• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Unwell piggy

P

Popps&Dais

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Sep 6, 2020
Messages
52
Reaction score
46
Points
195
Location
Scotland
Hello,

Please may I ask some advice? Our two year old boar who joined us from a rescue in December is looking quite poorly. We went to the vets a few hours ago and lungs, heart are fine and they couldn’t find anything obvious. We’re monitoring overnight and I’m to tell them how he is in the morning. He’s on arthrocam and something to keep his gut moving, although we both agreed his poops are ok.

I thought I’d ask on here too as he seems sleepier. He is eating, but not as much as normal and he’s been lethargic today and not asked for food. He’s currently lying on his hay where he went when I brought him home from the vets. His eyes are half closed as he’s resting but he does open them fully too. He’s let us pick him up easily and he just seems out of sorts.

I’ll keep an eye on him but if you’ve any suggestions please then they’d be gratefully received.
 
Hi sorry your boy seems unwell. So did the vet give any idea as to what it could be? I always say follow your instincts you know him best. If he is behaving out of character it's for a reason. Is the vet you saw your regular vet? Are they used to treating guinea pigs? 💐
 
You've had him checked by the vet so my only advice would be to offer some support feed. Mushed pellets would suffice if you haven't got critical care or similar.
 
CTWC said:
Hi sorry your boy seems unwell. So did the vet give any idea as to what it could be? I always say follow your instincts you know him best. If he is behaving out of character it's for a reason. Is the vet you saw your regular vet? Are they used to treating guinea pigs? 💐
Click to expand...
Thank you. Nope, they couldn’t find anything. He did squeak a bit when being checked - the most I’ve ever heard him squeak but the vet said it wasn’t pain and she really couldn’t find anything. He’s also occasionally doing a vibrating thing which tells the vet and me that he’s uncomfortable.

He’s just woken up though and begun having a bit more of his carrot which seems promising. 🤞
 
Popps&Dais said:
Hello,

Please may I ask some advice? Our two year old boar who joined us from a rescue in December is looking quite poorly. We went to the vets a few hours ago and lungs, heart are fine and they couldn’t find anything obvious. We’re monitoring overnight and I’m to tell them how he is in the morning. He’s on arthrocam and something to keep his gut moving, although we both agreed his poops are ok.

I thought I’d ask on here too as he seems sleepier. He is eating, but not as much as normal and he’s been lethargic today and not asked for food. He’s currently lying on his hay where he went when I brought him home from the vets. His eyes are half closed as he’s resting but he does open them fully too. He’s let us pick him up easily and he just seems out of sorts.

I’ll keep an eye on him but if you’ve any suggestions please then they’d be gratefully received.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome

Unfortunately, all you can do is look after him and see where it takes you. He may pick up again but unfortunately, it could be simply his time and his body is closing down slowly in the wake of one of his smaller organs giving way. It is too early to tell so try to concentrate on supporting him appropriately but being aware that things could be heading in the wrong direction.

In the latter case, there is nothing you or a vet can do once the much faster metabolism that guinea pigs have is turning against them. :(

Here is our information collection with all the practical how-to advice and more in-depth information on how to look after a piggy in crisis. See how he does with some feeding and watering support; keep him warm but not hot with the option to move away whenever he feels overheated.

I have added practical information links that cover both outcomes as we are heading into another cold night but please brace for the fact that things can stay in the indifferent stage for up to several days. You can never predict anything, as I have learned the hard way with so many of my own over the years. Be there for him, give him your gentle and soothing love and care but please don't hover and thrust any anxiety of yours at him.

Wiebke

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

1 Statement
2 Emergency assessment and accessing vets
- How urgent is my guinea pig's problem?
- Finding an emergency vet
- Seeing a vet not familiar with guinea pigs (including lists of safe and dangerous medications)
3 First Aid care and easily available products
- General 'always have at home' stuff and comfort measures for very ill guinea pigs
- Improvising support feed; recovery formulas...
  • Like

Wiebke

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

Introduction
1 Choosing the right place to medicate/feed your piggy
2 Guinea pig whispering and asserting your authority
3 Recovery products and emergency improvisation
4 Syringe recommendations
5 Weight monitoring: your biggest ally
6 Weight loss guidelines and when to step in with feeding
7 Syringe feeding amounts/frequency advice
8 Practical medication and syringing tips
9 Medicating and feeding cooperative guinea pigs (videos)
10 Medicating and feeding uncooperative guinea pigs (hold pictures and tips)
11 The line between life and...
  • Like
  • Love

Wiebke

Thread 'Is My Guinea Pig Dying?'

1 Life or death emergency – Can my piggy be saved?
- Contacting a vet clinic at all times and link to life and death emergencies list
- What to do if I cannot access vet care instantly?
- The need to save up for emergency vet access
2 Is my guinea pig dying?
- Be honest with yourself
- Multiple organ failure (i.e. a natural death)
- List of signs that your guinea pig could be dying
- What can I do for a dying guinea pig...

My fingers are crossed for you that he perks up again.
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome

Unfortunately, all you can do is look after him and see where it takes you. He may pick up again but unfortunately, it could be simply his time and his body is closing down slowly in the wake of one of his smaller organs giving way. It is too early to tell so try to concentrate on supporting him appropriately but being aware that things could be heading in the wrong direction.

In the latter case, there is nothing you or a vet can do once the much faster metabolism that guinea pigs have is turning against them.

Here is our information collection with all the practical how-to advice and more in-depth information on how to look after a piggy in crisis. See how he does with some feeding and watering support; keep him warm but not hot with the option to move away whenever he feels overheated.

I have added practical information links that cover both outcomes as we are heading into another cold night but please brace for the fact that things can stay in the indifferent stage for up to several days. You can never predict anything, as I have learned the hard with so many of my own over the years. Be there for him, give him your gentle and soothing love and care but please don't hover and thrust any anxiety of yours at him.

Wiebke

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

1 Statement
2 Emergency assessment and accessing vets
- How urgent is my guinea pig's problem?
- Finding an emergency vet
- Seeing a vet not familiar with guinea pigs (including lists of safe and dangerous medications)
3 First Aid care and easily available products
- General 'always have at home' stuff and comfort measures for very ill guinea pigs
- Improvising support feed; recovery formulas...
  • Like

Wiebke

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

Introduction
1 Choosing the right place to medicate/feed your piggy
2 Guinea pig whispering and asserting your authority
3 Recovery products and emergency improvisation
4 Syringe recommendations
5 Weight monitoring: your biggest ally
6 Weight loss guidelines and when to step in with feeding
7 Syringe feeding amounts/frequency advice
8 Practical medication and syringing tips
9 Medicating and feeding cooperative guinea pigs (videos)
10 Medicating and feeding uncooperative guinea pigs (hold pictures and tips)
11 The line between life and...
  • Like
  • Love

Wiebke

Thread 'Is My Guinea Pig Dying?'

1 Life or death emergency – Can my piggy be saved?
- Contacting a vet clinic at all times and link to life and death emergencies list
- What to do if I cannot access vet care instantly?
- The need to save up for emergency vet access
2 Is my guinea pig dying?
- Be honest with yourself
- Multiple organ failure (i.e. a natural death)
- List of signs that your guinea pig could be dying
- What can I do for a dying guinea pig...

My fingers are crossed for you that he perks up again.
Click to expand...
Hi Wiebke,

Thank you so much. Yes, will keep a non-hovering and calm eye on him and do all I can. Whilst hoping for the best but knowing that there may be a different outcome.
 
Popps&Dais said:
Hi Wiebke,

Thank you so much. Yes, will keep a non-hovering and calm eye on him and do all I can. Whilst hoping for the best but knowing that there may be a different outcome.
Click to expand...

I fully appreciate how stressful and anxious a time it is for you. But we are here for moral support and all the little questions and reassurance if needed so you do at least not have to face it all alone.

Indeed, I so would love to have better advice than that but this kind of situation is sadly what you not rarely face as an owner. There is no road map for navigating what is going to unfold bit by bit. You just have to deal with developments as best as you can. But that is all that is asked of you as a caring owner. The rest is not in your control. :(

All I can give you is the information and tools for you to use if or whenever they become relavent for you for the coming night during our downtime, so you are not left without resources at all.

My thoughts are with you.

HUGS
 
Wiebke said:
I fully appreciate how stressful and anxious a time it is for you. But we are here for moral support and all the little questions and reassurance if needed so you do at least not have to face it all alone.

Indeed, I so would love to have better advice than that but this kind of situation is sadly what you not rarely face as an owner. There is no road map for navigating what is going to unfold bit by bit. You just have to deal with developments as best as you can. But that is all that is asked of you as a caring owner. The rest is not in your control. :(

All I can give you is the information and tools for you to use if or whenever they become relavent for you for the coming night during our downtime, so you are not left without resources at all.

My thoughts are with you.

HUGS
Click to expand...
Thank you, I’m so grateful for the forum.

His only other thing to go on is that his poos smell odd. I noticed the smell this morning but thought it was just a male piggy thing. Now though maybe it’s something not quite going well in his gut. Will go read up more in the guides.
 
Popps&Dais said:
Thank you, I’m so grateful for the forum.

His only other thing to go on is that his poos smell odd. I noticed the smell this morning but thought it was just a male piggy thing. Now though maybe it’s something not quite going well in his gut. Will go read up more in the guides.
Click to expand...

Please step in with feeding support. All the best!
 
Wiebke said:
Please step in with feeding support. All the best!
Click to expand...
Thank you. He made it through the night. Was a bit brighter, more alert and standing on his feet at some points. He ate cucumber, pepper, hay and nuggets. He’s sleepy again now (although I’d say slightly more alert sleepy).

His poos are still firm but smaller than yesterday.

He’s not interested in Critical Care or another version of it that I have when offered by spoon. Do I need to try syringe feeding? Will keep an eye on his weight anyway and continue to offer it now and again to see if I can tempt him.
 
I also called the vet to let them know how he’s doing. They gave me advice on his medication as he’s still a bit sore but didn’t ask to see him. I’m keeping them informed if anything changes. He’s on emeprid and arthrocam.
 
Popps&Dais said:
Thank you. He made it through the night. Was a bit brighter, more alert and standing on his feet at some points. He ate cucumber, pepper, hay and nuggets. He’s sleepy again now (although I’d say slightly more alert sleepy).

His poos are still firm but smaller than yesterday.

He’s not interested in Critical Care or another version of it that I have when offered by spoon. Do I need to try syringe feeding? Will keep an eye on his weight anyway and continue to offer it now and again to see if I can tempt him.
Click to expand...

I’m sorry to hear this.

Yes please use a syringe. If he isn’t eating hay then he needs to be syringe fed very regularly - every 2-3 hours
 
We’ve managed to get him to eat about 6ml of Sherwood recovery food over two sittings a couple of hours apart. About 3ml each time. Plus a couple of sprigs of coriander. He’s also had about 0.5ml of water each time. Is that enough?

He goes back eats a small amount of hay and then sleeps again.
 
Popps&Dais said:
We’ve managed to get him to eat about 6ml of Sherwood recovery food over two sittings a couple of hours apart. About 3ml each time. Plus a couple of sprigs of coriander. He’s also had about 0.5ml of water each time. Is that enough?

He goes back eats a small amount of hay and then sleeps again.
Click to expand...

His daily weight checks are your only guide. Sadly if he is very poorly then you may really struggle to get food into him. As you will see from the guide I will link in below, section 5 details Crisis and emergency care is to get 5-10ml per sitting but the reality is all you can do is offer it to him and see how it goes

Wiebke

Thread 'Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support'

1 Weight and Weight Loss
- Why regular weight monitoring matters
- How weight changes over a lifetime
- How to weigh on your kitchen scales (with video)
- The weight loss rules
- How critical is the weight loss for my piggy?
- Possible causes for weight loss
2 Body Mass Index (BMI) or 'Heft'
- Why is understanding your piggy's weight so important?
- 'Average' weight vs. individual weight - the big trip up
- How to check for the BMI...
  • Like
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top