me just so I can answer your question more fully.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Andy!  He weighs 3 1/4 lbs.  I took him to the vet and HE said that he was fine, no obstructions but seems to have a upper resp infection but cannot give anti-biotics to piggies.  He is just sooo lethargic and I am really worried about him.  Do you think that another vet opinion might be in order??
ANSWER: Hi again

So, Lucky's weight is fine.

Yes, I do think a 2nd opinion is neccesary as antibiotics can certainly be given to piggies, and the most popular one is called Baytril, ask this to be prescribed.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey Andy, I am sorry to say that Lucky died during the night Sunday night.  My son is so upset (as I am, he was a cute little booger!) so I just tell him that Lucky isn't hurting anymore.  Thank you so much for letting me know about the anti-biotics that they can take!! Makes me angry that a vet who "specializes" in small animals and saw him just 2 days before didn't know this. Our other pig is Lucky's brother.  Should I be concerned for him? He started getting lonely and wheeking, so we got another one for him.  Any further advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated!!  Thanks again, Bonnie

Answer
Hi again

I am sorry to hear about your loss. The failure of the vet makes me angry too.

When a pig loses its cage mate he can get depressed and pine for his friend. Therefore I certainly wouldnt criticise your choice to get him a new friend. As long as you dont encounter any fighting then you should be ok.

If you notice any problems between the two then please let me know.

andy