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Guinea pig fell from 5 feet; Going to a vet today but need help/support

J

jmk396

New Born Pup
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We have a 5 month old guinea pig (male) and my wife was putting him back into his cage when he got startled, ran up her shoulder, and jumped onto the floor (non-carpet) from about 5 feet.

We immediately took him to an emergency vet (it was almost midnight) and the technician working said he seemed OK but his one tooth was bleeding a bit loose. I have an appoint with the vet (doctor) in a few hours but I'm hoping somebody can give me any advice?

The guinea pig seemed to eat a bit this morning and drink but he's been laying down almost all day so far. When he walks around his cage he isn't showing any noticeable limping or anything. His breathing also seems fine except last night it did sound strange for a short bit but has stopped and the vet technician said his lung seemed ok.

I'm mostly worried because he's been sleeping all day and definitely isn't himself. He was very social and came over to us everytime we would walk by, etc.

Is he possible just in shock and needs time to recover (and for his teeth to recover)? We already have a vet appointment in a few hours but I'm just hoping for some support and other advice.
 
I wish I could offer any useful advice but just here to offer support and say I hope everything’s okay! Poor little guy probably is taken aback a bit
 
I’m sorry to hear this.

It would be a good idea to switch from the routine weekly weight checks and instead weigh him daily. A loose tooth/shock of the fall/any other potential injuries could cause him to not eat enough hay. The weight checks are the only way to monitor his hay intake and enable you to step in with any necessary syringe feeding.
Keep him with his cagemate as he will most likely be grateful of the companionship.

Piggies can hide their pain so I would ask the vet if they think he needs pain medication.

I’ve linked in our emergency/syringe feeding guides for your information

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

I hope he is ok
 
He could be in a bit of shock, or maybe some pain. Good job for getting him to the vet so quickly!
Hope he's OK 🤞❤️
 
Thank you so much for the replies.

It's difficult to find a vet that takes small animals (guinea pigs) in my area. I feel better that the er vet tech listed to his lungs and saw him walking around but she wasn't really an expert so I'm still concerned until I see the doctor tonight.
 
Hi! I can't give you any advice but send my best wishes for a positive outcome. Hope all goes will for the little piggy xx
 
Hopefully he has had a lucky escape, but it is good you are having him checked over.
After any major accident the pain will often become worse for a few days afterwards and this may explain why he is being quiet.
If he has any sort of bruising or trauma, as you know from your own experiences these type os injury often take a while to develop and you might not feel sore immediately.
Hopefully the check up will show he is ok, but I would definitely ask for pain relief for a few days.
 
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