Not eating or drinking, very lethargic

[S97]

My boy Ciccio stopped eating suddenly on Thursday and he's been going downhill ever since. I took him to the vet that evening and was proscribed critical care, Metacam painkillers, Cisapride and Fibreplex. The vet said there was no obvious signs of what was wrong with him so it's simply a matter of "wait and see". I'm a relatively new GP owner, I got my two boys 2 and a half years ago and they are my first cavies so this has came as a big shock to me and it's very distressing seeing a creature you genuinely love fall ill like this, a feeling I know many of you can relate to.

He looks visibly tired and is breathing quite noticeably. Is there anything else I can do for him? He's only 3 and I'm really not prepared to lose him. More than anything even if it is the end I don't want him to suffer in any way.

 

[Wiebke]

My boy Ciccio stopped eating suddenly on Thursday and he's been going downhill ever since. I took him to the vet that evening and was proscribed critical care, Metacam painkillers, Cisapride and Fibreplex. The vet said there was no obvious signs of what was wrong with him so it's simply a matter of "wait and see". I'm a relatively new GP owner, I got my two boys 2 and a half years ago and they are my first cavies so this has came as a big shock to me and it's very distressing seeing a creature you genuinely love fall ill like this, a feeling I know many of you can relate to.

He looks visibly tired and is breathing quite noticeably. Is there anything else I can do for him? He's only 3 and I'm really not prepared to lose him. More than anything even if it is the end I don't want him to suffer in any way.

Hi

BIG HUGS

Please contact your vet again asap. The diaphragmic/laboured breathing and the apathy is very concerning.

Unfortunately, piggies are prey animals that are wired to supress any signs of illness to an amazing degree. And sometimes it is not at all obvious what is wrong and would take time consuming lab tests to find the cause - time you haven't got if a less obvious organ is folding and they deteriorate too quickly for any meds to work. Some younger piggy are sadly born with a genetic time bomb in their bodies that can go off out of the blue at any time. It is always a truly scary and deeply upsetting experience and not your fault at all when the much faster metabolism that guinea pigs have is turning against them. You have been doing all the right things.

Here is our detailed support care advice:
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

This link here will help you to spot if or when Ciccio crosses the line of no return if his body is closing down and then talk you step by step through the rest. I am never happy to link it in but whenever it is needed, it is an invaluable practical guide through a rather traumatic experience.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

 

[S97]

Hi

BIG HUGS

Please contact your vet again asap. The diaphragmic/laboured breathing and the apathy is very concerning.

Unfortunately, piggies are prey animals that are wired to supress any signs of illness to an amazing degree. And sometimes it is not at all obvious what is wrong and would take time consuming lab tests to find the cause - time you haven't got if a less obvious organ is folding and they deteriorate too quickly for any meds to work. Some younger piggy are sadly born with a genetic time bomb in their bodies that can go off out of the blue at any time. It is always a truly scary and deeply upsetting experience and not your fault at all when the much faster metabolism that guinea pigs have is turning against them. You have been doing all the right things.

Here is our detailed support care advice:
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

This link here will help you to spot if or when Ciccio crosses the line of no return if his body is closing down and then talk you step by step through the rest. I am never happy to link it in but whenever it is needed, it is an invaluable practical guide through a rather traumatic experience.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Thank you so much, I'm going to contact the vet now and see what can be done. I've syringe fed him (with help!) 5 times now. He's still not eating it with much fervour but most of the feed is going down. It's just all so sudden and it goes without saying, so upsetting for everyone.