Guinea pig constipation?

[Chandlerguineapig]

Hiya this is my first time on the forums and I really need some help, my Guinea pig seems to be able to poop but has a large brown lump of what looks like sawdust and feces mixed together but I’m not sure (stuck in his bum) and I’m not sure what to do about it. I’ve react about ‘impacting’ in guinea pigs and I thought it might be that because I have Fed him veg recently but I don’t know. Please help! (I’ve attached pictures but they’re not for people with weak stomachs please be aware)

 

[Wiebke]

Hiya this is my first time on the forums and I really need some help, my Guinea pig seems to be able to poop but has a large brown lump of what looks like sawdust and feces mixed together but I’m not sure (stuck in his bum) and I’m not sure what to do about it. I’ve react about ‘impacting’ in guinea pigs and I thought it might be that because I have Fed him veg recently but I don’t know. Please help! (I’ve attached pictures but they’re not for people with weak stomachs please be aware)View attachment 122805

Hi and welcome!

Please have your boy vet checked for impaction. This is a condition that affects around 10% of mostly aging boars when the muscles at the back weaken and making it increasingly difficult to push out the poos that are redigested for a second run through the guts to get more of the goodness out of the grass/hay fibre.
Untreated impaction can cause an infection, so it is best to have him checked before you take over the regular (sadly very smelly) cleaning regime.

Diet can help with minimising impaction in the early stages. It is however a progressive problem that is not curable.

Please take the time to read this guide. It contains diet tips from an impaction carer and also several videos that show you how to deal with impaction clear-outs: Impaction - How To Help Your Guinea Pig.

 

[Chandlerguineapig]

I watched a video on how to clean guinea pig from impaction and attempted to resolve it. It’s majority gone now and I’ve fed him hay to get the flow moving. Going to monitor him for a day or so and see if nature takes it’s course!

 

[Lady Kelly]

Often impaction can be an age issue but it can also be indicative of an underlying health issue too. Veg shouldn't cause impaction as most piggies have veg once or twice a day without issue. How old is he? Do you weigh at least weekly to pick up on any weight loss which can often be the first sign of illness?

 

[VickiA]

Our experience in the rescue is that once piggies have had an impaction they will need regular help with managing their impaction. But it’s definitely advisable to get a vet to check and see if there is any reason for him to become impacted in the first place.