Dog got into pig cage

[JJW&Pigs]

My dog had gotten into my guinea pig cage. It was a scary and very frightening time but they are safe. The only damage is lost fur and slight scratch marks. I have fully looked at them and can confidently say I have found every single lost fur area and that they are okay. Just scared, and I have put some bactine spray on the areas (they cant reach the area) just to avoid any kind of infection. I do not have enough to take them to the vet, and I'm really low on money. What now?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear that.
Were any of your piggies bitten or are they claw scratches?
You will need to keep the wounds clean with saline solution. If there any signs of infection or any sign they are becoming unwell then they need to see a vet.
I would weigh them daily so you can be sure they are still eating enough hay, step in with syringe feeding is needed. Shock is a serious problem so you may still need to take them to the vet if there are any signs of any issues whatsoever.

Is the cage now secured? (Off the floor/Lidded etc?)

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

Sorry to hear that happened

I agree, keep an eye on them and make sure the cage/area is dog proof. Our dog has a very high prey drive, so we have the piggies behind a locked door at all times

Hope your piggies are recovering well

 

[JJW&Pigs]

They have what looks like claw scratches. but it doesnt seem like skin was really broken. The only issue is lost fur and the spots that look like they are bleeding isnt external its more of a smal under the skin wound. The pigs live in my room and are far away from the dog now. There was miscommunication and someone left the hallway and my door open, allowing him to get to them. They are 100% safe now and far away from him. I will be installing more gates to be safe.
edit: , images 1-3 are from peach, images 4-5 are from dolly

 

[Piggies&buns]

So the wound is under the skin and it is bleeding under the skin rather than a puncture wound?

 

[JJW&Pigs]

So the wound is under the skin and it is bleeding under the skin rather than a puncture wound?

Its not a puncture, its under the skin and I cannot reach it, if its at all like how us humans get under the skin wounds, it shouldnt be serious. i hope

 

[JJW&Pigs]

Theyve been completely normal though, other than being scared of being in the open, I weighed them and will be daily for the next few days. They are eating plenty of hay and drinking water. They seem more scared than anything but they have been cuddling up normally next to me and even been yawning and stretching. I pray they are okay as I will be gone on a trip for the next few days from monday-wednesday so I will be having someone watch them and check on them frequently.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

I am very sorry.

Please have your piggies seen. They can be easily badly bruised and suffer internal injuries/bleeds when struck with force.

 

[JJW&Pigs]

Hi

I am very sorry.

Please have your piggies seen. They can be easily badly bruised and suffer internal injuries/bleeds when struck with force.

I will try to see if I can, but money is low and I’m very doubtful i can afford a vet visit

 

[VickiA]

They really do need to be seen and examined by a vet.

 

[Siikibam]

Would it be possible for you to borrow some money from family or friends? Or speak to the vet and see if you can pay in instalments. They may say no but there’s no harm in asking. Hope they’re okay.

 

[weepweeps]

I know money is low but I really think they should be seen by the vet. The skin looks very sore and they might need pain killers for a few days. Internal injuries may take a while to show up as they hide things really well. I hope they are ok. Could you pay in instalments at the vets?

 

[Free Ranger]

One thing I would do is say quite firmly that if it happens again the person 'forgetting' about securing the gate will be the person paying for the vet. Then they've had fair warning that you mean business! I'm so sorry this has happened to your little clan x

 

[JJW&Pigs]

Thank you everyone for your concern. I will be talking to family about maybe letting me borrow some money for a vet visit. I hope it can happen, thank you all for your concern.

 

[JJW&Pigs]

I have checked my guinea pigs throughly with the advice of a vet and have checked for any areas of injury and for any broken bones (again with the help of a vet) and am confident they should be okay. I was wrong about the spots being internal, they are not puncture wounds but instead from hair being pulled out.

 

[JJW&Pigs]

Update: No behavioral changes, ive weighed them again and Peach weighed 834g yesterday and 848g today. Dolly weighed 872g yesterday and weighs 868g today. Ive felt around for lumps and/or broken bones. Theyre eating well and I feed them critical care as a snack in the morning (2-3 scoops) Overall theyre doing really well and are barely skittish now.

 

[weepweeps]

Update: No behavioral changes, ive weighed them again and Peach weighed 834g yesterday and 848g today. Dolly weighed 872g yesterday and weighs 868g today. Ive felt around for lumps and/or broken bones. Theyre eating well and I feed them critical care as a snack in the morning (2-3 scoops) Overall theyre doing really well and are barely skittish now.

That’s great news. They’ve been extremely lucky. Please put extra precautions in place to make sure this never happens again.

 

[Wiebke]

Update: No behavioral changes, ive weighed them again and Peach weighed 834g yesterday and 848g today. Dolly weighed 872g yesterday and weighs 868g today. Ive felt around for lumps and/or broken bones. Theyre eating well and I feed them critical care as a snack in the morning (2-3 scoops) Overall theyre doing really well and are barely skittish now.

That is great news! You have had a very lucky escape there.

I would repeat @weepweeps 's advice - whoever leaves the gate open will have to pay for any resulting vet cost.