Male guinea pig with watery eyes/eye discharge and not eating

[Daniross95]

Hi guys,

I have booked a vet appointment for later today but I wanted to check if anyone had experienced what I have and what the outcome/diagnosis was.

I noticed the other day that my guinea pig, Chunk, had lost a bit of weight but he was still acting like himself and eating his veggies and hay and Excel nuggets.

Today when I went out to feed them and spot clean their hutch, I noticed he had really watery eyes with discharge (both eyes) and he seemed really lethargic. I put their veggies out and he wasn't really that interested.

I got him out to have a look at him and check him over and his body looks OK - bit slim still but other than that, fine - no hair loss or anything, but he didn't run away when I tried to pick him up like he usually does (probably due to the lethargy). I put him back and checked on him 20 minutes later and it looks like he has taken a piece of cucumber and nibbled at it - so he seems like he eats a bit but just not enough.

Like I said, I have booked a vet appointment I just want to know if anyone has experienced anything like this or has any help/advice?

Thanks
Dani (and Punk & Chunk).

 

[Piggies&buns]

Please step in and syringe feed him.
He is losing weight because he isn’t eating enough hay. It makes 80% of their daily food intake so any reduction shows during the weight checks. Eating or nibbling at veg and pellets don’t count as they are not their main source of food.

Please to switch to weighing him daily instead of weekly while he is unwell so you can closer manage food intake and ensure you are syringe feeding enough to him to stop the weight loss.

Let us know how you get on at the vet appointment

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
Weight - Monitoring and Management

 

[Viennese Furbabies]

I once had a guinea pig whose eyes started to water whenever her molars needed to be fixed. She had chronic issues with her jaw and the watery eyes where a symtome of her pain.
So be sure that your vet checks the teeth/jaw. Or other causes for pain.

 

[Daniross95]

Sadly, we had to get Chunk put to sleep as it seemed he was battling a chronic internal condition. He had some bladder issues last year that kept recurring so the vet thinks it may have got to his Kidneys or he had a kidney issue because of it. His body had shut down which is why he was lethargic and not eating. I am really sad but it was the best thing for him considering. Bless him.

I now have a lone non neutered male pig - what is the best solution for him? get him neutered and find a female companion or find a lone non neutered boar?

Any help is appreciated as don't want him to be on his own for obvious reasons.

Thanks,
Dani

 

[Piggies&buns]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Either option - finding a boar, or neutering him and finding a sow - is viable. However, its also going to depend on how he is coping being alone.
If you choose to neuter him and find a sow then he will have a minimum of six weeks by himself. He cannot be bonded with a sow until six weeks have passed after he is neutered as during the first six weeks, he will still be fertile. If he is ok and he can wait the time needed to be neutered, safe and then find a compatible sow, then there is definitely an option.
If he is struggles to be alone then finding another boar may be better for his sake.
Character compatibility comes first so if you have access to a rescue centre who can help you find a compatible friend for him (whether it is a boar, or having him neutered and finding a sow, then that is best to ensure they do actually like each other and will live together.

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care
A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed)