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GP can’t seem to open mouth? - teeth

Gen140

Gen140

New Born Pup
Joined
Jan 17, 2024
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Location
Hertfordshire
Hi, we noticed our GP Daisy has lost considerable weight. We thought she was just staying in her house and not running out for food, but we think she likely hasn’t eaten for a while.

She seems desperate to eat but just can’t seem to open her mouth?. Gave her some dandelions which she loves, and you could see she wanted them but just couldn’t open for them.

Took her to our vet and they trimmed her front teeth but tonight she is still exactly the same. Vet gave formula food to give her, which we have managed to get her to open a little to have. They did say cheek teeth possibly could be a bit overgrown, but would need to sedate her to do it, which (a) is very expensive and (b) can’t be a good idea when she is so weak. They also said they thought they could possibly feel an ovarian cyst (weren’t 100%) - but dont think a lot can go about that if don’t want to put her through surgery?

Really worried what should do now, we can’t keep spending, and don’t want her to suffer in any way - any advice appreciated.
 
Gen140 said:
Hi, we noticed our GP Daisy has lost considerable weight. We thought she was just staying in her house and not running out for food, but we think she likely hasn’t eaten for a while.

She seems desperate to eat but just can’t seem to open her mouth?. Gave her some dandelions which she loves, and you could see she wanted them but just couldn’t open for them.

Took her to our vet and they trimmed her front teeth but tonight she is still exactly the same. Vet gave formula food to give her, which we have managed to get her to open a little to have. They did say cheek teeth possibly could be a bit overgrown, but would need to sedate her to do it, which (a) is very expensive and (b) can’t be a good idea when she is so weak. They also said they thought they could possibly feel an ovarian cyst (weren’t 100%) - but dont think a lot can go about that if don’t want to put her through surgery?

Really worried what should do now, we can’t keep spending, and don’t want her to suffer in any way - any advice appreciated.
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Hi

Please contact the Cat&Rabbit Care Clinic in Northampton tomorrow. They are the most experienced guinea pig dental vets in the UK and see guinea pigs from all over the country that the local vets can't treat. If necessary ask your vet for an urgent referral.
CAT AND RABBIT CARE CLINIC | Northlands Vets

Please step with round the clock syringe feeding care and also offer her water but never just squirt it into the mouth in case it goes down the wrong way. You need to aim for ideally 60-90 ml of feed in 24 hours.
Here is our very practical syringe feeding guide with all the how-to tips and in depth information: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

@furryfriends (TEAS)
 
Wiebke said:
Hi

Please contact the Cat&Rabbit Care Clinic in Northampton tomorrow. They are the most experienced guinea pig dental vets in the UK and see guinea pigs from all over the country that the local vets can't treat. If necessary ask your vet for an urgent referral.
CAT AND RABBIT CARE CLINIC | Northlands Vets

Please step with round the clock syringe feeding care and also offer her water but never just squirt it into the mouth in case it goes down the wrong way. You need to aim for ideally 60-90 ml of feed in 24 hours.
Here is our very practical syringe feeding guide with all the how-to tips and in depth information: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

@furryfriends (TEAS)
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I have seen others on here mention this vets, so will give them a call.

do you know if they can do back cheek teeth without sedation? And any ideas on cost?

Really hoping we can help her - managed to get some of the emergency food into her tonight after several failed attempts!
 
Gen140 said:
I have seen others on here mention this vets, so will give them a call.

do you know if they can do back cheek teeth without sedation? And any ideas on cost?

Really hoping we can help her - managed to get some of the emergency food into her tonight after several failed attempts!
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Hi, in most cases they can do it without sedation.They really are the best vets for dentals in this country.For emergency appointments it's best to ring at 8 on the dot as appointments go quickly.
 
I think Simon can check the back teeth without sedation. I think it’s around £70 - £80 for a consultation although that was a couple of years ago so the price may have increased by now. I’m sorry as I can’t remember if that included the dental but whatever the cost, it’s money well spent as Simon really is the best when it comes to guinea pig dentistry. All the best for you and Daisy x
 
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furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Yes, Simon or Kim can check the whole mouth without anaesthetic. In most cases the dental can be carried out, at the same time, quickly and easily. They aren’t too busy at the moment, so give them a ring at 8 am x
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Sadly have called this morning and was advised that back teeth are always required to have a general anaesthetic, the lady said never done without. Of course this is both costly but also am not sure she would even survive that, so a lot to put her through 😔
 
They would definitely be able to check all the teeth without anaesthetic, so you would know exactly what the problem is, before making any decisions. I run a sanctuary for guinea pigs with ongoing health issues, primarily dental, and are able to offer permanent places to guinea pigs, where they will live out their life with us, whilst we fund all their veterinary treatment.

This is our charity The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary (for guinea pigs with extra needs) | Northampton
 
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furryfriends (TEAS) said:
They would definitely be able to check all the teeth without anaesthetic, so you would know exactly what the problem is, before making any decisions. I run a sanctuary for guinea pigs with ongoing health issues, primarily dental, and are able to offer permanent places to guinea pigs, where they will live out their life with us, whilst we fund all their veterinary treatment.

This is our charity The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary (for guinea pigs with extra needs) | Northampton
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I just don’t know what to do. Daisy saw our vet yesterday who trimmed her front teeth. This hasn’t helped at all. Just brought her in and she still can’t eat, she shows an interest but then can’t seem to open her mouth.
I really don’t think she’s strong enough for anaesthetic, and as front already trimmed it must be the back, or something else? And the receptionist said this would all be under general. Feeling at a loss, we love her to bits, but also don’t have funds to keep paying when so far isn’t helping her, would hate her to be suffering.
 
Gen140 said:
I just don’t know what to do. Daisy saw our vet yesterday who trimmed her front teeth. This hasn’t helped at all. Just brought her in and she still can’t eat, she shows an interest but then can’t seem to open her mouth.
I really don’t think she’s strong enough for anaesthetic, and as front already trimmed it must be the back, or something else? And the receptionist said this would all be under general. Feeling at a loss, we love her to bits, but also don’t have funds to keep paying when so far isn’t helping her, would hate her to be suffering.
Click to expand...

Please book an appointment at the Cat&Rabbit for as soon as possible. They are very used to dealing with very frail piggies that have lost lots of weight because of dental overgrowth. it is your best chance of saving your piggy's life because with each passing day the untreated overgrowth will get worse.

I am sorry if that sounds a bit harsh but you are in a situation where you need to make some tough choices and your wiggle space is disappearing fast. Please give the Northampton clinic a try; you have nothing to lose but everything to gain by taking your piggy to best place possible. The sooner you act, the less difficult any dental treatment is going to be.

PS: The Cat&Rabbit also uses a different GA drug that makes for a much better recovery, by the way. I can vouch for my own piggies, compared to other vet clinics; just to make that point. ;)

Members with dental piggies can corrobate this. @Bill & Ted
 
Wiebke said:
Please book an appointment at the Cat&Rabbit for as soon as possible. They are used to dealing with very frail piggies that have lost lots of weight because of dental overgrowth; it is your best chance of saving your piggy's life because with each passing day the untreated overgrowth will get worse.

I am sorry if that sounds a bit harsh but you are in a situation where you need to make some tough choices and your wiggle space is disappearing fast. Please give the Northamptom clinic a try; you have nothing to lose but everything to gain. ;)
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I did call them, but they said for back teeth they have to give a general and I honestly don’t think she’d survive that.

Please don’t think we haven’t done anything!, we have seen our vet yesterday and she cut the front teeth and gave us critical care, which we are giving.

She’s had front dine now, so is def not them that’s now the problem. So am guessing must be the back, or perhaps something else entirely
 
Even if they did have to sedate or anaesthetise her to do any actual work, they would be able to take a thorough look at all the teeth, including molars whilst she is fully conscious. At least then you'll have an idea of what you're dealing with 👍
 
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