Is my Guinea pig ill?

[Deleted member 141381]

My long haired guinea pig is sleeping a lot more than normal, he spends basically all day sleeping and (since they free roam in my garden) he has lay down to sleep in the middle of the grass today which he has NEVER done before as he usually probably feels too exposed there. But he did it twice today. He would eat the grass for a little bit and then just plop down on his side. He is also way less reactive to me, for example, I went over when he lay down the second time and, because I was going inside and couldn’t keep an eye on him, I just scooped him up and took him back to his cage where he would be safe. Usually he wouldn’t allow me to pick him up or even really get too close to him when he’s out on the grass but he just barely reacted when I picked him up.

I think it’s possible he’s too hot as the weather has really quickly gotten really warm here in the UK but in previous years when it’s been the height of summer I haven’t noticed him doing this? I’ve trimmed his long fur as much as possible but I’m still worried about how long he’s sleeping for. He’s also got a weepy eye.

Should I take him to the vet or might this just be a combination of the hot weather and him getting older (he’ll be 4 in August)?

 

[PigglePuggle]

Definitely sounds like a prompt vet check is in order, almost 4 really isnt very old at all for a guinea pig, I would be worried he might have heat stroke if he has been out in the sun and is lethargic, which could be a medical emerhency- but even if not the weepy eye will need proper disgnosis and treatment, eye injuries and infections can get worse very fast, and need immediate vet care within 24 hours. Hope he is ok x

 

[weepweeps]

Hope your piggy is ok.

 

[Deleted member 141381]

Definitely sounds like a prompt vet check is in order, almost 4 really isnt very old at all for a guinea pig, I would be worried he might have heat stroke if he has been out in the sun and is lethargic, which could be a medical emerhency- but even if not the weepy eye will need proper disgnosis and treatment, eye injuries and infections can get worse very fast, and need immediate vet care within 24 hours. Hope he is ok x

We’ve taken him to the vets today and they’ve given him a shot of antibiotics and pain relief although they aren’t entirely sure what the problem is. They say it’s possible he has a chest infection but have said to consult an exotic pet vet for a better opinion as the one near us specialises in guinea pigs. It’s awfully expensive though

 

[Swissgreys]

We’ve taken him to the vets today and they’ve given him a shot of antibiotics and pain relief although they aren’t entirely sure what the problem is. They say it’s possible he has a chest infection but have said to consult an exotic pet vet for a better opinion as the one near us specialises in guinea pigs. It’s awfully expensive though

Sadly specialists are expensive but in the long run it is often cheaper to see an experienced vet from the start than wasting money on the wrong treatments from a vet who can't properly diagnose the issue.

Have you looked at the vet locator in the top bar?

 

[tabelmabel]

It’s awfully expensive though

Tell me about it - I'm there almost every other week just now spending around 50 quid each time. I'm into the hundreds now.

But remember, at 4, your piggy could be only half way through life. And, depending on what the problem is, a complete cure could be possible. So one bill and another 3 or 4 healthy years. In that context, well worth it?!


Good luck!

 

[Deleted member 141381]

Tell me about it - I'm there almost every other week just now spending around 50 quid each time. I'm into the hundreds now.

But remember, at 4, your piggy could be only half way through life. And, depending on what the problem is, a complete cure could be possible. So one bill and another 3 or 4 healthy years. In that context, well worth it?!


Good luck!

Of course, absolutely! Unfortunately it’s not my money as it’s my dad that’s paying. I’m sure he will do everything possible to help him get better because he absolutely adores him, he dotes on him almost more than I do! I just worry about money because we’re not exceedingly well off and my dad is still paying a ton of money every month to pay off the loan he had to take out to pay for my nan’s funeral a couple months ago. We just really can’t afford to lose him too, but I don’t know if we’ll be able to afford a specialist.

 

[Deleted member 141381]

Sadly specialists are expensive but in the long run it is often cheaper to see an experienced vet from the start than wasting money on the wrong treatments from a vet who can't properly diagnose the issue.

Have you looked at the vet locator in the top bar?

Yes I think that may have been a better option but there isn’t a specialist near us and we wanted to get him to a vet as quickly as possible. The vet bill today was already £67 and I’m not even sure it’ll really help him.

 

[VickiA]

I’m sorry but your account will be terminated. The forum is only open to members aged 18 and over.