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Why does my guinea pig moan going to the toilet?

J

Ju4458

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Why does my guinea pig moan when going to the toilet?

She is 3y old but since birth she always moans when she goes to the toilet! She is a very happy guinea though, always eating loves her hugs and plays with her sister!

Only the past few days it been more frequent this noise. But she still the same bubbly girl. Only moans when she goes the toilet. (Or hold her too long and wants to go back haha)

Her diet is good too a mix of greens and dry food and stool looks okay. It sound like she always constipated or something and find it hard to go, but once she goes she’s fine.

Just double checking though as it’s more frequent her moan these days. Please see video, click green link.

Why does she make this noise? Only does this when going toilet -but very happy guinea always eating!

Thanks!
 
She could have a urinary tract infection. I would suggest a vet check and show them this video
 
Is it when she weeing or pooing?
 
Welcome

Sorry lots of questions coming!

Have you taken her to the vet to be checked out?
Is her weight stable at each check?
You mention veg and dry food, but does she get plenty of hay (hay being 80% of the diet)?
 
She eats absolutely fine, lots of hay and wet. Yes I’d say maybe more like 70% hay to greens though. Her weight is fine, she is bubbly girl still playing around. And only makes that noise when going to the toilet. (I believe only when she does a poo.) I can’t recall if she does it when peeing, I’ll keep an eye out if she moans when peeing.
Thanks for replying!
 
Definitely take her to the vet to be checked.

Do keep up with the routine weekly weight checks but switch to daily checks where there are health concerns (hay intake cant be gauged by eye so the weight checks are the only way to know)
 
Just pooing I think. But I’ll look out to see what she like when peeing. Thanks for replying.
 
She definitely sounds like she might be in pain.
I think a vet check is the best place to start to rule out certain obvious problems and then take it from there.
Has she ever seen a vet for this problem before?
 
Thanks for replying.
She hasn’t been before to the vets. She done this since birth but only recently moans a lot more when going. So it’s worth a check to the vets. But she is still very happy and eats lots which is strange to this day, she never went downhill with this issue.
 
Both my boys had this issue, and it turns out it was a mixture of bladder issues and arthritis, so definitely worth a vet check, it does sound like she's in pain.
Good luck! ❤️
 
Thanks! Never thought she could have arthritis, as now and then she did moan for a hug on top of the toilet issues. I will go to the vets this week, but what do you do if your guinea pig has arthritis? Is there a way to help them if they have this? Thanks
 
@Ju4458 yes you can! Your vet will be able to check for arthritis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
For my boy this meant anti inflammatories and adjusting their enclosure slightly to allow easier access for example lower hay trays and vet bed/soft beds to sit in, as well as Snugglesafes for cooler days and nights, even though they were indoors.
 
Thanks for your help! I checked her feet to see if they were swollen for arthritis but it’s hard to tell as her fur is dark. Hopefully she will be in less pain if the vets can give her something!. Is that why she moans when she poos too due to arthritis?
 
Ju4458 said:
Thanks for your help! I checked her feet to see if they were swollen for arthritis but it’s hard to tell as her fur is dark. Hopefully she will be in less pain if the vets can give her something!. Is that why she moans when she poos too due to arthritis?
Click to expand...

We cannot know. Only a vet can determine the cause.

One of my rabbits had spinal arthritis. He just became slower to get up from resting
 
👍 thanks. What does the snungglesafe do sorry? Does it help circulation or keep the warm or something?
 
Just found your thread. Good luck at the vets! Definitely show them the video. It sounds like something is certainly bothering her. There are ways to help them if it is arthritis or if it is infection. There are medicines but also general painkiller suitable for piggies. My boy has had arthritis in his knees for over 2 years and has been on a painkiller called metacam all that time. We call it 'Guinea Pig Calpol'! He is 6 now. He likes the snuggle safe heat pad - it is a hard plastic disc which can be heated up in a microwave and then tucked under a soft fleece or tunnel or something similar. He likes a soft surface to relax on. I was surprised they were so hard but it is so they cannot be damaged if you pet decided to have a little chew on it. They are so good both my teenagers have one now instead of a hot water bottle to take to bed at night... the snuggle safe keeps hot for longer!
Your girl is a good weight and whatever the problem is it looks like she is living her best life, but it would be great to try and help her if she can be helped. Good luck and let us know how you get on x
 
Thank you! Yeah she is a happy girl, but it’s hard to hear her cry now and then, so hopefully the vets will give her something to help long term! I’ll let you’ll know how it goes!
 
I’m glad you have a diagnosis.
Keep up with daily weight checks while she is unwell and on antibiotics. Sometimes antibiotics can affect their appetites so knowing she is still eating enough hay with those weight checks is important.
It can be advisable to give a probiotic to a piggy on antibiotics if they do affect their appetite. The probiotics can help settle their tummy.
I hope she is ok.
 
Thanks for your help. I’ll keep an eye out on her weight and appetite. Is there a probiotic brand you would recommend if she loses her appetite?
 
Ju4458 said:
Thanks for your help. I’ll keep an eye out on her weight and appetite. Is there a probiotic brand you would recommend if she loses her appetite?
Click to expand...

Pro- c or Fibreplex are two of the most often used.
You may not need it, she may be absolutely fine but best to have the information to hand in case!
 
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