Abnormal stool, normal behavior

[bettascape]

To preface this, this piggy is going to the vet asap - unfortunately, I can't get her in until Monday (potentially tomorrow but vets in my area don't often know how to treat cavvies), and would like some advice on what I should do overnight in this case to keep her comfortable.

My little girl (age unknown but she's presumably younger? She's a rescue and atm a solo pig until I'm confident she's healthy and safe for cagemates) got moved into a new hutch yesterday for a bit more space! I noticed in moving her that she'd pooped in the playpen that I'd kept her in while setting up the hutch and it was a bit squishier than usual, but considering I'd just fed her vegetables and there was no more irregularity overnight I assumed it was nothing. Today, though, she's had a good bit of diarrhea, at first on its own and within the past two hours with a bit of blood each time. The stool itself isn't bloody, just around it. I've followed other advice and have just offered her hay, which she's been eating normally, and she's been staying hydrated even more than usual, which I take to be at least a positive sign. Her energy levels have been normal and she's been eating normal amounts of food and even wheeking for treats (which I've withheld as to not upset her tummy more).

What else should I be doing to keep her comfortable? Could this possibly be caused, in part, by stress from moving to a new cage? I haven't had her for very long but from what I understand she was treated decently in her old home, and I'm very careful with what I feed her because I've read some things cause kidney stones. I have no idea if this is a problem she's had before. Any advice would be deeply appreciated, even if it's just well wishes, I'm very worried about her.

 

[Jesse's pigs]

To preface this, this piggy is going to the vet asap - unfortunately, I can't get her in until Monday (potentially tomorrow but vets in my area don't often know how to treat cavvies), and would like some advice on what I should do overnight in this case to keep her comfortable.

My little girl (age unknown but she's presumably younger? She's a rescue and atm a solo pig until I'm confident she's healthy and safe for cagemates) got moved into a new hutch yesterday for a bit more space! I noticed in moving her that she'd pooped in the playpen that I'd kept her in while setting up the hutch and it was a bit squishier than usual, but considering I'd just fed her vegetables and there was no more irregularity overnight I assumed it was nothing. Today, though, she's had a good bit of diarrhea, at first on its own and within the past two hours with a bit of blood each time. The stool itself isn't bloody, just around it. I've followed other advice and have just offered her hay, which she's been eating normally, and she's been staying hydrated even more than usual, which I take to be at least a positive sign. Her energy levels have been normal and she's been eating normal amounts of food and even wheeking for treats (which I've withheld as to not upset her tummy more).

What else should I be doing to keep her comfortable? Could this possibly be caused, in part, by stress from moving to a new cage? I haven't had her for very long but from what I understand she was treated decently in her old home, and I'm very careful with what I feed her because I've read some things cause kidney stones. I have no idea if this is a problem she's had before. Any advice would be deeply appreciated, even if it's just well wishes, I'm very worried about her.

hi, firstly try take a breath bless you! I’m rather like you and immediately go into freak out mode (despite working in a vet practice ) so I feel you.

Now you say not the poo that’s necessarily bloody but the area around it...could possible be her urine then. Either way I definitely agree with the vet visit as of course piggies are foremost prey animals and can hide illness very well. If possible I’d probably take some pictures to show your vet and if u can try to obtain a urine sample to take along with yourself. In the meantime just monitor her and ensure she is still eating and managing to defecate and urinate still.

Hopefully your vet can provide a better picture as what’s the problem.

Good luck!

 

[Wiebke]

To preface this, this piggy is going to the vet asap - unfortunately, I can't get her in until Monday (potentially tomorrow but vets in my area don't often know how to treat cavvies), and would like some advice on what I should do overnight in this case to keep her comfortable.

My little girl (age unknown but she's presumably younger? She's a rescue and atm a solo pig until I'm confident she's healthy and safe for cagemates) got moved into a new hutch yesterday for a bit more space! I noticed in moving her that she'd pooped in the playpen that I'd kept her in while setting up the hutch and it was a bit squishier than usual, but considering I'd just fed her vegetables and there was no more irregularity overnight I assumed it was nothing. Today, though, she's had a good bit of diarrhea, at first on its own and within the past two hours with a bit of blood each time. The stool itself isn't bloody, just around it. I've followed other advice and have just offered her hay, which she's been eating normally, and she's been staying hydrated even more than usual, which I take to be at least a positive sign. Her energy levels have been normal and she's been eating normal amounts of food and even wheeking for treats (which I've withheld as to not upset her tummy more).

What else should I be doing to keep her comfortable? Could this possibly be caused, in part, by stress from moving to a new cage? I haven't had her for very long but from what I understand she was treated decently in her old home, and I'm very careful with what I feed her because I've read some things cause kidney stones. I have no idea if this is a problem she's had before. Any advice would be deeply appreciated, even if it's just well wishes, I'm very worried about her.

Hi

Are you seeing bloody urine or sheer blood? The latter is always concerning in a guinea pig. In a sow, it can come from either the urinary or the reproductive tract.

Also be aware that the bulk of what a piggy needs to eat is hay, hay and more hay (ca. 80%). Veg should only make about 15% and 1 tablespoon of pellets the last 5%. Take her off any fresh veg for the time being to help firm up the veg if this is food and not pain based.

Take the time to read these information links. You will hopefully find them very helpful:
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment (our one-stop information link for emergency, crisis and bridging care)
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating