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Loosing weight, chocking and wheezing

J

Jadeyjade1988

New Born Pup
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Good morning,
Please if someone could give some advise that would be great. Our guinea pig is 11 weeks old and had him 3 weeks. Ever since having him he sounds like he's gagging / choking both when eating food and not eating food, sometimes his body rocks back and forth until he's stopped. Normally between 3 - 5 times a day that we notice. Also he's been losing weight around 10g a day. Last night i recorded him making a noise ive heard a couple of times, like a wheezing noise. I took him to the vets 2 days ago and she basically said she couldn't find anything and he's too small to see much in his mouth, but his teeth looked fine and she said she checked his glands and they seemed fine too. She gave him some anti inflammation medication but it doesn't seem to have done alot. He's eating and drinking and still pooing as normal, but seems to be sleeping more then normal. Can anyone help please?
 
Is the vet experienced in treating guinea pigs? With regards weight loss, he’s not eating enough hay hence the loss. You will have to weigh him daily at the same time and step in with syringe feeding him. You can use mushed pellets if you don’t have any critical care etc available. See the guides linked below. You have to be careful not to put too much in his mouth at a time.

Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

I would perhaps think about finding another vet to have him seen as soon as you can, especially since it’s been going on for three weeks. Have a look at the vet locator and see which is near you. Call them today and see if they can see him. I don’t want to guess what is wrong because I’m not a vet.
Vet Locator
 
I agree with Siikibam
He sounds like he really needs to see another vet who is experienced in treating guinea pigs.
It is great you got a video of his behaviour too - this should help with the diagnosis.
Did the original vet who saw him see the video?

I assume he is living with a friend (guinea pigs really need to be kept as a pair or group). Does his companion have any problems?
 
Siikibam said:
Is the vet experienced in treating guinea pigs? With regards weight loss, he’s not eating enough hay hence the loss. You will have to weigh him daily at the same time and step in with syringe feeding him. You can use mushed pellets if you don’t have any critical care etc available. See the guides linked below. You have to be careful not to put too much in his mouth at a time.

Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

I would perhaps think about finding another vet to have him seen as soon as you can, especially since it’s been going on for three weeks. Have a look at the vet locator and see which is near you. Call them today and see if they can see him. I don’t want to guess what is wrong because I’m not a vet.
Vet Locator
Click to expand...
Thank you
Siikibam said:
Is the vet experienced in treating guinea pigs? With regards weight loss, he’s not eating enough hay hence the loss. You will have to weigh him daily at the same time and step in with syringe feeding him. You can use mushed pellets if you don’t have any critical care etc available. See the guides linked below. You have to be careful not to put too much in his mouth at a time.

Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

I would perhaps think about finding another vet to have him seen as soon as you can, especially since it’s been going on for three weeks. Have a look at the vet locator and see which is near you. Call them today and see if they can see him. I don’t want to guess what is wrong because I’m not a vet.
Vet Locator
Click to expand...

I don't know if they are experienced. Pets at home where we bought him sent us to one of their vets. He has access to hay all day and night and seems to be eating pellets as and hay as normal. Thank you for your reply
 
Swissgreys said:
I agree with Siikibam
He sounds like he really needs to see another vet who is experienced in treating guinea pigs.
It is great you got a video of his behaviour too - this should help with the diagnosis.
Did the original vet who saw him see the video?

I assume he is living with a friend (guinea pigs really need to be kept as a pair or group). Does his companion have any problems?
Click to expand...

No the vet didn't see it as it was the day after. Yes he has a buddy, he is fine with no problems. Thank you for your reply
 
I would find an independent vet yourself. Use our vet locator that @Siikibam has linked in, to find a cavy savvy vet near you.

If he is continually losing weight then something isn't right.

I hope he is ok
 
Another thing to do is speak to p@h and have them cover the vet fees. All the best and let us know how you get on. We’re routing for your boy.
 
Siikibam said:
Another thing to do is speak to p@h and have them cover the vet fees. All the best and let us know how you get on. We’re routing for your boy.
Click to expand...
I spoke to pets at home and we are taking him back to see a different vet this afternoon. We have noticed he's not had a wee today either. Thanks for your kind words
 
Are you taking him to a vet of your choice or a p@h vet? You should go to an independent one from the list and just give them the bill once he’s been seen.
 
Siikibam said:
Are you taking him to a vet of your choice or a p@h vet? You should go to an independent one from the list and just give them the bill once he’s been seen.
Click to expand...
Yes the same vets at pets but different vet. They won't pay for us to take him elsewhere. This vet says he has a respiratory infection and gave him some antibiotics and being seen again on monday. But he doesn't know why he's still gagging and rocking. He said it might be because he's trying to get whatever is on his chest off, but I'm not convinced as he's been doing it for all of the 3 weeks we have had him and he's only just started getting ill in the last few days - a week. Any advice on the best way to give the antibiotics? The anti inflammatory meds he loves and will happily take them, tonight the antibiotics was a nightmare and I'm not even sure how much of it he got 🤦🏻‍♀️ i had him wrapped between a blanket against me but he struggled so much i think more went on his fur then in his mouth! Thank you for helping us!
 
You just have to be firm with him. Have a read of the syringe feeding guide, I think there’s a video there. You should also give him a probiotic either an hour before or an hour after the antibiotics. You’ll have to syringe feed him to help him maintain his weight, especially if he’s not eating enough. And weigh every day at the sand time. How was his weight compared to yesterday?

I would recommend you take him elsewhere for a check of his teeth and mouth maybe. Did they check that or just listen to his chest?
Given they sold you an ill piggy, they should be covering the costs.

Hope he starts perking up soon.
 
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