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Mystery weight loss

M

Mirandapear

New Born Pup
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Hi I posted about my 3 year old guinea pig Tony and his mystery weight loss a few months ago. It’s still on going and the vet is out of ideas so I’m hoping some of you experienced owners might know what’s going on. Quite desperate at this point. At his peak tony was 1180g he’s now 850g. He’s had his back teeth filed down but on inspection the vet didn’t think this was the cause of the weight loss, hes had a blood test taken, urine sample, poo sample, head x ray and abdomen ultrasound. Nothing of note was found from any of these though he is slightly anaemic. He’s still eating veggies and treats but hardly any hay so I’m syringe feeding CC. He’s also drinking a looooot of water and is a bit lethargic. He’s also teeth chattering more that normal and seems upset if I touch/ gently push his chest. Could this be anything?
ANY IDEAS PLEASE!
 
I'm sorry your boy is unwell. Mystery illness is a very difficult thing to deal with. Unfortunately I cannot suggest what may be wrong.

I hope you come to an answer soon though. Keep up with the syringe feeding and weigh him daily. That way you can know better if you need to increase it. How much are you getting into him at the moment?
 
Hello. I’m sorry Tony is still unwell. If he’s still losing weight then you need to syringe more. Is he on any pain killers? Maybe it’s pain somewhere that is causing him not to eat.
 
Thanks I’ll increase the amount I’m syringe feeding him. How do I know if he’s had enough? He usually starts resisting after 10ml.

I assume it probably is pain somewhere. The vet hasn’t prescribed anything yet but I have a call with her on Friday and will ask for pain killers.
 
I agree, the amount needs increasing if he’s still losing weight. If possible, give him some every two hours. And also try offering it in a bowl - overnight is a good time but also during the day.
 
Once he starts resisting I’d stop. Try and do more feeds if you can. I know it’s really hard. I’ve been there recently and it’s not fun. Good luck. You are doing a great job. Try and get painkillers. Dog Metacam/Loxicom is the one you want not the cat one. It’s too weak.
 
Thanks guys! It’s a little tricky because I’m at work during the day but will be home on Thursday so can do every 2 every hours. I’ll leave a bowl but I have two girls who are ginormous and will probably hoover it up before he’s even noticed it’s there.
 
That does make it difficult. Then you’ll just have to pack as much into your awake time as possible.
 
You can only do what you can do. You really are doing your best.
 
Hi guys!

I took Tony back to the vet today because he was barely eating any hay and although I syringe fed him every 2 hours yesterday and at 3am last night, he weighed only 835g this morning. The vet touched all over his body and checked his teeth and the only thing he could find was his lymph nodes in his neck are slightly enlarged. He said the rest of the lymph nodes on his body felt normal so he may be in pain somewhere in his head / neck / jaw area? He did have an x ray of his head before to check his teeth and nothing was found so maybe it’s an issue in the soft tissue?

He gave me metacam 0.5mg oral suspension 15 ml to give Tony once a day. Is that enough?
@weepweeps i asked about the dog one and he said the cat and guinea pig one is the one that’s licensed for use on guinea pigs.

He’s also referring me to a specialist since they can’t find what’s wrong with him.
 
They metabolise meds quickly so he should really be on the pain relief twice daily. I would ring the vet and see if you can change to twice daily and what dose you can give each time.
 
Could it be lymphoma? Or would this have shown up in his blood test? He also doesn’t have any lumps that I’ve seen but his is anorexic and lethargic.
 
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