Weight loss. When to be concerned?

[Hnrpiggies]

Hi all, I recently lost a guinea pig and her first symptom of illness was rapid weight loss.
I have four other piggies.
Their weights last Saturday (LS) and this Saturday (TS) =
Minnie (3) - LS - 1069g TS - 1041g (lost 28g)
Flower (2ish) - LS - 1162g TS - 1142g (lost 20g)
Little one (2ish) - LS - 1102g TS- 1092g (lost 10g)
Sandy (11months)- LS - 958g TS - 941g (lost 17g)

as you can see they’ve all lost weight, some more than others. I know weight fluctuates but at what point should I be concerned?
All four of them appear very healthy. Active, eating, drinking, pooping and peeing, so I’m not worried about that. I’m just paranoid they’re gonna start rapidly losing weight like blondie did.

how much weight is too much weight to lose in a week?

 

[tabelmabel]

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide


60g or more loss is a cause for concern.

 

[Siikibam]

I wouldn’t worry about those weight losses. When you have to start querying it is if the loss is more than 50g in a week or it’s a continual downward spiral.

 

[Piggies&buns]

The occasional drop of the amounts you mention on their own are not of concern. That can be down to an emptier bladder, for example.

30-50g loss is within normal limits.
Anything over 50g in one go is when you switch to weighing daily instead and prepare to step in with syringe feed/see a vet.
100g in one go is an emergency and requires immediate syringe feeding and seeing a vet (along with daily weight checks).

A gradual but continual downward trend over several weeks amounting to 50-100g, is also when you step in.

The guide below explains further

Weight - Monitoring and Management

 

[Claire W]

I agree. You are looking for a loss of 50g or more in a week or a continual downward trend of over several weeks for there need to be a cause for concern. I really wouldn’t worry. Just keep weighing them weekly

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all, I recently lost a guinea pig and her first symptom of illness was rapid weight loss.
I have four other piggies.
Their weights last Saturday (LS) and this Saturday (TS) =
Minnie (3) - LS - 1069g TS - 1041g (lost 28g)
Flower (2ish) - LS - 1162g TS - 1142g (lost 20g)
Little one (2ish) - LS - 1102g TS- 1092g (lost 10g)
Sandy (11months)- LS - 958g TS - 941g (lost 17g)

as you can see they’ve all lost weight, some more than others. I know weight fluctuates but at what point should I be concerned?
All four of them appear very healthy. Active, eating, drinking, pooping and peeing, so I’m not worried about that. I’m just paranoid they’re gonna start rapidly losing weight like blondie did.

how much weight is too much weight to lose in a week?

Hi!

Please take the time to carefully read our weight management guide. We do not speak of weight loss until 50-60g or more. What you are experiencing is still vert much in the normal day swing range between a full/empty tummy and bladder. Just the difference between a full or empty bladder can make 10g, not to mention the much larger gut...

For more information and practical details please read our guide, which tell you exactly what to look out for, when you need to see a vet and when to step in with feeding support (definitely not now).

The guide should help allay your anxiety but give you clear and precise guidance as to when you need to act: Weight - Monitoring and Management

 

[Hnrpiggies]

Thank you all