Syringe feeding tips

[LilyandNugget]

Just earlier today, I took the piggies to the vet because Lily was sneezing continuously and Nugget was making weird noisiest when pooping but her poop was normal.The doctor told me to just give Nugget some multivitamins mixed in water. It was ok if Lily had some too. The doctor diagnosed Lily with a mild cold. I have to syringe feed her starting tomorrow. Anyone know any tips to help? Tysm!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Piggies don’t get colds like us people do. They can get bacterial respiratory infections which require antibiotics.
Multivitamins won’t cure a respiratory infection. You can give a short course of vitamin c to help boost the immune system Though but it needs to be in conjunction with antibiotics to treat an infection.
Making noises when toileting can be because of a urinary tract infection. Again, this requires antibiotics and won’t be cured by vitamins.

Why does the syringe feeding need to start tomorrow - unless you mean to start giving the multivitamins tomorrow? If she isn’t eating enough hay and is losing weight, then she must be syringe fed immediately. Feed mushed up pellets or a proper recovery feed

You will need to weigh her daily so you can monitor that she is getting enough.

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
Weight - Monitoring and Management

 

[LilyandNugget]

Lily is eating fine and her weight is normal. Yes, I do plan to start the multivitamins tomorrow. Nugget only made a noise once when pooping but since Lily was going to a vet I decided to get Nugget checked out as well. The doctor said to message him and send pics of her poop to see if all is well. If anyone suggests that it is a urinary infection, then I will take he to the vet again. Tysm for answering. This was helpful

 

[Piggies&buns]

Lily is eating fine and her weight is normal. Yes, I do plan to start the multivitamins tomorrow. Nugget only made a noise once when pooping but since Lily was going to a vet I decided to get Nugget checked out as well. The doctor said to message him and send pics of her poop to see if all is well. If anyone suggests that it is a urinary infection, then I will take he to the vet again. Tysm for answering. This was helpful

As long as you are aware that vitamins will not cure any illness. If she is poorly with a respiratory infection (not a cold) then she needs antibiotics.

Did you work out how old they are? I remember your last post showed that their weights were very low for their age

 

[Free Ranger]

I used to think piggies got 'colds' because one that I took in had a few bouts of runny nose/eyes with sneezing but she would get over it after a day or so and be back to normal. It was only when she passed at 5 1/2 and I took her in to be cremated that the vet told me they don't get colds. My girl probably had an infection that she was able to fight off herself until the last time when she was an old lady. We are all learning all the time!

 

[Wiebke]

Lily is eating fine and her weight is normal. Yes, I do plan to start the multivitamins tomorrow. Nugget only made a noise once when pooping but since Lily was going to a vet I decided to get Nugget checked out as well. The doctor said to message him and send pics of her poop to see if all is well. If anyone suggests that it is a urinary infection, then I will take he to the vet again. Tysm for answering. This was helpful

Hi!

Please do NOT give multivitamins to guinea pigs. Their needs are different to humans. Keep in mind that several vitamins are not soluable in water and will build up in the liver.

You can give a 2-3 weeks course of vitamin C to help boost the immune system but it will NOT cure any respiratory or urinary tract infections; only an antibiotic will do that.

As you are in a country with limited vet access/guinea pig knowledge and specific medical products, you may find these links here helpful:
First Aid Kit: Easily available non-medication support products for an emergency
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links
Syringe Training Before The Need For Medicating (contains video)
Irritants to Avoid Around Guinea Pigs

Emergency Resources and Critical Illness Care - Contents list and subforum link

If the sneezing doesn't stop after you have checked for possible irritants and changed the hay brand, please see your vet for an antibiotic (possible URI, i.e. respiratory tract infection); again see them if your piggy is squeaking loudly with every poo and pee they make and if they have red-coloured urine (possible UTI, i.e. urinary tract infection).

 

[LilyandNugget]

As long as you are aware that vitamins will not cure any illness. If she is poorly with a respiratory infection (not a cold) then she needs antibiotics.

Did you work out how old they are? I remember your last post showed that their weights were very low for their age

you, I think they r abt 3 mths now. They weighed in abt 310 - 320g

 

[LilyandNugget]

Tysm everyone. you I am aware the multivitamins won’t cure any disease. The vet just told me that to give her those for a few days and monitor her. you she only did that once. Her pee is a normal colour, and their poop is usual. I rlly do wish my country had more vet access.