[Gpdd] [HEALTH] Imodium and Spooky

[Ann Evans]

Dear Victoria,


You are right that cavies have a digestive tract much like cattle and 
sheep. But since diarrhoea can kill very quickly Imodium can be the 
fastest way to stop it or at least slow it down. Then with fluid therapy 
and syringe feeding you have the time to do stool samples to determine 
the cause of the diarrhoea. Again you are right that the best probiotics 
are fresh droppings from a healthy cavy.

Vedra Stanley-Spatcher of the CCT in her book Diagnostic Guide to Guinea 
Pig Problems (p.72) recommends Imodium Instants 2mg. One instant 
melt/day, keep to a minimum duration. She has also told me that 
Children's Imodium can be used, 0.8 ml given orally. A second dose can 
be given 8 hours latter. No more than 2 doses of children's Imodium 
should be given. In all cases of diarrhoea fluid therapy should be given 
orally or subcutaneously. By the way Oxbow's Critical Care, which 
contains probiotics, can be purchased from CCT. Vedra also recommends 
Complan original or strawberry made with boiled water that has reached 
room temperature can be used for syringe feeding.

Peter Gurney In Piggy Potions (p.12) also recommends Imodium. He states 
that it is safe to give 0.4 ml day and night for three days, but stop as 
soon as the droppings return to normal.

V.C.G. Richardson in her book the Diseases of Domestic Guinea Pigs 
(p.59) recommends KLN the infant anti-diarhoeal preparation containing 
kaolin 3-4 drops three times daily. She also states that Vetrumex, which 
is formulated for cattle, is a good probiotic. Dose: 0.25-0.5 of a 
teaspoon can be mixed with a little water and rosehip syrup and can be 
given daily. I always use Ribena blackcurrant juice.

Best of health to Spooky and all the sick piggys.

Ann and the rescued Piggys of Piggyville Tampa Florida USA