It is all fun and games now but this little Piggy scared the begeebers out of his doctor. “Mushoo” (don’t you just love that name?) is a wonderful little Guinea Pig or Cavy as some call them. These guys make delightful little pets but they can be real heart-breakers because when they get sick, someone usually ends up crying.
Mushoo Pork
Mushoos mom, Joy, loves him bunches and you can see why. His picture depicts his personality to a tee. Mushoo is recovered in this picture but about ten days before I had to have “that talk” with his sad mom because the only way he could breathe was with his head held up, mouth open and his neck stretched out. An upper respiratory infection had developed into pneumonia and I stumbled for the words to prepare her for an impending tragedy.
Although she listened carefully to the gravity of my diagnosis, Joy put my prognostications of an impending funeral aside and kindly asked for my plan to avoid this untimely event. Happy to move on to another subject I again stumbled as I explained his need for antibiotics and how these little guys often have serious problems with antibiotics. I could see by the look on her face that she had enough of my “doom and gloom” talk and to get about fixing Mushoo Pork.
I gave him an injection or two to get things started as we were really short on wiggle room for oral antibiotics to start working. He was too weak to object. When she asked me about a vaporizer I said sure, anything to help him breath and by all means keep him warm and hydrated.
Mushoo was strong enough the next day to insist that he would rather die than choke down any more of my nasty antibiotic drops. I had to laugh when she told me about his spa – heat lamp, covered cage with a vaporizer loaded with Vick’s gently puffing into his cage. For hydration she pureed his carrots and extracted the juice that he just loved. He was still in a hurt with his pneumonia but his attitude, like his mom’s, was good. Things were looking up -”score one for the good guys”.
More injections and round II in the spa only made things better. So did subsequent days and well…. looks like a happy ending to one of my tales. I soon didn’t have to worry about a Christmas without Mushoo.
The last time I saw him, Mushoo told me in no uncertain terms, that there would be no more needles. I had to hug him and coo to him in order to get him to allow me hear his lungs with my stethoscope. He was back to full speed and he would need no more drugs, he was well.
But before I end this chapter I just have to tell you about Mushoo kisses. If you offer up the back of your finger just to see if he is mad enough to bite it off; if you are brave and trusting enough to take that chance, Mushoo will reward you with a gentle nibble down and back on your finger like he is eating a tiny ear of corn. It feels so warm and friendly. Perhaps that was just his way of rewarding my decision to end the injections.
He left a big Christmas smile smeared across my face as he left my office. Mushoo Pork, what a perfect name, what a beautiful little spirit!!!
Mushoo Pork Smile
Learn more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_pig
That first picture of him is awesome. Guinea pigs are cool animals.
“Mushoo was strong enough the next day to insist that he would rather die than choke down any more of my nasty antibiotic drops.”
That made me laugh!
What an awesome Vet you are! How lucky your clients are to have you!
I’ve said my comments. Where is Dr. Herriott’s new book? I’m waiting patiently.
I hear you Sarah, you and Helen are twistin’ but I’m still resistin’. Thanks
What a heartwarming story!
I know, there will be more to come…and I can’t wait to read them!!
There you go! A heart warming story that didn’t turn on the waterworks! Too cute! (They are sweet little pets!) and further more – I LOVE Moo Shu Pork! HA!
Linda
Who ‘wouda thought that a smile from a pig named Mooshu would make my Monday?
Perfect name for a guinea pig! I love those little guys.
Thank you for taking care of my Mushu Pork. I was so worried about leaving him when I went on Holiday, especially the morning that I was suppose to leave. My mom has been keeping me informed on him everyday. She did not tell me that he had developed pnemonia though. I am very glad that he is doing much better now.
I cannot wait to get home so I can cuddle and kiss him.
Thank you again,
Janie
Norm,
See Sarah agrees with me about the book. I too will be patient, but I see it in the cards. What you may not realize is you are writing the book right now. All you would have to do is add a cover and a spine.
Love you and Melody,
Helen
Norm, let’s get going on that “best seller”. So many people could benifit from your thoughtful, caring, life stories.
Mushu passed away this morning. He was fine last night and this morning, when my dad got up to go to the gym he heard him as usual in his cage. It was suddenly and we don’t know what happened. My dad thinks he might have had a heart attack. I’ve been thinking about him all day. I still can’t believe he’s gone.
We are all so sad to hear of Mushu’s unexpected passing. I am so glad you brought him by the other day for me to say hello to while you were here with the other critters. His warm little personality and spirit will always be with us. May his memory always bring you and your family peace and smiles.