Yesterday I took my guinea pig to the vet because he was making a snore-like noise constantly for two days and crying sometimes when he poops. They then told me that he had no lung issues and instead had gastrointestinal problems. They didn’t explain what they were, but just gave me instructions on how to care for him. They told me to feed him only green fruits/veggies, and give him NO hay or pellets for a whole week. They’ve also given me Critical Care Carnivore for him to eat if he isn’t feeling up to eating, but I don’t think he’s allowed to eat that kind of Critical Care. He’s also currently on three medicines (meloxicam, metronadozyl, cisapride). Before the appointment I never even thought he could have stomach problems so now I’m confused. Should I trust this vet? Please help me!
Hi!
Please have your piggy seen by another vet; most of the times being in pain when peeing is due to problems in the urinary tract (urinary tract infection/UTI, bacterial cystitis, sterile interstitial cystitis or a bladder stone/sludge) as the most common cause and sometimes in the reproductive tract, but bad impaction in boars arthritis and other pain issues in the lower body can also cause this.
In the case of an infection or cystitis, it takes around 5-7 days for symptoms to firm up. Symptoms in the urinary tract are very similar so it is generally an elimination process. Please ask any vet to check the bladder as to whether it is soft or hard - a soft bladder means that a stone is unlikely without having to go to expense of an x-ray or scan if the vet knows where to feel and what to look for.
Guinea Lynx :: UTI
Guinea Lynx :: Bladder Stones
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths (also includes an impaction link)
Hay is the main food source for guinea pigs (around 80%), whose teeth and digestive system are entirely laid out for breaking down the silica rich grass fibre in two runs through the gut. If there is a digestive problem, the advice for guinea pigs is always the other way round - take your guinea pig off fresh food. Guinea pigs do not suffer from constipation.
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating
That said, the medication is safe if the problem was a gut issue. Meloxicam is better known as metacam and the UK brand name for metronadozyl is flagyl.
Carnivore CC is a no no for guinea pigs; you are better off giving your piggy mushed up pellets in a pinch. Especially when dealing with a suspected gut problem. The clinic is obviously not laid out for rabbits and small rodents in terms of medication and knowledge of small exotics pets (as which guinea pigs are classed as).
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment (our one-stop care guide for emergencies and making the best with what you have got at home or easily available in a pinch including first aid kit suggestions; it's a useful one for bookmarking)
Recommended exotics vets (which are more expensive) in your state:
Veterinarians: Pennsylvania - Guinea Lynx Records
Useful tips in finding a local vet with some guinea pig knowledge:
Guinea Lynx :: Finding a Veterinarian
Impaction - How To Help Your Guinea Pig.
I hope that this helps you?
