Abi_nurse
Adult Guinea Pig
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2010
- Messages
- 4,544
- Reaction score
- 1,420
- Points
- 845
- Location
- Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
Overview
1 Does my guinea pig need to see a vet?
2 Emergency: Things that need immediate action
3 See promptly: Things that could wait until the next day (24 hours)
4 See during regular hours: Things that could wait a few days
5 First aid, emergency and bridging care links
1 Does my guinea pig need to see a vet?
In short - yes, if your worried its always best to see or speak to a vet or nurse about any concerns, however there are some things that do need veterinary attention regardless. Here are some to take into account. Please always call your vet for advice or to phone ahead first, before rushing to the surgery, this ensures that we are able to triage your pet and also prepare for any incoming emergency. (eg set up equipment/oxygen/drugs etc)
This is just a general list to give you a bit of a helping hand when assessing a health issue. If in any doubt, please contact your vet. Receptionists are usually trained to triage as to whether you are dealing with an emergency or not.
2 Things that need immediate attention
(regardless of time of day, these things may need to be sorted now and be taken to the vet straight away - they may be life threatening, but speak to a vet if unsure)
Respiratory distress
This can include a visible effort with your piggie’s breathing (usually the abdomen sucking in and out showing they are using their abdominal muscles to breath = diphragmic breathing) and any kind of open mouth breathing/gasping for air, these are signs of respiratory distress.
Seizures, fits and loss of consciousness
Seizures or loss of consciousness, any fit which lasts more than around 2 minutes the vet should be called, also if your pig is having multiple fits
Acute severe bloat
Bloat, if your pig has stopped eating and there abdomen has become very swollen and large, it may sound hollow when gently tapped. Your piggie will probably be very fluffed up and hunched, this is very painful. A grunting piggie is in agony.
Excessive bleeding
This is a hard one as can be easily be perceived by many in different ways:
- But in general, with any bleeding from an orifice (nose/anus/mouth/ears etc) which cannot be controlled, a vet should be called.
- Any wound bleeding which cannot be stopped with 5 minutes of direct pressure held on then a vet should be called
Collapse and paralysis
- Any collapse, paralysis or loss of the use of limbs for any reason, the piggie may well need to be seen very soon if not now.
- A guinea pig pancaked to the floor in hot weather is having a heat stroke.
Excessive watery diarrhea (dehydration risk)
Excessive diarrhea, this can cause large amounts of fluid loss in the body and quickly send your pig into dehydration
Labour and birthing problems (incl. post-birth womb prolapse)
- A sow having any trouble in labour, you should always call a vet immediately for this.
- Also if there if there is a grey mass coming out of the back (prolapse).
Severe eye injury with major damage and/or bleeding; eye swelling very quickly
Eye trauma, any severe injury to the eye, especially when your pet is refusing to open the affected eye, it is bleeding or visibly damaged such as a puncture wound.
Head tilt
Severe bite wounds, any bite wounds that need stitching
Any severe bite wounds which may or may not enter the abdomen or chest (usually from a dog or cat attack) of face. Any fighting bites that hit the spine. Shaking from a dog can cause internal bleeds.
Fly strike
Fly strike - if you can see fly eggs or maggots on your pig get them to a vet asap
Nonstop salivation: Heat stroke, pregnancy toxaemia; blockage or twisted gut
Any pregnant sow which is hyper-salivating/collapsed/not eating; any guinea pig presenting with the same symptoms (heat stroke or blockage). A twisted gut causes a guinea pig to regurgitate/look like vomiting.
Blue or swollen penis
A boar's penis which cannot retract and looks swollen or blue
Unable to pass urine (blocked urethra).
A guinea pig unable to pass urine will look off very quickly.
3 Things that could wait 24 hours
(some things can be seen and assessed the next day - but remember, if your worried in anyway, please call your vets)
Total loss of appetite or refusal to eat
Anorexia (as we call it in the vet world), if your guinea pig is refusing to eat, from as little as 4-6 hours, you may be able to wait to see a vet as long as you continue to syringe feed them.
However, in some cases your piggie may need to be seen earlier, make sure you call for advice on this one, some vets will wish to see you sooner
'Bloody urine' or squeaking with every pee or poo
- Blood in the urine/trouble with urinating, any signs of a urinary infection its best to get your pig seen sooner rather than later. Intense, dark red urine usually contains a natural pigment called porphyrin which is typical for the onset of either of the urinary tract infections (bacterial or sterile). This dried to a dark maroon on bedding.
- If your pig is unable to pass urine at all then call your vet for advice immediately.
Breathing problems in connection with nasal or eye discharge
‘The sniffles’ if your piggie has nasal or eye discharge with trouble breathing
Limping badly, unable to put weight on the foot even after a rest
Lameness where your pig is limping a little and not making any improvement with rest
Severe fungal or mite infection/infestation
Severe fungal or mite infection/infestation with major loss of hair and several open bloody patches.
Runny but not watery diarrhea
Runny diarrhea, so long as not excessive amounts, may be able to wait a few hours - call for advice first
Bloodless hay pokes and infections in the eye
Eye injury, such as cloudiness, redness or irritation. Swelling of the conjunctiva. Drawn in or one-sided swollen eye.
Eye treatment and medication is the same as for cats and dogs. See a general vet asap instead of waiting for an exotics appointment. Speed is of essence.
Sudden drop in body weight of over 50g
Small wounds which are not actively bleeding or gaping in any way
Torn or broken nails that have stopped bleeding within 15 minutes
Fluid build up under the skin and sudden weight gain
Excessive fluid under the skin and mystery weight gain; potential milder bloating symptoms.
Drooling
Drooling from the mouth (usually a sign of dental disease).
Any nonstop salivation from a blockage or inabilty to swallow is a life or death emergency.
Sudden fast growing, large or painful lump
A lump which has appeared suddenly, is painful or very large
3 Things that may be able to wait a few days
(These are generally minor ailments, but always remember, guinea pigs are prey animals and designed not to show illness, its best to seek advice as soon as your pet develops signs as its likely they have been unwell for sometime)
Hair loss and excessive itching
Any skin complaint that is not effecting a large area of the body
A slow decline in bodyweight of less than 100g
Less active than normal but still eating
Eating less than usual
A nail cut too short (usually never needs a vet to see unless the bleeding doesn't stop)
Lumps which are not painful or causing issues with walking or the ability to eat/drink/poo/pee etc
Ear irritation/itching
A cherry eye (small fatty lump appearing on the conjunctiva)
Minor bite wounds/scratches (wash with warm salt water in the meantime)
5 First aid and emergency/bridging care
Please see our First Aid Guide
And our one-stop Emergency Care collection with practical advice and helpful information
If you need to step in with feeding support in the case of loss of appetite and weight straight away
I hope this proves helpful in some way.
xx.
1 Does my guinea pig need to see a vet?
2 Emergency: Things that need immediate action
3 See promptly: Things that could wait until the next day (24 hours)
4 See during regular hours: Things that could wait a few days
5 First aid, emergency and bridging care links
1 Does my guinea pig need to see a vet?
In short - yes, if your worried its always best to see or speak to a vet or nurse about any concerns, however there are some things that do need veterinary attention regardless. Here are some to take into account. Please always call your vet for advice or to phone ahead first, before rushing to the surgery, this ensures that we are able to triage your pet and also prepare for any incoming emergency. (eg set up equipment/oxygen/drugs etc)
This is just a general list to give you a bit of a helping hand when assessing a health issue. If in any doubt, please contact your vet. Receptionists are usually trained to triage as to whether you are dealing with an emergency or not.
2 Things that need immediate attention
(regardless of time of day, these things may need to be sorted now and be taken to the vet straight away - they may be life threatening, but speak to a vet if unsure)
Respiratory distress
This can include a visible effort with your piggie’s breathing (usually the abdomen sucking in and out showing they are using their abdominal muscles to breath = diphragmic breathing) and any kind of open mouth breathing/gasping for air, these are signs of respiratory distress.
Seizures, fits and loss of consciousness
Seizures or loss of consciousness, any fit which lasts more than around 2 minutes the vet should be called, also if your pig is having multiple fits
Acute severe bloat
Bloat, if your pig has stopped eating and there abdomen has become very swollen and large, it may sound hollow when gently tapped. Your piggie will probably be very fluffed up and hunched, this is very painful. A grunting piggie is in agony.
Excessive bleeding
This is a hard one as can be easily be perceived by many in different ways:
- But in general, with any bleeding from an orifice (nose/anus/mouth/ears etc) which cannot be controlled, a vet should be called.
- Any wound bleeding which cannot be stopped with 5 minutes of direct pressure held on then a vet should be called
Collapse and paralysis
- Any collapse, paralysis or loss of the use of limbs for any reason, the piggie may well need to be seen very soon if not now.
- A guinea pig pancaked to the floor in hot weather is having a heat stroke.
Excessive watery diarrhea (dehydration risk)
Excessive diarrhea, this can cause large amounts of fluid loss in the body and quickly send your pig into dehydration
Labour and birthing problems (incl. post-birth womb prolapse)
- A sow having any trouble in labour, you should always call a vet immediately for this.
- Also if there if there is a grey mass coming out of the back (prolapse).
Severe eye injury with major damage and/or bleeding; eye swelling very quickly
Eye trauma, any severe injury to the eye, especially when your pet is refusing to open the affected eye, it is bleeding or visibly damaged such as a puncture wound.
Head tilt
Severe bite wounds, any bite wounds that need stitching
Any severe bite wounds which may or may not enter the abdomen or chest (usually from a dog or cat attack) of face. Any fighting bites that hit the spine. Shaking from a dog can cause internal bleeds.
Fly strike
Fly strike - if you can see fly eggs or maggots on your pig get them to a vet asap
Nonstop salivation: Heat stroke, pregnancy toxaemia; blockage or twisted gut
Any pregnant sow which is hyper-salivating/collapsed/not eating; any guinea pig presenting with the same symptoms (heat stroke or blockage). A twisted gut causes a guinea pig to regurgitate/look like vomiting.
Blue or swollen penis
A boar's penis which cannot retract and looks swollen or blue
Unable to pass urine (blocked urethra).
A guinea pig unable to pass urine will look off very quickly.
3 Things that could wait 24 hours
(some things can be seen and assessed the next day - but remember, if your worried in anyway, please call your vets)
Total loss of appetite or refusal to eat
Anorexia (as we call it in the vet world), if your guinea pig is refusing to eat, from as little as 4-6 hours, you may be able to wait to see a vet as long as you continue to syringe feed them.
However, in some cases your piggie may need to be seen earlier, make sure you call for advice on this one, some vets will wish to see you sooner
'Bloody urine' or squeaking with every pee or poo
- Blood in the urine/trouble with urinating, any signs of a urinary infection its best to get your pig seen sooner rather than later. Intense, dark red urine usually contains a natural pigment called porphyrin which is typical for the onset of either of the urinary tract infections (bacterial or sterile). This dried to a dark maroon on bedding.
- If your pig is unable to pass urine at all then call your vet for advice immediately.
Breathing problems in connection with nasal or eye discharge
‘The sniffles’ if your piggie has nasal or eye discharge with trouble breathing
Limping badly, unable to put weight on the foot even after a rest
Lameness where your pig is limping a little and not making any improvement with rest
Severe fungal or mite infection/infestation
Severe fungal or mite infection/infestation with major loss of hair and several open bloody patches.
Runny but not watery diarrhea
Runny diarrhea, so long as not excessive amounts, may be able to wait a few hours - call for advice first
Bloodless hay pokes and infections in the eye
Eye injury, such as cloudiness, redness or irritation. Swelling of the conjunctiva. Drawn in or one-sided swollen eye.
Eye treatment and medication is the same as for cats and dogs. See a general vet asap instead of waiting for an exotics appointment. Speed is of essence.
Sudden drop in body weight of over 50g
Small wounds which are not actively bleeding or gaping in any way
Torn or broken nails that have stopped bleeding within 15 minutes
Fluid build up under the skin and sudden weight gain
Excessive fluid under the skin and mystery weight gain; potential milder bloating symptoms.
Drooling
Drooling from the mouth (usually a sign of dental disease).
Any nonstop salivation from a blockage or inabilty to swallow is a life or death emergency.
Sudden fast growing, large or painful lump
A lump which has appeared suddenly, is painful or very large
3 Things that may be able to wait a few days
(These are generally minor ailments, but always remember, guinea pigs are prey animals and designed not to show illness, its best to seek advice as soon as your pet develops signs as its likely they have been unwell for sometime)
Hair loss and excessive itching
Any skin complaint that is not effecting a large area of the body
A slow decline in bodyweight of less than 100g
Less active than normal but still eating
Eating less than usual
A nail cut too short (usually never needs a vet to see unless the bleeding doesn't stop)
Lumps which are not painful or causing issues with walking or the ability to eat/drink/poo/pee etc
Ear irritation/itching
A cherry eye (small fatty lump appearing on the conjunctiva)
Minor bite wounds/scratches (wash with warm salt water in the meantime)
5 First aid and emergency/bridging care
Please see our First Aid Guide
And our one-stop Emergency Care collection with practical advice and helpful information
If you need to step in with feeding support in the case of loss of appetite and weight straight away
I hope this proves helpful in some way.
xx.
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