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Weight loss, soft poops and drinking more

rp1993

rp1993

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Pepper has lost some weight this past week, 75g for where he normally sits (we are in daily weighing) and has had on and off soft or pointy poops for a few months we come off veggies and go back in them, have some CC sprinkled with pro C when no veggies, he also seems to be drinking a little more than normal although it’s not excessive.

I have booked him in to see the exotic vet next Tuesday, and just wanted some advice on what this could potentially be and if there is anything I should be asking the vet to check?

From a diet perspective we follow the guides on here, they get one little gem lettuce leaf, a few coriander stalks, cucumber, celery and bell pepper twice a day, as well as a sparing amount of nuggets and their big pile of hay. And their water is filtered.
 
Sending you both my best wishes. I hope it's nothing and the gorgeous boy returns to normal soon. Xx
 
rp1993 said:
Pepper has lost some weight this past week, 75g for where he normally sits (we are in daily weighing) and has had on and off soft or pointy poops for a few months we come off veggies and go back in them, have some CC sprinkled with pro C when no veggies, he also seems to be drinking a little more than normal although it’s not excessive.

I have booked him in to see the exotic vet next Tuesday, and just wanted some advice on what this could potentially be and if there is anything I should be asking the vet to check?

From a diet perspective we follow the guides on here, they get one little gem lettuce leaf, a few coriander stalks, cucumber, celery and bell pepper twice a day, as well as a sparing amount of nuggets and their big pile of hay. And their water is filtered.
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Hi

Please step in with syringe feeding support to replace the hay fibre that is likely currently not eating, which unbalances the ratio between dry and fresh food and can cause softer poos. Stop the veg to allow the poos to firm up and then introduce on slowly again, more with each meal if the poos stay firm.
In a pinch, offer some extra mushed pellets in bowl until you can get hold of recovery formula and see your vet.

Loss of appetite is generally caused by problem in the digestive tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus or by a pain/discomfort issue somewhere in the body. Mystery weight loss is my least favourite (also very common) symptom because it is so vague and leaves a really big field of potential problems.

Concentrate on topping up the hay fibre (supplementary to but not replacing what your piggy eats) and try not to overthink for what there are just not enough markers right now. Adjust the feed according to what the scales tell you. Weighing first thing in the morning means that the weight is lowest and you can best exclude the daily ca. 30g weight swing during the day. If the weight loss continues, then please up the amount of support feeding accordingly. See your vet sooner (if possible) if your piggy is losing their weight completely.

Here is some helpful practical information on caring for a piggy that is not well:
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

All the best!
 
So sorry Pepper’s not well, hope you find out what’s wrong and it can easily be sorted
 
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Thanks all, luckily he will take critical out of a bowl/ spoon so getting a top up in Jim is relatively simple! He will not be impressed about lack of veggies again but it’s for the best.
 
So sorry he's not feeling well. You're a good piggy owner to keep such a close eye and take care of him. Hope he eats the CC well for you.
 
Poor Pepper. I hope he’s ok. That’s brilliant that he will eat CC off of a spoon. Good luck at the vets. Sending healing vibes from Percy and my Pepper ❤️
 
So Pepper has had his vet appointment today, just got the call from pig dad who took him, his teeth are starting to grow sideways a little at the back. He is been prescribed some anti inflamitry and will be going back next week!
Hope if he doesn’t need to have any dental work!
 
Glad you got him checked out. Hope he is feeling better soon!
 
Just had our week check up, pepper is doing a good job of wearing his teeth himself, so no dental work needed. He has gained some weight too so we are continuing with Metacam for two more weeks and are to ring the vets with his weight in two weeks.
 
We have been back at the vets to day as Peppers weight has dropped yet again, back on Metacam twice a day and back at the vets on Monday to see if there is any improvement. The vet couldn’t see his teeth today as his mouth was full of food, he said he might have to put him under to give his teeth a full check up if he continues to lose weight, at the moment he is 1056g which is about 100g down and is felling under weight ☹️
 
Pepper you get eating boy! You are stressing your Mummy out and the lovely members of this forum love you. (You are one of my Forum favourites but don't tell Pringle :shh: )
 
Betsy said:
Pepper you get eating boy! You are stressing your Mummy out and the lovely members of this forum love you. (You are one of my Forum favourites but don't tell Pringle :shh: )
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Thanks Jackie, he indeed is stressing his mummy out lots! Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this! Even our vet said he was a very cute Guineapig ☺️
 
rp1993 said:
We have been back at the vets to day as Peppers weight has dropped yet again, back on Metacam twice a day and back at the vets on Monday to see if there is any improvement. The vet couldn’t see his teeth today as his mouth was full of food, he said he might have to put him under to give his teeth a full check up if he continues to lose weight, at the moment he is 1056g which is about 100g down and is felling under weight ☹️
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Please step in with feeding support. This guide tells you how you can improvise if needed: All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
 
Good that he’s eating it himself, that’s really good. I hope he’s feeling better soon.
 
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