UPDATE: While checking up the literature, and because the patient appeared painf

admin

UPDATE: While checking up the literature, and because the patient appeared painful I administered 0,1mg/kg buprenorphine s.c. (found dosage in Hillyer and Queensberry). Calmed down, and after about 4-5 minutes started "chatting", owner recognized them as good sounds he usually makes while talking. Started preparing for fixation of the leg (as surgical treatment was not an option for the owner) before he started breathing harder. Applied oxygen treatment and gave Meloxicam 0,5 mg/kg, and started stabilization of the leg. Upon manipulation of the leg he started open mouth breathing, I quit manipulation and kept applying oxygen. He then went stiff in his front legs, I concluded he'd resigned and recommended euthanasia. Died within a minute of administering Zoletil mix. Very nice and understanding owners, happy that we tried, but I have questions if there is something you would have done differently? Is the buprenorphine dose too high? Could of course be some trauma I've overlooked, or increased bleeding as adrenaline decreased when administering opioids. Would a guinea pig die of pain when manipulating the leg for stabilization, if the opioid effect was not strong enough? Open for any feedback!
____________________

5 mo old guinea pig presented at ER after being picked up by a dog. Screamed, and was a bitt dull afterwards, but responsive upon arrival at the clinic. Stabile vitals, only perforated skin over left knee, no internal bleedings, but not moving hind legs normally. Rads show a distal fracture of tibia on the left leg. Is this something that can be stabilized and treated non-surgical? Or is euthanasia to recommend?