[Gpdd] [gpdd] HEALTH: diuretics and what Vedra at CCT says about them

[Cazza177]

Dear all

As promised, here is what Vedra at the Cambridge Cavy Trust has to say about
how essential diuretics are for having in our guinea pigs first aid box.
It's in relation to 1. piggies who suffer heat exhaustion in summer, and 2.
piggies who have a respiratory infection.  This is copied from her CCT
Newsletter from the winter of 2006:-

"Frusemide, Dimazon (diuretics) often just a one-off dose will clear fluid
from the lungs, either in tablet form dose 20mg for an adult guinea pig, or
if by injection, 0.2ml sub cut at shoulder.  Some elderly people have
diuretic tablets -- ask around for the sake of your pets.  Most human
diuretic tablets are 40mg, so you should only need to use half a tablet.
But PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make this a must for your first aid kit.  This
type of diuretic works faster than the herbal variety that you can purchase
from your chemist.

"Also remember that the same applies in the winter if your guinea pig is
suffering from respiratory infection.  Unlike cats and dogs where the
obstruction in the lungs tends to be mucus, most respiratory disease in
rodents involves fluid in the lungs.  Most vets fail to recognise this and
just issue antibiotics, with or without an anti-inflamoatory.  Sadly, unless
they start the treatment off by giving at least a one-off dose of diuretic,
the animal seldom lives long enough for the antibiotics to work.  KEEP this
article.  If you have any problems getting your vet to issue the correct
drugs, show this to him/her, or ask the vet to ring me if they have any
query about the treatment: 07721 026 401.

"Your vet will always try to do their best for your pet, it is not your vets
fault the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has failed to provide them
with any training on this species.

"The CCT and the British Association of Rodentologists have joined forces
and trained people at various locations within the UK to act as health
advisors to your rodent pets.  If you have a sick rodent, ring or text your
nearest rodentologist BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR RODENT TO THE VETS.  We can
provide you with potentially life-saving information, even if you live too
far away to bring the animal into our hosptial.

"Another winter first aid kit essential is Vick Vapour Rub.  The CCT
helpline number is 07721 026 401.  If you ring and get no reply, text me and
I will contact you as soon as I can.  You can text me anytime of the day or
night."

Hope this may be of help to you all, as I know not all of you will receive
Vedra's newsletter.

Carole