4 year old guinea pig lack of pooping, shaking when walking and weight loss, is this it?

[PeachyJuli]

Hello,

I'm posting this to seek some sort of help or consolation... I think my guinea pig's dying. I wish I could take my guinea pig to the vet however my family and I are lacking in funds and my family are not very optimistic for my little guy, for reference I'm in high school and don't really get an income.

I noticed it about a week ago. It wasn't super bad, I was busy with finishing up school things and I passed by his cage only to notice he looked...different. He was hiding more often than usual, he used to be very energetic and if I passed by he was always making sure he'd gotten my attention but for a few days he had been quieter. He was still eating, or so I thought. A little later I realized he hadn't been eating as much, leaving his veggies half finished in his hiding place.

I've been spending more time with him, he doesn't move as much and when he does, he's shaking. I hadn't seen him poop in a day or so. Piña's movements are weaker and when I pick up he doesn't struggle the way he used to- he's lighter and it's like he's zoning out. He used to be so full of energy when I let him roam around but now when I let him out he eats very slowly and then squishes himself right next to my leg. It's strange to me and hurts to watch.

I've searched some things up, most things tell me to see a vet which I can't. I saw a few things concerning dental care however i'll hand feed him and he'll eat just fine. It's when he's alone he's seemed to have a loss of appetite.


I'd appreciate any insight on this and whether or not it might just be his time or if I just have to help him regain his strength. Thank you.

 

[Piggies&buns]

A piggy who isn’t pooping isnt eating, And a piggy who isn’t eating needs to be syringe fed. You must also weigh him every day so you can monitor that weight is no longer being lost as it is the only way to ensure you are getting enough syringe feed into him. This means a piggy will need around 60-90ml of syringe feed in a 24 hour period to replace the hay he isn’t eating for himself and keep the guts functioning. It is essential that this happens.
Syringe feeding is an emergency measure but your piggy needs a vet as without a vet there is no way of knowing what is wrong and solving the problem with medication. It’s a legal responsibility that vet care is sought when necessary - Can you borrow money from somebody to get him seen by a vet?

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

 

[PeachyJuli]

A piggy who isn’t pooping isnt eating, And a piggy who isn’t eating needs to be syringe fed. You must also weigh him every day so you can monitor that weight is no longer being lost as it is the only way to ensure you are getting enough syringe feed into him. This means a piggy will need around 60-90ml of syringe feed in a 24 hour period to replace the hay he isn’t eating for himself and keep the guts functioning. It is essential that this happens.
Syringe feeding is an emergency measure but your piggy needs a vet as without a vet there is no way of knowing what is wrong and solving the problem with medication. It’s a legal responsibility that vet care is sought when necessary - Can you borrow money from somebody to get him seen by a vet?

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

I was thinking of trying syringe feeding after looking up some things about it. As I mentioned earlier, I'm just a kid... I don't have any family friends who I could contact to borrow money from, with the covid situation, many adults I know have lost their jobs. The syringe feeding info is very helpful, I'll look into it more and make sure I do it properly. Thank you for taking your time to reply to me. I've also posted on a few other sites for help so with enough information and patience I can hopefully help my guinea pig gain his strength. Thank you again.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I understand it’s a difficult situation but syringe feeding will only keep his guts functioning and stop weight loss but it won’t make him better as whatever is causing him to be unwell needs veterinary treatment. He could need antibiotics, pain meds, a dental - anything could be wrong with him but syringe feeding wont cure any of those problems, only a vet can solve those problems.

 

[Little Ones]

I started properly owning piggies when I was 14. At that time, any money I got for Christmas and birthdays was saved and went towards vet bills for my piggies. If you celebrate Christmas, if your family members are giving you some money, you could ask your parents for it early so that you’re able to use it to get your piggy seen to by a vet. Your piggy may still have a fighting chance if you’re able to get to the root of the problem, without vet care he likely will die. Just because you’re in high school doesn’t mean you are voided of any responsibility, if you have any savings at all then use them. Like I said, that’s what I did when I was your age. This whole situation might only cost £70, and it may mean your piggy will live even longer.

 

[Swissgreys]

I am sorry you find yourself in such a difficult situation - it is clear you care very much about your guinea pig.
However if you are under 18 then it is your parent's responsibility to see that your guinea pig receives proper medical care and does not suffer.
If he is ill, you can try supplements feeds, etc. but these will not cure the problem - for that he needs a proper diagnosis and treatment from a vet.

If money is tight there are always options, and in the worst case scenario please consider handing him over to a rescue or shelter so he can receive the care and treatment he needs.

Our vet guide below explains what some possible options are including reduced price clinics.
A guide to vets fees, insurance and payment support.

 

[Tara95]

How's he doing @PeachyJuli ? Have you tried syringe feeding him? Xx