[Gpdd] HEALTH Holistic vets

[Penny Charlesworth]

Frankie and Scratch,

I meant to respond to your post earlier but work got in the way.

I have been on the receiving end of some incorrect advice from a GP ( what we call a regular human doctor in England ) , which made me very ill so I have always been interested in alternative remedies. There are lots of very good herbal remedies for piggy ailments. I use some of them for my piggies and Peter Gurney recommended many in his "Piggy Potions" book.

There are times, however, when only a prescription drug from your vet will help a sick piggy. Antibiotics will always be necessary and an injection of Lasix has saved the life of many a piggy with breathing difficulties. Ivermectin is needed for mite infestation. 

I would visit both practices, before you need any help with Scratch, and see exactly what they have to offer. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, especially with regard to how many guinea pigs have been treated and what the success rate is. Does the holistic vet perform operations? Does he use Isoflurane, which is the only safe anaesthetic for piggies? They may have practice leaflets, which you can take home and study.

Then, if you need help, you will know who to call.

With regard to the acupuncture, I have tried it myself and it HURT!! I know that it shouldn't but it probably depends on the practitioner. I know of a Labrador dog whose life was dramatically improved by seeing an acupuncturist but I wouldn't let my piggies try it.

You also asked about Scratch and itching. Piggies spend a lot of time grooming their coats, which is what you may be seeing Scratch doing but keep an eye out for the bald spots, loose hair, flakes and the oily patches that you mentioned. There are several skin problems that can easily be cured so just be vigilant.

Hope that this is of some help,

The Piggyfriends send their love and loudest wheeks to Scratch.

Penny.