please help - change in behaviour

[fiafia]

Hi, my roommate and I purchased our sweet piggy, Clio, on April 5th. She is a very small and sweet piggy and has never been aggressive or nervous in the slightest until recently. She is normally pretty laid back piggy that loves cuddles and quality time. I have been noticing an attitude switch as of recent and I am starting to become worried about her well-being. She has never shown signs of having sensitivities when I am petting her, but recently while she is walking around she will wince or squeak as if she is in pain for no apparent reason. Today, while I was petting her, I scratched the side of her bell and she usually loves this, but today she turned around and bit my finger. She seemed to be doing this in defense, as she did not keep biting me, but she has never shown any signs of aggression except playful nibbles. I am starting to get worried about her health. This may be unrelated but, she also started having problems with peeing on people while they are holding her which she has never done in the past. This also happened with my other piggies, so I was not worried. I am now starting to believe these instances may go together. I am very worried as it seems like she is in pain by her winces and aggression. Please let me know anything that. could be of help. Thank you.

 

[HeatherRose]

It could be ovarian cysts or bladder stones or a UTI causing her pain. I would get her to the vet as soon as you can so they can find out what is going on.

 

[fiafia]

I just trimmed her nails and one of the front ones feels a bit loose like it could be falling off. Do you think that could have anything to do with it?

 

[Veggies Galore]

... Maybe

But, from what you have described, I would definitely get her seen by a vet.

Have you considered getting her a companion? Guinea pigs should really be kept in pairs or groups.

 

[Betsy]

I would take her to the vet for a thorough health check as @HeatherRose has suggested. Only a hands on examination by a qualified vet will be able to tell you what is happening with your piggie.

 

[VickiA]

We would only be guessing and guessing won’t help your piggy. Only a hands on exam by a qualified vet will give you the answers. Please let us know how you get on at the vets.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, my roommate and I purchased our sweet piggy, Clio, on April 5th. She is a very small and sweet piggy and has never been aggressive or nervous in the slightest until recently. She is normally pretty laid back piggy that loves cuddles and quality time. I have been noticing an attitude switch as of recent and I am starting to become worried about her well-being. She has never shown signs of having sensitivities when I am petting her, but recently while she is walking around she will wince or squeak as if she is in pain for no apparent reason. Today, while I was petting her, I scratched the side of her bell and she usually loves this, but today she turned around and bit my finger. She seemed to be doing this in defense, as she did not keep biting me, but she has never shown any signs of aggression except playful nibbles. I am starting to get worried about her health. This may be unrelated but, she also started having problems with peeing on people while they are holding her which she has never done in the past. This also happened with my other piggies, so I was not worried. I am now starting to believe these instances may go together. I am very worried as it seems like she is in pain by her winces and aggression. Please let me know anything that. could be of help. Thank you.

Hi and welcome

Please have your piggy vet checked; there is very obviously a major pain issue somewhere that needs to be treated. Only a hands-on examination can determine what is the matter. We can certainly not advise anything else since we cannot see and handle your piggy, nor is anybody of us qualified or permitted to replace a trained vet in the first place.

Unfortunately far too many owners overlook that vet care is making the overall largest budget post in any pet's life and don't save up as an integral part of their pets' living cost right from the start so they can have their pets seen promptly and minimise any unnecessary suffering and deaths from easily curable illnesses. I sincerely hope that as a responsible owner you have been saving up!

On another note, here are our piggy whispering and handling tips, which you may find interesting: Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

All the best and please let us know so we can support you with advice during treatment.