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Bloating problem?

C

Charlierose

New Born Pup
Joined
Dec 19, 2021
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Location
Norfolk
Hi, so I’ve just noticed my pigs stomach feeling quite firm and big. He’s not eating his fresh greens or his dry food. When I first got him I asked about what they eat as I’m a first time Guinea pig owner and the man in the pet shop had said he feeds them iceberg lettuce but today I found out that causes bloating. I’ve obviously stopped giving him it and gave him Something else but I’m still quite worried as everything about bloating I’ve read has said about vets. Is there anything I can do at home for him. Or maybe anything I can buy online to help
 
Also, I have been treating and feeding my other pig the same and he’s perfect. Often popcorning too.
 
Charlierose said:
Also, I have been treating and feeding my other pig the same and he’s perfect. Often popcorning too.
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Hi

Please book him in at the vet's for an examination first thing tomorrow morning. We can't tell you whether your piggy has got bloat or not but if they are not eating or eating much less than normal (keep in mind that about 80% of the daily food intake should be hay and not veg or pellets, so your piggy could be eating actually a lot less than you think), then you need to step in with feeding support asap.

Here is information on bloat: Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

Here is our information collection for emergency and crisis care; including practical tips about what you can do when you are not prepared for one with what you have at home or easily available.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
 
A few months back I stopped giving them hay because I was advised to because they wasn’t eating it and it was making one itchy all the time. I do give it to them every now and again but the same thing happens, they don’t eat it and one itches all the time. I was going to phone the pet store first thing. The problem with vets is obviously I will do anything I can to help them get better but I can’t afford a huge vet bill right now but I will try and sort something out. Thanks for the advice
 
Charlierose said:
A few months back I stopped giving them hay because I was advised to because they wasn’t eating it and it was making one itchy all the time. I do give it to them every now and again but the same thing happens, they don’t eat it and one itches all the time. I was going to phone the pet store first thing. The problem with vets is obviously I will do anything I can to help them get better but I can’t afford a huge vet bill right now but I will try and sort something out. Thanks for the advice
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Very worrying a vet told you to stop feeding a guinea pig hay! Please inform them they NEED hay for various reasons. It’s the main part of their diet.
Then see another exotic vet.
Please give them lots of hay as soon as you can
 
I’ve put some in ad soon as I saw you comment don’t worry. In future I’ll make sure they have constant supply. Thank you for informing me. As I said I’m new at owning them. Had my 2 for 2 years now so when someone who knows more than me tells me to stop feeding them something I tend to listen. I know better now but though
 
Charlierose said:
A few months back I stopped giving them hay because I was advised to because they wasn’t eating it and it was making one itchy all the time. I do give it to them every now and again but the same thing happens, they don’t eat it and one itches all the time. I was going to phone the pet store first thing. The problem with vets is obviously I will do anything I can to help them get better but I can’t afford a huge vet bill right now but I will try and sort something out. Thanks for the advice
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Try getting different hay if it is making them itchy. Which one are you currently giving?
There are tons of different types you can offer. It’s strange they both wouldn’t be eating it. Are they eating at it now?
That’s great you have given them hay again hopefully that will help.
I can’t believe a vet told you to stop 🙈
 
Also are they moving about enough? Can you gently massage their tummy if it’s looking bloated as it could possibly be gas (I’ve been told this before)
My girl had a bloated belly and as soon as I got her out to run around she farted 😂😂
 
Not sure on the make. One is eating away at it but the one that’s got the problem isn’t. They’re indoor pets and because of family emergency I’ve had to move house and had to move them in a smaller cage then what they was in but they have been fine in them for 2 years. I get them out in the garden in a play pen as much as I can but British weather is often wet and cold. I’ll try and get them out tomorrow and I’ll definitely try and rub his tummy too. I’m hoping he’s ate something by the morning but right now he’s not eating anything
 
If he isnt eating anything then you must syringe feed him urgently, using a recovery feed, or if you don’t have any, then use mushed up pellets. You cannot wait for him to eat something as a piggy who isn’t eating hay in particular is poorly and urgently needs support to get through the crisis
You must also switch from the routine weekly weight checks and instead weigh him daily (at the same time each day) so you can be sure you are giving him enough. How much syringe feed you give him depends on what his weight checks are telling you but he could need syringe feeding every couple of hours and an amount in in excess of 40-60ml in a 24 hour period.
The guides Wiebke linked in explain but I’ll add them again here now.

Your piggy does need to see a vet today

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
First Aid Kit: Easily available non-medication support products for an emergency

Weight - Monitoring and Management

Please don’t put indoor piggies outside at this time of year - it’s too wet and too cold and indoor living piggies shouldn’t go outside much beyond October as the temperature fluctuation between indoors and outdoors is too great and can make them poorly.

Piggies need hay constantly as it’s their main food source and must never be without it. Its awful that somebody has told you not to give it to them.
If they are being fussy with hay then you can try different types to see if there is one they prefer but often a piggy who won’t eat hay is because they are unwell, and this is when you need to step in with syringe feeding to replace the fibre from hay that they aren’t eating themselves

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
A Comprehensive Hay Guide for Guinea Pigs (incl. providers in several countries)
 
Charlierose said:
Not sure on the make. One is eating away at it but the one that’s got the problem isn’t. They’re indoor pets and because of family emergency I’ve had to move house and had to move them in a smaller cage then what they was in but they have been fine in them for 2 years. I get them out in the garden in a play pen as much as I can but British weather is often wet and cold. I’ll try and get them out tomorrow and I’ll definitely try and rub his tummy too. I’m hoping he’s ate something by the morning but right now he’s not eating anything
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I'm very confused; you've had them for 2 years? or are you talking about in their previous home?
 
They have always been indoor pigs and they’re only outside for an hour if that when I let them out. I’ve also noticed his tummy making noises and it’s like he doesn’t want to put any pressure on it like laying down. I’m holding him now so he can get sleep though
 
Charlierose said:
They have always been indoor pigs and they’re only outside for an hour if that when I let them out. I’ve also noticed his tummy making noises and it’s like he doesn’t want to put any pressure on it like laying down. I’m holding him now so he can get sleep though
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As I said, indoor piggies should not be put outside at all in winter.

Have you syringe fed him? Holding him so he can sleep is not important but getting fibre in him to ensure his gut can function is essential
He may in pain if he does have bloat - seeing the vet for the correct diagnosis and medication is important
 
how long have u had them for? if they haven't been having hay for even a couple weeks its very strange that u haven't noticed problems until now
 
Piggies&buns said:
As I said, indoor piggies should not be put outside at all in winter.

Have you syringe fed him? Holding him so he can sleep is not important but getting fibre in him to ensure his gut can function is essential
He may in pain if he does have bloat - seeing the vet for the correct diagnosis and medication is important
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Can’t syringe feed him just yet because it’s really early in the morning and can’t bled up his dry food but I will as soon as I can. Also seen that massaging can help so I’ve been doing that too. I will obviously take them to the vet but nervous because as I said I can’t afford it until I next get paid and that’s on the 29th
 
aleeza said:
how long have u had them for? if they haven't been having hay for even a couple weeks its very strange that u haven't noticed problems until now
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I’ve had them for a couple years now. Almost 3. They seemed to be fine without hay but as I’ve said I was told “maybe stop giving it to them and see how it goes”. I’ve gave it to them now but he’s not even eating it. He’s not been in his bed. Just payed in the corner of his cage so I put a small bed there for him
 
Charlierose said:
Can’t syringe feed him just yet because it’s really early in the morning and can’t bled up his dry food but I will as soon as I can. Also seen that massaging can help so I’ve been doing that too. I will obviously take them to the vet but nervous because as I said I can’t afford it until I next get paid and that’s on the 29th
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You don’t need to blend it. Just put some pellets in a bowl and put some water in it and let it stand for five minutes until it is mushy, cut the end off a 1ml syringe and use that. If you don’t have a syringe, try a teaspoon. It’s so important if he hasn’t eaten in all this time.
I'm afraid this situation cannot wait until 29th. Is there a friend or family member who can lend you the money? Try speaking to a vet and seeing if they can offer a payment plan.
 
Charlierose said:
I’ve had them for a couple years now. Almost 3. They seemed to be fine without hay but as I’ve said I was told “maybe stop giving it to them and see how it goes”. I’ve gave it to them now but he’s not even eating it. He’s not been in his bed. Just payed in the corner of his cage so I put a small bed there for him
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Piggies are never ok without hay - it’s their main food source, the fibre is essential to keep the guts functioning properly and also the abrasive action of eating hay is the only thing which keeps their teeth wearing down correctly. Piggies without hay can develop dental problems. I'm so sorry somebody told you to stop giving it, it is the worst advice anybody could have given you.

He won’t eat it at the moment if he is unwell which is why you syringe feed to replace the lost hay intake
 
Piggies&buns said:
You don’t need to blend it. Just put some pellets in a bowl and put some water in it and let it stand for five minutes until it is mushy, cut the end off a 1ml syringe and use that. If you don’t have a syringe, try a teaspoon. It’s so important if he hasn’t eaten in all this time.
I'm afraid this situation cannot wait until 29th. Is there a friend or family member who can lend you the money? Try speaking to a vet and seeing if they can offer a payment plan.
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I’ll try that although not sure I have a syringe but think I have one somewhere. I live with grandparents so I’m going to see if they can help and me give them the money asap
 
Piggies&buns said:
Piggies are never ok without hay - it’s their main food source, the fibre is essential to keep the guts functioning properly and also the abrasive action of eating hay is the only thing which keeps their teeth wearing down correctly. Piggies without hay can develop dental problems. I'm so sorry somebody told you to stop giving it, it is the worst advice anybody could have given you.

He won’t eat it at the moment if he is unwell which is why you syringe feed to replace the lost hay intake
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I have got the syringe and the food is now sitting in Some semi warm water to help it soften. Thank you
 
Do read the green links which have been added as they provide all the information you need about how to syringe feed, weight checks and about bloat.
Depending on the type of syringe, you may need to cut the end off of it to get pellet paste to go through it
Ensure you weigh him every day (at the same time every day) as otherwise you won’t know he is getting enough food.
 
Charlierose said:
Hi, so I’ve just noticed my pigs stomach feeling quite firm and big. He’s not eating his fresh greens or his dry food. When I first got him I asked about what they eat as I’m a first time Guinea pig owner and the man in the pet shop had said he feeds them iceberg lettuce but today I found out that causes bloating. I’ve obviously stopped giving him it and gave him Something else but I’m still quite worried as everything about bloating I’ve read has said about vets. Is there anything I can do at home for him. Or maybe anything I can buy online to help
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Update I have an appointment at the vets for 10 am. It’s the earliest they had. I’ve tried feeding him through syringe but no luck. Will keep trying. Thank you to everyone for the advice
 
All the best with your appointment. Please do let us know how you get on. Hope they find what’s troubling your boy.

PS I can’t see it but below is a link to recommended vets.
Recommended Guinea Pig Vets
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’m so glad you’ve got a vet appointment. Let us know how things
Have you weighed him?
Syringe feeding can take practice but its so important
Did you read the guides that we linked in the other replies?

Today's instructional video on our Facebook page - Syringe feeding

Medicating your guinea pig - Instructional video on Facebook
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He weighs around 2.5 pounds. Don’t know if that’s normal or the gas tho. I read everything I could to help with the feeding but he wouldn’t swallow it
 
Charlierose said:
He weighs around 2.5 pounds. Don’t know if that’s normal or the gas tho. I read everything I could to help with the feeding but he wouldn’t swallow it
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Do you normally weigh him weekly? If so, then you would be able to tell how much change there has been since his last weight check.
2.5lbs calculates to about 1133g - It’s easier if you weigh in grams to ensure it is completely accurate as anything more than a 50g loss requires action. Weigh him tomorrow to be sure his weight hasn’t gone significantly down.

There is a difference between wouldn’t swallow and couldn’t swallow. If he wouldn’t then make sure the consistency of the mush isnt appropriate
if he couldn’t swallow, then that is unfortunately more serious.
 
If the vet tries to feed him they will be able to see if he can swallow then or if you need to try a different technique/ food consistency.
Hopefully you are in your appointment now getting some answers x
 
Charlierose said:
Hi, so I’ve just noticed my pigs stomach feeling quite firm and big. He’s not eating his fresh greens or his dry food. When I first got him I asked about what they eat as I’m a first time Guinea pig owner and the man in the pet shop had said he feeds them iceberg lettuce but today I found out that causes bloating. I’ve obviously stopped giving him it and gave him Something else but I’m still quite worried as everything about bloating I’ve read has said about vets. Is there anything I can do at home for him. Or maybe anything I can buy online to help
Click to expand...
The appointment went well. They said he was in perfect condition apart from the bloating. Was giving pain killers and tablets thanks everyone
 
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