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Injured Girl

aredgrave90

Junior Guinea Pig
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May 13, 2020
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I would really appreciate any advice you can give me.

I have had two female guinea pigs for a little over a week. I got them from a local rescue. Everything has been going great, but today, one of them had an accident. It was my fault that it happened and I'm absolutely heartbroken. I picked her up while she was in a tunnel, rather than giving chase, and as I stood up and went to cover the end, she startled and jumped back out of it. She fell onto a bath mat, but it was quite a big distance - roughly about three or four feet. As soon as she hit the ground she shrieked. It was the most terrible noise I've ever heard an animal make. I took her to see an emergency vet, and she was examined within half an hour or so of it happening. The vet said that she had listened to her heart and lungs, and couldn't hear anything wrong with them. She also said that she is walking without a limp and didn't appear to be in pain when examined. However, I know that as prey animals, they can sometimes hide this. The vet gave me a painkiller for her/ an anti-inflammatory. She also told me to monitor her closely. Once we got home I gave her the medicine and put her back in her hidey. She has been out and walked around once since then, and eaten some kale, and she seemed okay. However, when I listen to her, she is making a strange noise; something like constant short purrs, or growls. It's quite deep and gravelly. I had told the vet about this, but she seemed to think that it is just a vocalization she is making.

Can anybody tell me whether it is normal for an injured guinea pig to make this sound? I am really, really worried that there might be an internal injury. The vet didn't want to do an x-ray/ ultrasound, because she said that my guinea pig would be too stressed out by it.
 
I'm sorry to hear this. Accidents happen so don’t be hard on yourself.

I’m afraid without hearing the sound then there is no way for us to know. All you can really do is take her back to the vet if you are concerned.
 
Firstly take a deep breath.
Accidents happen and you did the right thing by taking her straight ot the vets.
If she is moving and eating she will be ok for now.
Give her the pain killers as prescribed and keep a close eye on her in the coming days.
If there is an internal injury you will know very soon becasue her behavior will change.
Cover her cage so she feels safe, and make sure she has easy access to food, water and a hide.

And be kind to yourself - these things can happen even to the most experienced owners.

And welcome to the Forum - it's nice to have you here.
 
She could be making noises because she is in shock. Monitor her closely, give her the medication and if her behaviour changes and she seems to be getting worse then take her to the vet :)
 
Welcome to the forum.
So sorry about the accident but you did well getting her to the vet so promptly.

Take a deep breath and don’t panic.
Watch her carefully and take her back to the vet if you are still worried in a day or two after the meds have had time to work.
 
Welcome to the forum
Please don’t beat yourself up, accidents do happen and you took her the vets and got painkillers for any potential soreness. I hope she’s alright and the strange noise is nothing to worry about X
 
Thanks so much for your welcome and advice - and sorry it's taken a while to reply. I've been monitoring her closely and trying to calm down. I was shocked tbh when it happened.

I'm happy to report that she's been out a handful of times. Her movement seems fine and she's certainly eating! I'm feeling hopeful that she isn't badly injured, but will continue to monitor in the coming days.

It was really helpful talking to you all. I felt much calmer when I read your replies. Thanks for taking the time to get back to me.

Warm wishes,
Amy
 
I would really appreciate any advice you can give me.

I have had two female guinea pigs for a little over a week. I got them from a local rescue. Everything has been going great, but today, one of them had an accident. It was my fault that it happened and I'm absolutely heartbroken. I picked her up while she was in a tunnel, rather than giving chase, and as I stood up and went to cover the end, she startled and jumped back out of it. She fell onto a bath mat, but it was quite a big distance - roughly about three or four feet. As soon as she hit the ground she shrieked. It was the most terrible noise I've ever heard an animal make. I took her to see an emergency vet, and she was examined within half an hour or so of it happening. The vet said that she had listened to her heart and lungs, and couldn't hear anything wrong with them. She also said that she is walking without a limp and didn't appear to be in pain when examined. However, I know that as prey animals, they can sometimes hide this. The vet gave me a painkiller for her/ an anti-inflammatory. She also told me to monitor her closely. Once we got home I gave her the medicine and put her back in her hidey. She has been out and walked around once since then, and eaten some kale, and she seemed okay. However, when I listen to her, she is making a strange noise; something like constant short purrs, or growls. It's quite deep and gravelly. I had told the vet about this, but she seemed to think that it is just a vocalization she is making.

Can anybody tell me whether it is normal for an injured guinea pig to make this sound? I am really, really worried that there might be an internal injury. The vet didn't want to do an x-ray/ ultrasound, because she said that my guinea pig would be too stressed out by it.
I’m so sorry to hear what happened to you. It’s not your fault & was an accident. You must have been so frightened 😢 you have done all the right things, what a lovely piggy owner you are getting her to the vets straight away. I’m a new owner myself so I can’t give any advice I’m sorry. Maybe try & get a video of the noise & post here. You have to do the video & upload to YouTube then share the link as you can’t upload videos straight on. I think she will be ok & just took a bad bump, it would be like us falling & brusing ourselves & being sore as some bumps & falls really hurt our muscles & bones. Try not to worry & just keep a close eye for sure on things. It would be very hard to tell because even a limp could be that she’s just bruised & sore but could be something else that needs treatment. I’m not sure about xrays but I guess they would stress them out. Maybe after a few days if your worried just take her for an X-ray to make sure. It can be very worrying as a new owner any strange sounds especially after a fall. I had my girl at the vet 2 days after getting them both as she was breathing rapidly, Luke her sides moving fast & making a noise & I thought she had a uri so took her to vet. It was nothing just guinea noises & anxiety at being held because she was only 7weeks old. Hope this helps put your mind at ease a little & hope you & your girl doing ok. Keep us posted & sending love x
 
I’m so sorry to hear what happened to you. It’s not your fault & was an accident. You must have been so frightened 😢 you have done all the right things, what a lovely piggy owner you are getting her to the vets straight away. I’m a new owner myself so I can’t give any advice I’m sorry. Maybe try & get a video of the noise & post here. You have to do the video & upload to YouTube then share the link as you can’t upload videos straight on. I think she will be ok & just took a bad bump, it would be like us falling & brusing ourselves & being sore as some bumps & falls really hurt our muscles & bones. Try not to worry & just keep a close eye for sure on things. It would be very hard to tell because even a limp could be that she’s just bruised & sore but could be something else that needs treatment. I’m not sure about xrays but I guess they would stress them out. Maybe after a few days if your worried just take her for an X-ray to make sure. It can be very worrying as a new owner any strange sounds especially after a fall. I had my girl at the vet 2 days after getting them both as she was breathing rapidly, Luke her sides moving fast & making a noise & I thought she had a uri so took her to vet. It was nothing just guinea noises & anxiety at being held because she was only 7weeks old. Hope this helps put your mind at ease a little & hope you & your girl doing ok. Keep us posted & sending love x
Definitely keep a close eye on her & observe her just incase any injury that may need treatment x
 
I can only echo what everyone else has said. Accidents happen and obviously, you love your piggies and wouldn't do anything to jeopardize their safety. My piggies "growl" when they are irritated. So maybe she's a bit grumpy after her experience? I hope next things are calmer.
 
Hi All.

I wanted to give you an update on what's happening today and to ask you another question.

Both of my girls seem rather quiet and/or reserved today. Usually, they are there like a shot whenever I bring them veggies. Today it is taking a lot of encouragement to get them out of the hidey. Once they are out, they both seem fine, including the one that was injured. She is moving well, eating plenty, and taking food from my hand when offered. I'm finding it concerning that they are hiding more normal, but am not sure whether I'm overreacting... It has only been 24 hours, and the girl who fell is on painkillers, which could perhaps make her sleepy... I don't want to take her back to the vet and cause her stress if it isn't necessary, but I'm not sure what to think. Could the lower activity be a normal reaction to being hurt yesterday, and/or the trauma, or do you think I should be concerned enough to take her to be examined?

At the moment I'm thinking that I will keep on monitoring for another 24 hours, and if I'm still concerned after that, I could take her back to the emergency vets again...
 
Though to prove me wrong, they both just came foraging while I was posting that message. Maybe I'm over-worrying - it's stressful when a pig is ill! :/
 
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