Strange behaviour

[Clare280]

My 4 year old female guinea pig Hazel lives with her husband (neutered) 4 weeks ago went off her food for a couple of days showed no interest in grass and dandelions and didn't want to come out of her hidey house. So we went to the vet for a thorough check up he couldn't find anything other than possibly a very small ovarian cysts. So we came away with emeprid and metacam. 24 hours later totally back to her usual self. Then this afternoon she seems to be doing the same again ate breakfast fine but uninterested in food this afternoon, she almost seemed as though she was looking for something! Moving fine just no interest food. Does anyone have any ideas what may be wrong? Thank you.

 

[Wiebke]

My 4 year old female guinea pig Hazel lives with her husband (neutered) 4 weeks ago went off her food for a couple of days showed no interest in grass and dandelions and didn't want to come out of her hidey house. So we went to the vet for a thorough check up he couldn't find anything other than possibly a very small ovarian cysts. So we came away with emeprid and metacam. 24 hours later totally back to her usual self. Then this afternoon she seems to be doing the same again ate breakfast fine but uninterested in food this afternoon, she almost seemed as though she was looking for something! Moving fine just no interest food. Does anyone have any ideas what may be wrong? Thank you.

Hi

Please switch from the usual life-long once weekly weigh-in and body to weighing daily at the same time first thing in the morning for best day to day comparison. Step in with syringe feeding support if needed.

There is clearly something brewing but symptoms are too indistinct for a diagnosis. Mystery weight loss is my least favourite symptom because so many different things can be hiding behind it, which makes it really difficult for a vet. Very often it is a problem that is causing a pain issue, which then causes loss of appetite.

All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

I feel for you; it is a very frustrating and difficult situation to be in as a caring owner.

 

[Clare280]

Hi

Please switch from the usual life-long once weekly weigh-in and body to weighing daily at the same time first thing in the morning for best day to day comparison. Step in with syringe feeding support if needed.

There is clearly something brewing but symptoms are too indistinct for a diagnosis. Mystery weight loss is my least favourite symptom because so many different things can be hiding behind it, which makes it really difficult for a vet. Very often it is a problem that is causing a pain issue, which then causes loss of appetite.

All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

I feel for you; it is a very frustrating and difficult situation to be in as a caring owner.

Thank you for your response, she is worse this morning with a very wet chin. So we're off for a vet visit. It's so stressful when they are poorly, I hate having to make the final decision at the end. They are so precious.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your response, she is worse this morning with a very wet chin. So we're off for a vet visit. It's so stressful when they are poorly, I hate having to make the final decision at the end. They are so precious.

HUGS

Fingers firmly crossed.

Drooling/salivating points to a swallowing problem - either overgrowing teeth, oral thrush or a blockage of some sort somewhere in the in digestive tract from the mouth to the anus; rarely a neurological issue.

Been there and feel for you. It's always horrible when you know in your gut that something major is not right but you cannot put your finger on it, and neither can your vet.

I sincerely hope that you can find the problem and that it can be addressed.

 

[Clare280]

HUGS

Fingers firmly crossed.

Drooling/salivating points to a swallowing problem - either overgrowing teeth, oral thrush or a blockage of some sort somewhere in the in digestive tract from the mouth to the anus; rarely a neurological issue.

Been there and feel for you. It's always horrible when you know in your gut that something major is not right but you cannot put your finger on it, and neither can your vet.

I sincerely hope that you can find the problem and that it can be addressed.

Unfortunately Hazel did have a blockage most likely a tumour which was causing the drooling. Kindest option was to let her go peacefully. Thank you for advice.

 

[Wiebke]

Unfortunately Hazel did have a blockage most likely a tumour which was causing the drooling. Kindest option was to let her go peacefully. Thank you for advice.

BIG HUGS

I have been keeping my fingers very firmly crossed that it was something treatable because I have been there re. blockages with a few piggies of mine over the years - once three piggies of mine in just 6 weeks, all with different causes, thankfully; although they all presented with quick decline, salivation and a rush to the out-of-hours vets for pts. Gut blockage; big swelling at the back of the throat that didn't show up on the outside and the third losing the ability to swallow; any food did shoot strauight back out again without the teeth being overgrown.

The speed with which it happens is devastating, as is the bad news.

Please be kind with yourself and keep in mind that you have done exactly the right thing and have not failed Hazel in any way. You have absolutely made the right decision. As prey animals, guinea pigs are very good at suppressing symptoms. By the time you notice them; especially internal ones, it is often sadly too late.

Try to take comfort in that you have given Hazel what she wanted out of life: many happy todays and as little suffering at the end as you could. Guinea pigs don't have a concept for an average life span or comprehensive medical care - the things that out of our control as owners; we can never choose when and what from our piggies die but they do very much have a concept for a good life; as long as you give yours that, you cannot fail them in way.

Give yourself time to grieve and to digest the shock; it is ok to not be ok for a little. Try not to get carried away with the inevitable soul-searching/feelings of guilt or failure that are characteristic for the onset of the grieving process and be kind when the adrenaline spike finally runs out and leaves you very blue and hungover. If you struggle with sleep and are unable to function or process, please contact the free pet bereavement platforms of the Blue Cross (UK animal charity). You can find the link in our human bereavement guide.

Here is some very practical advice for yourself and for Hazel'd best friend in the immediate and medium term:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Clare280]

Thank you for your kind words. It's the worst thing having to make that decision, she was a wonderfully friendly little pig I rescued her when she was so tiny. She was always first to her veg. Her little friend was running around wheeking for her even though he came with us and I left her with him for a couple of hours. He seemed ok this morning and ate some breakfast. Thank you again for being so kind it means a lot.

 

[fluffysal]

Popcorn high over the rainbow bridge sweet Hazel

 

[piggieminder]

I am so sorry. Such a horrible decision to have to make.
Sleep tight sweet Hazel.