Guinea pig refusing solids

[ughabbie]

So my girl moose has been pretty beat down with a URI, she’s been on baytril and metacam since thursday and i’m seeing a huge improvement. However she stopped eating solids due to this and i’ve been syringe feeding her Emeraid and Pro c. At first she was reluctant to feed but the antibiotics are helping her now and she’s got a massive appetite.

She’s gnawing at the syringe and chewing on cardboard and paper when she’s out and about but she’s still refusing to eat anything solid at all. Is this normal?

To preface, she only stopped eating when she came down with the URI and before that she was munching away on everything, so i don’t think it could be dental?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear she is unwell.

When they can’t breathe due to a respiratory infection, it’s rather common for them to stop wanting to eat - the need to breathe comes first and piggies can’t breathe through their mouths very well so eating becomes a challenge.

Make sure you have switched from the routine weekly weight checks and ensure that you are weighing her daily each morning to ensure that she is being fed enough to maintain her weight.
Continue syringe feeding until she is feeling better and starts to eat hay for herself again

I hope she is ok

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support

 

[CTWC]

I am no expert but hopefully one will be on soon. However I am sure that they will recommend to start weighing your girl every morning as this is the only way to make sure that they are eating enough and maintaining their weight it should be done at the same time each morning for consistency. They will probably also ask whether her teeth were checked at the appointment however if you're saying that this has only happened once she has started her medications some medicines can affect their appetite

 

[ughabbie]

I’m sorry to hear she is unwell.

When they can’t breathe due to a respiratory infection, it’s rather common for them to stop wanting to eat - the need to breathe comes first and piggies can’t breathe through their mouths very well so eating becomes a challenge.

Make sure you have switched from the routine weekly weight checks and ensure that you are weighing her daily each morning to ensure that she is being fed enough to maintain her weight.
Continue syringe feeding until she is feeling better and starts to eat hay for herself again

I hope she is ok

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support

Thank you, she’s doing much better now since the antibiotics kicked in! I’ll stay syringe feeding her. She seems to be maintaining weight so far when i’ve been weighing in morning (only a gram or two of fluctuation). Keeping hopes up and she has a follow up appointment in vet on Tuesday next week.

 

[ughabbie]

I am no expert but hopefully one will be on soon. However I am sure that they will recommend to start weighing your girl every morning as this is the only way to make sure that they are eating enough and maintaining their weight it should be done at the same time each morning for consistency. They will probably also ask whether her teeth were checked at the appointment however if you're saying that this has only happened once she has started her medications some medicines can affect their appetite

Thank you! Definitely going to ask the vet to check her back molars when we go back for appointment next week, just to be sure

 

[CTWC]

Yes you might as well ask, also not sure if it's been mentioed but guinea probiotics can help when using certain medication but do check with an expert

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes you might as well ask, also not sure if it's been mentioed but guinea probiotics can help when using certain medication but do check with an expert

The original post did say that pro-c is being given so that is a probiotic

 

[ughabbie]

I’m sorry to hear she is unwell.

When they can’t breathe due to a respiratory infection, it’s rather common for them to stop wanting to eat - the need to breathe comes first and piggies can’t breathe through their mouths very well so eating becomes a challenge.

Make sure you have switched from the routine weekly weight checks and ensure that you are weighing her daily each morning to ensure that she is being fed enough to maintain her weight.
Continue syringe feeding until she is feeling better and starts to eat hay for herself again

I hope she is ok

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support

moose had her eye removed today, all went smoothly and she’s munching some coriander as i type this. Vet checked her teeth and there was nothing wrong! it was actually a pad of fat behind her eye that was causing intense discomfort.

 

[CTWC]

It can be very emotional our Cookie had to have his eye removed we were so upset but he has coped so well. Sending get well soon wishes

 

[ughabbie]

update: day 3 after surgery, her appetite is still pretty much non existent. i’m still syringe feeding, but she hasn’t pooped in 3 days (besides one tiny poo on friday). I'm quite concerned and we don’t have a follow up appointment until wednesday.

 

[Wiebke]

update: day 3 after surgery, her appetite is still pretty much non existent. i’m still syringe feeding, but she hasn’t pooped in 3 days (besides one tiny poo on friday). I'm quite concerned and we don’t have a follow up appointment until wednesday.

Please continue feeding and contact the clinic first thing tomorrow. I am very sorry about the loss of appetite.

When you hold your ear against the belly can you hear some glugging away or are you struggling to hear anything (GI stasis)? If you have a healthy piggy, listen to them first.

How much feed are you getting into her in 24 hours?

 

[ughabbie]

Please continue feeding and contact the clinic first thing tomorrow. I am very sorry about the loss of appetite.

When you hold your ear against the belly can you hear some glugging away or are you struggling to hear anything (GI stasis)? If you have a healthy piggy, listen to them first.

How much feed are you getting into her in 24 hours?

i’m getting around 60ml into her over the 24hrs. she’s on quite a cocktail of medication so i wonder if that’s causing gut issues.

I can hear slight movement but not a lot, just struggling to understand how she could possibly be in stasis when i’ve not at all changed her feeding schedule since the surgery.

I’m going to try to book sooner but unfortunately the only small animal vet i have operates on tuesdays, wednesdays and thursdays, all in different areas around the county.

Day of surgery she weighed exactly 830g, today she weighed in at 871g, so there’s definitely retention happening. I can’t find anything online about it in Guinea pigs but she’s on Gabapentin every 12 hours. Would that cause any issues?

 

[Wiebke]

i’m getting around 60ml into her over the 24hrs. she’s on quite a cocktail of medication so i wonder if that’s causing gut issues.

I can hear slight movement but not a lot, just struggling to understand how she could possibly be in stasis when i’ve not at all changed her feeding schedule since the surgery.

I’m going to try to book sooner but unfortunately the only small animal vet i have operates on tuesdays, wednesdays and thursdays, all in different areas around the county.

Day of surgery she weighed exactly 830g, today she weighed in at 871g, so there’s definitely retention happening. I can’t find anything online about it in Guinea pigs but she’s on Gabapentin every 12 hours. Would that cause any issues?

GA drugs can slow down the gut massively, which it sounds like is what you are likely dealing with - either a very sluggish gut or a partial GI stasis (affecting only part of the intestine so the internal conveyor belt is not working properly). The weight gain could also be bloating/gassing; your vet needs to check what is going on.

But at least you are getting 60 ml into her so that is good. I would still recommend that you please contact the vet clinic tomorrow morning. She will need gut stimulants as well as having her intestine checked through.

All the best. It is a stressful and anxious time for you.

 

[ughabbie]

Thank you, it really puts my mind at ease to at least have an idea of what might be going on. I rummaged through her hay there and found a few stray poops but definitely not enough. Going to see can she fit me in at some stage earlier this week. She said she gave her a stimulant before or after surgery also, but may need to again.

Again thank you, i’m going to do everything i can to make sure Moose pulls through this

 

[CTWC]

Sending best wishes from us all in Stoke-on-Trent

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, it really puts my mind at ease to at least have an idea of what might be going on. I rummaged through her hay there and found a few stray poops but definitely not enough. Going to see can she fit me in at some stage earlier this week. She said she gave her a stimulant before or after surgery also, but may need to again.

Again thank you, i’m going to do everything i can to make sure Moose pulls through this

Fingers firmly crossed. Keep feeding. At least you now know that the gut is working if sluggishly - which is a huge relief.
Think of it as a very slow conveyor belt so what you are seeing may reflect the food intake from several days back.

You will never see nice or many poos in the wake of an operation or a major tummy upset. The first poos are normal but they are what was already on the conveyor belt before the event and past it. Then you have a gap that reflects the event (operation or stasis) where nothing was put on the belt. Then come the few and funny poos that reflect the impact on the gut this should then change slowly to smaller but solid poos that are testament of your feeding support in the coming days.

Please take the time to read the links. You may find them helpful. in understanding what you are seeing and experiencing. Please still contact your vet for a check up. Gut drugs may help with the recovery.

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

Jun 20, 2024

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Health & Illness Support Corner

• 

 

[ughabbie]

Fingers firmly crossed. Keep feeding. At least you now know that the gut is working if sluggishly - which is a huge relief.
Think of it as a very slow conveyor belt so what you are seeing may reflect the food intake from several days back.

You will never see nice or many poos in the wake of an operation or a major tummy upset. The first poos are normal but they are what was already on the conveyor belt before the event and past it. Then you have a gap that reflects the event (operation or stasis) where nothing was put on the belt. Then come the few and funny poos that reflect the impact on the gut this should then change slowly to smaller but solid poos that are testament of your feeding support in the coming days.

Please take the time to read the links. You may find them helpful. in understanding what you are seeing and experiencing. Please still contact your vet for a check up. Gut drugs may help with the recovery.

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

Jun 20, 2024

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Health & Illness Support Corner

• 

Fingers firmly crossed. Keep feeding. At least you now know that the gut is working if sluggishly - which is a huge relief.
Think of it as a very slow conveyor belt so what you are seeing may reflect the food intake from several days back.

You will never see nice or many poos in the wake of an operation or a major tummy upset. The first poos are normal but they are what was already on the conveyor belt before the event and past it. Then you have a gap that reflects the event (operation or stasis) where nothing was put on the belt. Then come the few and funny poos that reflect the impact on the gut this should then change slowly to smaller but solid poos that are testament of your feeding support in the coming days.

Please take the time to read the links. You may find them helpful. in understanding what you are seeing and experiencing. Please still contact your vet for a check up. Gut drugs may help with the recovery.

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

Jun 20, 2024

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Health & Illness Support Corner

• 

Thank you, she did one sad little poo today but it’s the right size and shape for the first time since she got sick (albeit a little off in colour)

Vet appointment is booked for first thing when she opens wednesday morning. My vet didnt seem overly concerned about it as long as she’s still taking food.
I think the emeraid isn’t high enough in fibre for her so i’ve been slowly adding some critical care to bulk it out. Going to have a big read later on of these links.

I’m so glad I found this forum, you’re all incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Again, Thank you so much for putting my mind to rest

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, she did one sad little poo today but it’s the right size and shape for the first time since she got sick (albeit a little off in colour)

Vet appointment is booked for first thing when she opens wednesday morning. My vet didnt seem overly concerned about it as long as she’s still taking food.
I think the emeraid isn’t high enough in fibre for her so i’ve been slowly adding some critical care to bulk it out. Going to have a big read later on of these links.

I’m so glad I found this forum, you’re all incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Again, Thank you so much for putting my mind to rest

Hi

Emeraid should not be fed together with other products. You best feed it on its own or you switch to another brand.

The fibre content in Emeraid is ca. 35 % and in Critical Care it is just 21-26 % . That is why I personally prefer Emeraid for piggies totally off their food. It also tastes better for guinea pigs and is easier accepted. When you are fighting for every syringeful, that is an advantage that should not be underestimated!

The fact that she is making normal sized and textured poos (if few) means that the innards are starting to work and that there is nothing wrong with your feeding regime. Try to aim between 60-90 ml in 24 hours but you are on the right track. Just keep on doing it. She is still there and hanging in there, thanks to your ongoing support.

 

[ughabbie]

Hi

Emeraid should not be fed together with other products. You best feed it on its own or you switch to another brand.

The fibre content in Emeraid is ca. 35 % and in Critical Care it is just 21-26 % . That is why I personally prefer Emeraid for piggies totally off their food. It also tastes better for guinea pigs and is easier accepted. When you are fighting for every syringeful, that is an advantage that should not be underestimated!

The fact that she is making normal sized and textured poos (if few) means that the innards are starting to work and that there is nothing wrong with your feeding regime. Try to aim between 60-90 ml in 24 hours but you are on the right track. Just keep on doing it. She is still there and hanging in there, thanks to your ongoing support.

oh perfect! i could’ve sworn i read somewhere that emeraid had less fibre but i must have been mistaken. I’ll stay with only the emeraid and pro c so until wednesday. She’s done 2 more since her last feed at 7pm so it’s becoming more frequent for sure!

 

[Wiebke]

oh perfect! i could’ve sworn i read somewhere that emeraid had less fibre but i must have been mistaken. I’ll stay with only the emeraid and pro c so until wednesday. She’s done 2 more since her last feed at 7pm so it’s becoming more frequent for sure!

Just hang in there. It is hard and ever so draining. You have my full sympathy.

 

[Posyrose]

You're doing a fantastic job syringing that much food into her, it's hard work plus the stress of having a sick piggy. I hope the poo you found is an indication of better health around the corner

 

[CTWC]

Morning we are all keeping fingers and paws crossed for her

 

[ughabbie]

Morning we are all keeping fingers and paws crossed for her

Moosey went to the vet this morning! vet said her stomach was exceptionally hard and gave her a shot of emeprid. Almost immediately about 20 poos shot right out. Still on syringe feeding and have another appointment same time next week. I didn’t think a guinea pig could hold so many poos haha

 

[Wiebke]

Moosey went to the vet this morning! vet said her stomach was exceptionally hard and gave her a shot of emeprid. Almost immediately about 20 poos shot right out. Still on syringe feeding and have another appointment same time next week. I didn’t think a guinea pig could hold so many poos haha

Emeprid is a gut stimulant that works on the musculature to stimulate it. Has our vet given you more oral emeprid or is this just one-off? Gut stimulants are usually regular part with any gut problems and some exotics vets will actually prescribe it as part of the post-op recovery support cocktail together with metacam (painkiller).

 

[ughabbie]

Emeprid is a gut stimulant that works on the musculature to stimulate it. Has our vet given you more oral emeprid or is this just one-off? Gut stimulants are usually regular part with any gut problems and some exotics vets will actually prescribe it as part of the post-op recovery support cocktail together with metacam (painkiller).

She got one injected dose and she’s on oral emeprid 3 times a day for 3-5 days now too, along with her metacam. I wish i could recommend vets on here for the republic of ireland because this woman was honestly such a life saver and there’s not many exotic vets at all where i’m from.

 

[Wiebke]

She got one injected dose and she’s on oral emeprid 3 times a day for 3-5 days now too, along with her metacam. I wish i could recommend vets on here for the republic of ireland because this woman was honestly such a life saver and there’s not many exotic vets at all where i’m from.

You can recommend a vet via this thread here. It is not just for the UK. Members' Recommended Vets

 

[ughabbie]

Any ideas on how to get Moose to start eating independently again? She’s not at all tempted by any of her usually favourites and turns her butt to them any time i give it a try.

 

[CTWC]

Morning oh no! Have you tried her with sweeter things I know they can't have them all of the time but maybe just to get her interested? Even puree fruit baby food?

 

[ughabbie]

Morning oh no! Have you tried her with sweeter things I know they can't have them all of the time but maybe just to get her interested? Even puree fruit baby food?

No luck today I tried apple and carrot baby foods as well. I’m just holding out hope that her appetite will come back because i know syringe feeding isn’t sustainable long term. We’re going on almost 2 weeks now of strictly syringe feeding with only a few independent mouthfuls of veggies.

She’s in next to no pain now so i don’t know what could be stopping her.

 

[CTWC]

Does she like freshly cut grass?