Bloat but acting normal

[squeaksandcarrots]

Hi,
For the past couple days Penny has been looking more bloated. What confuses me, though, is that she’s acting normal. She’s eating, drinking, active, and her poops look good. I’ve given her cisapride, meloxicam, and critical care to see if it would help but she’s still looking puffy. Any advice would be appreciated.
If she’s still puffy tomorrow then I’ll be calling the vet.

 

[Piggies&buns]

This is our bloat guide Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

Please do speak to a vet

 

[Wiebke]

Please read our link and book a vet appointment.

Bloating can have different causes; it can be caused by an overgrowth of the wrong kind of digestive bacteria but it can also be a reaction to pain radiating into the gut or to pressure on the gut and be a secondary complication to an underlying problem that may not have manifested otherwise. Most of the lower body is packed with the large digestive system, so any problems in there can quickly impact on the gut.

In adult/older sows, ovarian cysts pushing on the gut can cause persistent bloating.
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

Older piggies can also develop a more tender digestion and be more prone to persistent milder bloating issues. Arthritis in the lower spine can also be behind bloating, problems in the urinary tract and internal growths, depending on the severity and how the pain radiates can be other sources of persistent bloating; just to name a few.
Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection

All the best. Please continue with feeding support and adjust the level of support needed by weighing daily. Here is the link to our very comprehensive new syringe feeding guide: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures