Tilted Head, which vet should I trust?

[naguya]

Hello everyone, I was posting this on reddit, but they did not allow my last post which was this, so here it is:

Momo came from a place of mistreatment, he ate poorly his whole life (no vegetables, bad quality hay only), he lived his whole life in a tiny cage and was under vitamin c human drops. Never had a friend. His cage was entirely full of feces, it was terrible. I bought Momo to take him out of that place (it wasn't planned to get a guinea pig now, I was getting in end of July a pair) so his 12 sq feet cage, accessories, hidings, toys will arrive approximately next week, and, when everything is set, a male friend to him.

I got Momo yesterday night.

Even though Momo came from a place of mistreatment, the seller said he was healthy. I took him to the vet right after getting him and the vet said he was fine, but he noticed a tilted head to the left. Vet told it was because extreme stress, nothing to worry about. Even so, I started researching the subject on the internet and saw that it could be something more. Today Momo ate bell pepper, quality hay with hibiscus, broccoli and pellets. But his head was still tilted to the left and sometimes he was walking in circles to the left again!

I contacted the vet, and again he said it was normal. I didn't really believe it, I decided to take him to another vet (but the previous one was the best for my region, we don't have many exotic vets here!).

The actual vet told he might have ear infection, and recommended baytril 0,1ml twice a day for 21 days. Also, he was diagnosed with static mites, which he told ivermectin would solve the problem but he would not take it now. Only after baytril treatment.

So here is my question, this vet isn't the best for my region for guinea pigs mainly, but he is the one who told Momo to drink baytril 0,1ml twice a day for 21 days in a syringe (0,1ml morning and 0,1ml night). Is that alright? Is this safe? Or should I rely in the other vet who told it was only "stress"?

He weighs 470 grams and he is 6 months old.

 

[naguya]

Here it is him!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone, I was posting this on reddit, but they did not allow my last post which was this, so here it is:

Momo came from a place of mistreatment, he ate poorly his whole life (no vegetables, bad quality hay only), he lived his whole life in a tiny cage and was under vitamin c human drops. Never had a friend. His cage was entirely full of feces, it was terrible. I bought Momo to take him out of that place (it wasn't planned to get a guinea pig now, I was getting in end of July a pair) so his 12 sq feet cage, accessories, hidings, toys will arrive approximately next week, and, when everything is set, a male friend to him.

I got Momo yesterday night.

Even though Momo came from a place of mistreatment, the seller said he was healthy. I took him to the vet right after getting him and the vet said he was fine, but he noticed a tilted head to the left. Vet told it was because extreme stress, nothing to worry about. Even so, I started researching the subject on the internet and saw that it could be something more. Today Momo ate bell pepper, quality hay with hibiscus, broccoli and pellets. But his head was still tilted to the left and sometimes he was walking in circles to the left again!

I contacted the vet, and again he said it was normal. I didn't really believe it, I decided to take him to another vet (but the previous one was the best for my region, we don't have many exotic vets here!).

The actual vet told he might have ear infection, and recommended baytril 0,1ml twice a day for 21 days. Also, he was diagnosed with static mites, which he told ivermectin would solve the problem but he would not take it now. Only after baytril treatment.

So here is my question, this vet isn't the best for my region for guinea pigs mainly, but he is the one who told Momo to drink baytril 0,1ml twice a day for 21 days in a syringe (0,1ml morning and 0,1ml night). Is that alright? Is this safe? Or should I rely in the other vet who told it was only "stress"?

He weighs 470 grams and he is 6 months old.

Hi and welcome

Baytril is the most commonly prescribed safe antibiotic for guinea pigs and that is a low dosage. Please do the whole course of antibiotics. Contact the second vet promptly if the head tilt gets worse. Thankfully, it is currently not too bad and I hope that it goes away again.

A head tilt can be the result of an untreated bacterial respiratory inner/middle ear infection, an outer ear infection or a blocked ear (please DO NOT pour anything down an ear on spec because it can make everything much worse and really painful); it can also be caused pain radiating from the jaw. We cannot tell you what could be going on but I would expect both vets checking the outer ear for signs of a wax build up or blockage during the examination and ruling it out.
Unfortunately, a head tilt can be permanent if the infection has been left untreated for too long but you'd better give it a try with the antibiotic first.
Baytril tastes pretty horrible (please do not try as it is not suitable for humans) so here is our step by step medicating guide with pictures and videos: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

What a head tilt is not, is a symptom of stress. Please be aware that guinea pigs are classed as exotic pets but that they all too often fall into the gap of being too common for the real exotics buffs.

Here is our information on skin parasites and fungal skin infections: New piggy problems: URI - ringworm - skin parasites

Please concentrate on a good, mainly hay based diet to build up his body and his fighting strength. He is rather small for his age but with your good care he can hopefully bounce back and have a good life. He has still got about a year on your good care to catch up.
Here is our very detailed practical and comprehensive diet guide: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

We have got a very helpful New Owners practical information collection with plenty of how-to tips to get you to a good start and help you learn what is normal and what not. Nearly 20 years of forum experience with literaterally well over a hundred thousand questions and personal ownership going back half a century have gone into our guides. The guide format allows us to update and add to our extensive forum information resource. You may want to bookmark the link so you can browse, read and re-read at need: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

 

[naguya]

Hi and welcome

Baytril is the most commonly prescribed safe antibiotic for guinea pigs and that is a low dosage. Please do the whole course of antibiotics. Contact the second vet promptly if the head tilt gets worse. Thankfully, it is currently not too bad and I hope that it goes away again.

A head tilt can be the result of an untreated bacterial respiratory inner/middle ear infection, an outer ear infection or a blocked ear (please DO NOT pour anything down an ear on spec because it can make everything much worse and really painful); it can also be caused pain radiating from the jaw. We cannot tell you what could be going on but I would expect both vets checking the outer ear for signs of a wax build up or blockage during the examination and ruling it out.
Unfortunately, a head tilt can be permanent if the infection has been left untreated for too long but you'd better give it a try with the antibiotic first.
Baytril tastes pretty horrible (please do not try as it is not suitable for humans) so here is our step by step medicating guide with pictures and videos: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

What a head tilt is not, is a symptom of stress. Please be aware that guinea pigs are classed as exotic pets but that they all too often fall into the gap of being too common for the real exotics buffs.

Here is our information on skin parasites and fungal skin infections: New piggy problems: URI - ringworm - skin parasites

Please concentrate on a good, mainly hay based diet to build up his body and his fighting strength. He is rather small for his age but with your good care he can hopefully bounce back and have a good life. He has still got about a year on your good care to catch up.
Here is our very detailed practical and comprehensive diet guide: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

We have got a very helpful New Owners practical information collection with plenty of how-to tips to get you to a good start and help you learn what is normal and what not. Nearly 20 years of forum experience with literaterally well over a hundred thousand questions and personal ownership going back half a century have gone into our guides. The guide format allows us to update and add to our extensive forum information resource. You may want to bookmark the link so you can browse, read and re-read at need: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

Thank you so much for all the informations, I was really at lost! I am reading all the guides right now! I just bought the medicine and I am reading the guide about how to give it to him! It seems it will be very troublesome, he is very afraid of everything! Yesterday and today I went to clean his actual cage, and I needed to move him, and he just started screaming out loud.

The first vet just just looked at his ears quickly, the second vet put a light in both of his ears and told must probably was an ear infection so he should take that medicine.

It is my first ever guinea pig! I was not expecting him to be sick, so it was a surprise, I knew he came from a bad place but even so...
Do you think he will be alright after this medication? I am so worried about him.

His new cage comes next week, do you think I should delay getting a friend to him? At least till he is recovered?

Thank you so much again!

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
I can’t offer any advice but I can offer support

 

[Ramia]

Thank you for taking in this neglected guinea pig. Hopefully with your care he will come around. And when you get him a friend, he should gain confidence.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for all the informations, I was really at lost! I am reading all the guides right now! I just bought the medicine and I am reading the guide about how to give it to him! It seems it will be very troublesome, he is very afraid of everything! Yesterday and today I went to clean his actual cage, and I needed to move him, and he just started screaming out loud.

The first vet just just looked at his ears quickly, the second vet put a light in both of his ears and told must probably was an ear infection so he should take that medicine.

It is my first ever guinea pig! I was not expecting him to be sick, so it was a surprise, I knew he came from a bad place but even so...
Do you think he will be alright after this medication? I am so worried about him.

His new cage comes next week, do you think I should delay getting a friend to him? At least till he is recovered?

Thank you so much again!

He is very scared and running on this prey animal instincts because he has clearly never known friendliness over the coming weeks and months. Be patient and persist but also be encouraging and speak 'cavy' to reassure him. Give him plenty of praise for taking his medication and keep talking gently to him the whole time you are with him or coming into the room. Make different sing-songs for feeding, medicating, grooming, picking up and taking him back to his cage.
The fact that he is speaking (even if it is screaming) and that he is not silent and unresponsive is actually an encouraging sign. When he finds his courage to tell you what he doesn't like, then take that as a big step forward in trusting you.

New Guinea Pigs: How to Best Manage Arrival and Settling In
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

You may find these guides here helpful in helping your boy with settling in. You can also find them in the information collection.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for all the informations, I was really at lost! I am reading all the guides right now! I just bought the medicine and I am reading the guide about how to give it to him! It seems it will be very troublesome, he is very afraid of everything! Yesterday and today I went to clean his actual cage, and I needed to move him, and he just started screaming out loud.

The first vet just just looked at his ears quickly, the second vet put a light in both of his ears and told must probably was an ear infection so he should take that medicine.

It is my first ever guinea pig! I was not expecting him to be sick, so it was a surprise, I knew he came from a bad place but even so...
Do you think he will be alright after this medication? I am so worried about him.

His new cage comes next week, do you think I should delay getting a friend to him? At least till he is recovered?

Thank you so much again!

Hi

Your second vet is doing exactly what I expect from any decent vet. He has checked the outer ear canals to see whether they are clear, so the next step is to treat for a potential infection sitting in the inner or middle ear. If there is, then the antibiotic should get on top of it.

Your good care and a diet where over 75% of what he eats is unlimited hay or safe grass will help to stengthen the immune system nd make him stronger to fight off parasites and infections.

What I would recommend is to check the front teeth - if they meet evenly and neatly, then there is no problem with any of the grinding teeth at the back, which could be a risk with guinea pigs coming off an unsuitable diet. Potential dental overgrowth would be the next thing to check for. It is the silica in the hay/grass fibre that grinds down the all important back teeth but if there is not enough grass or hay in a diet, then they can overgrow. The 4 front teeth abrade against each other in a balanced immune system.

For now, please concentrate on getting on top of the parasites and any infection and to getting him to eat a good diet. That is your priority.

What is your little cute boy's name?

 

[fluffysal]

Welcome to the forum, I'm sorry it's in such sad circumstances. Well done for rescuing that poor gorgeous boy.
The guides that you have been linked are very helpful.

 

[naguya]

He is very scared and running on this prey animal instincts because he has clearly never known friendliness over the coming weeks and months. Be patient and persist but also be encouraging and speak 'cavy' to reassure him. Give him plenty of praise for taking his medication and keep talking gently to him the whole time you are with him or coming into the room. Make different sing-songs for feeding, medicating, grooming, picking up and taking him back to his cage.
The fact that he is speaking (even if it is screaming) and that he is not silent and unresponsive is actually an encouraging sign. When he finds his courage to tell you what he doesn't like, then take that as a big step forward in trusting you.

New Guinea Pigs: How to Best Manage Arrival and Settling In
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths





You may find these guides here helpful in helping your boy with settling in. You can also find them in the information collection.

I just gave him first dose of antibiotics as the guide you sent and said! And it worked wonderfully and peacefully!

His name is Momo!

I was very patient, talked to him a lot, when I grabbed him he started screaming but calmed down once in my lap. Then I kept talking to him and gave the antibiotics in syringe, after water and then a treat, I kept praising him a lot. I used carrot as a treat because someone on reddit said it was great for them as treat, but I have read it is not good to give them often. Do you suggest other treats to praise him? Since I will be giving treats for 21 days twice a day! I am still not sure about what he likes and dislikes! The next dose is tomorrow morning.

I also looked at his teeth, I compared them to the photos on the internet of other guinea pigs and Momo's teeth seem to be a little bigger (mainly the low teeth, they are a lot bigger than the upper ones) than the ones on the internet but they are still straight both of them.

Again, thank you SOOO very much, it helped me a lot!

Also I have one more doubt, vet suggest ivermectin to treat the mites, but only after the current antibiotics he is taking now (In other words, only after 21 days). Should I follow his saying or start giving him? He's been itching a lot.

 

[naguya]

Welcome to the forum, I'm sorry it's in such sad circumstances. Well done for rescuing that poor gorgeous boy.
The guides that you have been linked are very helpful.

Thank you! I am still reading the guides, they are being very helpful! I am also taking notes about crucial things I must forget about them.

I hope Momo can recover soon!

 

[Wiebke]

I just gave him first dose of antibiotics as the guide you sent and said! And it worked wonderfully and peacefully!

His name is Momo!

I was very patient, talked to him a lot, when I grabbed him he started screaming but calmed down once in my lap. Then I kept talking to him and gave the antibiotics in syringe, after water and then a treat, I kept praising him a lot. I used carrot as a treat because someone on reddit said it was great for them as treat, but I have read it is not good to give them often. Do you suggest other treats to praise him? Since I will be giving treats for 21 days twice a day! I am still not sure about what he likes and dislikes! The next dose is tomorrow morning.

I also looked at his teeth, I compared them to the photos on the internet of other guinea pigs and Momo's teeth seem to be a little bigger (mainly the low teeth, they are a lot bigger than the upper ones) than the ones on the internet but they are still straight both of them.

Again, thank you SOOO very much, it helped me a lot!

Also I have one more doubt, vet suggest ivermectin to treat the mites, but only after the current antibiotics he is taking now (In other words, only after 21 days). Should I follow his saying or start giving him? He's been itching a lot.

Hi

You can give the ivermectin now. Please follow the advice on the packing in terms of how much (which is weight dependent) and freguency (which depends on the concentration of the product). You need to do at least 3 rounds on the product specific interval to kill off all emerging mange mites. Your vet is erring on the cautious side but he is at least prescribing you the right medications.
New piggy problems: URI - ringworm - skin parasites

Carrot is for guinea pigs like what chocolate is for humans - you can find that in our diet guide as well. You can give a thin slice cut in two for the next 21 days or you can try different veg and fresh herbs to see what he likes or not.

As to his teeth - the lower incisors are always looking too long unless you get used to it. As long as the tips are not pointing inwards and are no longer meeting with the upper incisors, they are the right length. And you do not have to worry about toothache being the cause of the head tilt. Just to make sure.

Picking up a guinea pig is cutting very close to their prey animal instinct but you can work around that. Here is our very practical information on that (with pictures and some videos):
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

 

[fluffysal]

I personally give fresh herbs after medicine as my boys find them irresistible.
Hopefully he will soon associate you with feeling better and you will get a close bond.

 

[Merab]

Momo sounds as if he’s definitely in the right place with you to look after him.
I hope the medication and your care soon help him feel better

 

[naguya]

Good mornin

Hi

You can give the ivermectin now. Please follow the advice on the packing in terms of how much (which is weight dependent) and freguency (which depends on the concentration of the product). You need to do at least 3 rounds on the product specific interval to kill off all emerging mange mites. Your vet is erring on the cautious side but he is at least prescribing you the right medications.
New piggy problems: URI - ringworm - skin parasites

Carrot is for guinea pigs like what chocolate is for humans - you can find that in our diet guide as well. You can give a thin slice cut in two for the next 21 days or you can try different veg and fresh herbs to see what he likes or not.

As to his teeth - the lower incisors are always looking too long unless you get used to it. As long as the tips are not pointing inwards and are no longer meeting with the upper incisors, they are the right length. And you do not have to worry about toothache being the cause of the head tilt. Just to make sure.

Picking up a guinea pig is cutting very close to their prey animal instinct but you can work around that. Here is our very practical information on that (with pictures and some videos):
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

Good morning, I am strictly following the antibiotics (baytril) schedule also I started today the ivermectin once a week for four weeks smashed in a banana since it only is available in tablets...
Momo seems to be slowly loosening up and "getting out from his cocoon", he's much more active, and when he sees me he starts to make a lot of noise, I think he's started to associate me with food because when I put my hand in his cage he comes to sniff it haha.
He became a little brave, yesterday when I gave him the medicine (baytril) he refused and bit me hard, but I know this is part of the process, I managed to calm him down, I spent a lot of time talking to him and gave him the medicine. Yesterday and today the treats were green bell peppers, I saw it is part of diet daily basis, but he loves it, so I gave it to him after the medicine.
I've been spending most of my time with him, and praising him. His head is still tilted to the left and also when he is looking above he always look upward pointing left, perhaps because it is too early to see any results from the medicine... I hope he can be healthy or at least lead a good life with no pain, even with this tilted head.
When I put him on my lap to give him the medication he started to let me caress around his eyes, he closed his eyes and made a noise like a cat purring. Last night after medication and treats he yawned, stretched himself entirely, lay down on his side still on my lap, and closed his eyes for about 2 minutes as if he was going to sleep. Is this a good sign of trust right? I was so happy for him.
I bought several good fresh hays that come with some herbs, leaves or flowers inside to check his taste (I checked the allowed foods before buying them). I realized at the moment that he is passionate about the one which comes with a few dandelions inside, but he was like "meh" for hibiscus flowers. It is nice to discover what he likes!

He lost 4 grams yesterday, I saw that it was normal in the guide, I will weigh him again at the same time today. The guides have helped me a lot, especially understanding and communicating with him. Thank you so much again! I also have been reading a lot here, still learning!

 

[naguya]

I personally give fresh herbs after medicine as my boys find them irresistible.
Hopefully he will soon associate you with feeling better and you will get a close bond.

I bought fresh herbs, mixture appropriate for them, at first he didn't even care, but I went out from room, and after a few minutes his bowl was empty! So I think he loved it!

 

[Wiebke]

Good mornin


Good morning, I am strictly following the antibiotics (baytril) schedule also I started today the ivermectin once a week for four weeks smashed in a banana since it only is available in tablets...
Momo seems to be slowly loosening up and "getting out from his cocoon", he's much more active, and when he sees me he starts to make a lot of noise, I think he's started to associate me with food because when I put my hand in his cage he comes to sniff it haha.
He became a little brave, yesterday when I gave him the medicine (baytril) he refused and bit me hard, but I know this is part of the process, I managed to calm him down, I spent a lot of time talking to him and gave him the medicine. Yesterday and today the treats were green bell peppers, I saw it is part of diet daily basis, but he loves it, so I gave it to him after the medicine.
I've been spending most of my time with him, and praising him. His head is still tilted to the left and also when he is looking above he always look upward pointing left, perhaps because it is too early to see any results from the medicine... I hope he can be healthy or at least lead a good life with no pain, even with this tilted head.
When I put him on my lap to give him the medication he started to let me caress around his eyes, he closed his eyes and made a noise like a cat purring. Last night after medication and treats he yawned, stretched himself entirely, lay down on his side still on my lap, and closed his eyes for about 2 minutes as if he was going to sleep. Is this a good sign of trust right? I was so happy for him.
I bought several good fresh hays that come with some herbs, leaves or flowers inside to check his taste (I checked the allowed foods before buying them). I realized at the moment that he is passionate about the one which comes with a few dandelions inside, but he was like "meh" for hibiscus flowers. It is nice to discover what he likes!

He lost 4 grams yesterday, I saw that it was normal in the guide, I will weigh him again at the same time today. The guides have helped me a lot, especially understanding and communicating with him. Thank you so much again! I also have been reading a lot here, still learning!

It sounds like he knows when he is loved and welcome. He definitely trusts you if he likes being petted around the eyes (purring) and is going to sleep on you; including telling you what he doesn't like when he tweaks your hand. Lots of communication, which is wonderful so early on!
Who is the Boss - Your Guinea Pig or You? (the first chapter is about unwelcome behaviours)

Re. head tilt, it is a bit of a wait and see. It may never disappear but thankfully he only has a milder one and will get used to it in the worst case scenario.

 

[naguya]

It sounds like he knows when he is loved and welcome. He definitely trusts you if he likes being petted around the eyes (purring) and is going to sleep on you; including telling you what he doesn't like when he tweaks your hand. Lots of communication, which is wonderful so early on!
Who is the Boss - Your Guinea Pig or You? (the first chapter is about unwelcome behaviours)

Re. head tilt, it is a bit of a wait and see. It may never disappear but thankfully he only has a milder one and will get used to it in the worst case scenario.

Thank you!

I just read the guide! And I am trying to put his chin up but he doesn't like haha he starts to complain making noises, so I end up caressing him after it, only once he accepted it and let his chin up with no problem. I will keep trying to do it everytime I pick him up!

I also read the guide about male and female gender with photos, I am pretty sure he is a male as the seller told me, vet also told he was a boy, but could you please help me to make sure?

Also, his new cage is supposed to arrive today or next week with accessories, should I wait him finish the antibiotics before getting him a male friend? I am worried because of the mites and the supposed ear infection which could transmit.

If the head tilt continues after the antibiotics, should I buy some kind of supplement or something similar to him? I thought I could buy some supplement to help him to sustain his head at least a little as chondroitin, I know that for dogs it helps with joints and support, but I don't know if it's good for guinea pigs...?

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you!

I just read the guide! And I am trying to put his chin up but he doesn't like haha he starts to complain making noises, so I end up caressing him after it, only once he accepted it and let his chin up with no problem. I will keep trying to do it everytime I pick him up!

I also read the guide about male and female gender with photos, I am pretty sure he is a male as the seller told me, vet also told he was a boy, but could you please help me to make sure?

Also, his new cage is supposed to arrive today or next week with accessories, should I wait him finish the antibiotics before getting him a male friend? I am worried because of the mites and the supposed ear infection which could transmit.

If the head tilt continues after the antibiotics, should I buy some kind of supplement or something similar to him? I thought I could buy some supplement to help him to sustain his head at least a little as chondroitin, I know that for dogs it helps with joints and support, but I don't know if it's good for guinea pigs...?

Only force his chin up when he has tweaked you. It is a rather strongly worded 'you have misbehaved' and a rather rude dominance reinforcement in cavy language.

There is nothing you can do if the head tilt doesn't reverse and no need for supplementing.

At the moment he is basically in quarantine. A friend is only on the books once you are safely 2 weeks past the end of any medical treatment.

Healthy piggies can fend off opportunistic infections with a strong immune system.

 

[Ramia]

If you get a new cage wait to use it till you get him a friend as they have to be introduced in neutral territory. Unless you have another neutral area you can do the bonding.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you!

I just read the guide! And I am trying to put his chin up but he doesn't like haha he starts to complain making noises, so I end up caressing him after it, only once he accepted it and let his chin up with no problem. I will keep trying to do it everytime I pick him up!

I also read the guide about male and female gender with photos, I am pretty sure he is a male as the seller told me, vet also told he was a boy, but could you please help me to make sure?

Also, his new cage is supposed to arrive today or next week with accessories, should I wait him finish the antibiotics before getting him a male friend? I am worried because of the mites and the supposed ear infection which could transmit.

If the head tilt continues after the antibiotics, should I buy some kind of supplement or something similar to him? I thought I could buy some supplement to help him to sustain his head at least a little as chondroitin, I know that for dogs it helps with joints and support, but I don't know if it's good for guinea pigs...?

Hi

You definitely have got a boy.
Here is our Sexing guide with plenty of comparison pictures:

Thank you!

I just read the guide! And I am trying to put his chin up but he doesn't like haha he starts to complain making noises, so I end up caressing him after it, only once he accepted it and let his chin up with no problem. I will keep trying to do it everytime I pick him up!

I also read the guide about male and female gender with photos, I am pretty sure he is a male as the seller told me, vet also told he was a boy, but could you please help me to make sure?

Also, his new cage is supposed to arrive today or next week with accessories, should I wait him finish the antibiotics before getting him a male friend? I am worried because of the mites and the supposed ear infection which could transmit.

If the head tilt continues after the antibiotics, should I buy some kind of supplement or something similar to him? I thought I could buy some supplement to help him to sustain his head at least a little as chondroitin, I know that for dogs it helps with joints and support, but I don't know if it's good for guinea pigs...?

The genitalia look rather swollen to me, to be honest. But you can clearly see the penis shaft at the top.

Illustrated Sexing Guide
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

 

[naguya]

Hi

You definitely have got a boy.
Here is our Sexing guide with plenty of comparison pictures:


The genitalia look rather swollen to me, to be honest. But you can clearly see the penis shaft at the top.

Illustrated Sexing Guide
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

Oh no! I just read the guide! Should I try to express his penis? And clean it if there is something? Or give him a bum wash?

 

[naguya]

If you get a new cage wait to use it till you get him a friend as they have to be introduced in neutral territory. Unless you have another neutral area you can do the bonding.

At the moment I just have his tiny cage he came with , that's why I immediately bought a larger cage, it is supposed to arrive today, but carriers are so slow here, then I expect it on Monday. I will wait till 2 weeks safe after antibiotics as Wiebke said to look him for a friend.

 

[Wiebke]

Oh no! I just read the guide! Should I try to express his penis? And clean it if there is something? Or give him a bum wash?

With boars, you check the bits once weekly for any swellings and how dirty they are but often you service them can vary between once weekly to once a month - teenagers are usually worst but it can also vary depending on the personality.

You may want to check his penis tomorrow. The genitalia look rather swollen to me.

At the moment I just have his tiny cage he came with , that's why I immediately bought a larger cage, it is supposed to arrive today, but carriers are so slow here, then I expect it on Monday. I will wait till 2 weeks safe after antibiotics as Wiebke said to look him for a friend.

You need to wait 2 weeks after the third application of the antiparasite or the antibiotic - whichever finishes sooner.

 

[naguya]

Only force his chin up when he has tweaked you. It is a rather strongly worded 'you have misbehaved' and a rather rude dominance reinforcement in cavy language.

There is nothing you can do if the head tilt doesn't reverse and no need for supplementing.

At the moment he is basically in quarantine. A friend is only on the books once you are safely 2 weeks past the end of any medical treatment.

Healthy piggies can fend off opportunistic infections with a strong immune system.

Thank you again! I misunderstood the guide, this time I'll do it right about the chin up!

 

[weepweeps]

Thank you!

I just read the guide! And I am trying to put his chin up but he doesn't like haha he starts to complain making noises, so I end up caressing him after it, only once he accepted it and let his chin up with no problem. I will keep trying to do it everytime I pick him up!

I also read the guide about male and female gender with photos, I am pretty sure he is a male as the seller told me, vet also told he was a boy, but could you please help me to make sure?

Also, his new cage is supposed to arrive today or next week with accessories, should I wait him finish the antibiotics before getting him a male friend? I am worried because of the mites and the supposed ear infection which could transmit.

If the head tilt continues after the antibiotics, should I buy some kind of supplement or something similar to him? I thought I could buy some supplement to help him to sustain his head at least a little as chondroitin, I know that for dogs it helps with joints and support, but I don't know if it's good for guinea pigs...?

I agree his privates do look very swollen.

 

[naguya]

I agree his privates do look very swollen.

What do I do about it? How can I help him? Now I am very concerned, vet did not tell anything about it. Only about the head!

 

[naguya]

With boars, you check the bits once weekly for any swellings and how dirty they are but often you service them can vary between once weekly to once a month - teenagers are usually worst but it can also vary depending on the personality.

You may want to check his penis tomorrow. The genitalia look rather swollen to me.



You need to wait 2 weeks after the third application of the antiparasite or the antibiotic - whichever finishes sooner.

Is there something I can do to help him with swollen genitalia right now? Do I take him to the vet again? He just told me about the tilted head and mites. I am so concerned... His poo is pretty normal, very shaped and good consistency...

 

[Wiebke]

Is there something I can do to help him with swollen genitalia right now? Do I take him to the vet again? He just told me about the tilted head and mites. I am so concerned... His poo is pretty normal, very shaped and good consistency...

Hi

Please read the boar guide and then try to express the penis - if you can. He could have an infection in the penis shaft by the looks of it because you cannot usually see it.

I am really sorry that it is one thing after another right now.

 

[weepweeps]

What do I do about it? How can I help him? Now I am very concerned, vet did not tell anything about it. Only about the head!

I’m sorry I didn’t want to worry you. Does the area feel hot and look red (it looks pink in the photo)