Satin staying small

[Sammoo101]

I have an one and a half year old satin guinea pig that still only looks a few months old. I got this guinea pig on Craigslist he was being rejected and bitten by his mother and the owner was at a loss.

I took him in when he was 10 days old and hand raised him. He did very well and besides having extra toe beens and is unfortunately being a satin he was relatively healthy. Except he is about the size of a 2 month old guinea pig. I was wondering if anyone else could has experienced this. I have attached a size comparison with by 5 year old boar

 

[Claire W]

Aw bless him, he is small but so long as he is maintaining his weight (and not losing) I wouldn't be too worried

 

[Eriathwen]

It's quite common for some satins to stay small, unfortunately. My first ever satin never grew any heavier than 450g, she did however live to be 7 years old!

If he continues to stay small I would have him checked for signs osteodystrophy, and get him on an appropriate pain management plan with your vet. Pain is easier to control if you get a head start on it, rather than when it's in full effect.

 

[Wiebke]

I have an one and a half year old satin guinea pig that still only looks a few months old. I got this guinea pig on Craigslist he was being rejected and bitten by his mother and the owner was at a loss.

I took him in when he was 10 days old and hand raised him. He did very well and besides having extra toe beens and is unfortunately being a satin he was relatively healthy. Except he is about the size of a 2 month old guinea pig. I was wondering if anyone else could has experienced this. I have attached a size comparison with by 5 year old boar

Hi

It is likely that he has added genetic issues connected with his breed; satin disease actually affects all satins in ways that have not been understood until very recently; it is a lot more pervasive than initially thought. All you can do is give him a good life, a good diet and keep up with your vet re. pain management and monitoring.

The obvious form of satin disease typically starts manifesting around 18 months (although it can affect piggies uner a year in its most extreme and virulent forum) so I would keep a closer eye out for him in the next half year; once he is past that, he is unlikely to develop the more acute visible form.

More information on satin disease: What-breed-are-my-guinea-pigs? Picture-guide-to-common-pet-breeds (see the chapter on satin guinea pigs)

 

[weepweeps]

Oh he is tiny isn’t he. Bless him. I’m glad you took him in and are looking after him so well.