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Advice needed please!

S

Shannon1m

New Born Pup
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I have a guinea pig aged 4+ his name is Taco. Although timid this past couple of months I had noticed some off behaviours such as not finishing his favourite vegetables etc. so I began to monitor him closely. This past week I noticed a pretty significant weight loss, soft stools and an unwillingness to eat. I took over handfeeding and booked him in at the vets, he had a full check over and they could not find an obvious issue. He is healthy, his teeth are fine and they mentioned he doesn't even seem in pain but there is obviously an issue to be causing this behaviour. As advised by the vet, I took over feeding with critical care and have been giving him fibreplex 3 times a day but with no significant affect and after suddenly wet chin I rushed him back to the vets where they did a thorough check of his mouth and teeth but again with no evidence of any dental issues. The only thing the vet could not rule out is internal organ issues. He was prescribed Metacam - (to be stopped if experiencing any diarrhea) and Cisapride- (to be used until passing normal faeces). Taco has had abnormal faeces, switching between soft stools and large but still slightly soft clumps so I stopped the Metacam. He has since shown interest in some food but appeared to be struggling so in addition to his critical care I've began offering mushy pellets (which he's very much enjoying) and continued with his other prescribed medication.

I'm lost, I'm unsure of the issue and don't know what else can be done during this time. He seems happy especially with his brother. Does anyone have an advice on what could be causing this and what could be done next?
 
Welcome to the forum.
I can only offer support as you are already doing everything right.
Our expert health people may have other suggestions.
Holding you in my thoughts
 
I had a piggie who had similar symptoms, he had had dental problems for over a year but that wasn't the issue. It turned out to be oral thrush, which is hard to see.
This is the thread I did about this problem https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/wet-chin.204603/
The good news is that as soon as he had the medicine for it, he started to get better.
Perhaps your vet could consider that as a possible cause of your pig's difficulties.
 
Soft, clumpy stools can literally mean everything in the piggy world. Just experienced bladder stone and with that... Soft, clumpy stools. In between clumps normal/big shaped. That little guy also had a sharp molar embedded in his gums, that could only be seen on x-rays during sedation, and one of the symptoms of that was... Soft, clumpy stools. He had a sensitive tummy and reacted to metacam, and critical care can make the stools be very soft and funny shaped too.

Just giving some of my experiences, and I hope you can get the answer soon. Keep on fighting 💜
 
Update: Taco no longer has a wet chin, has been passing normal stools and even been interested in eating however he will only eat soft mushy pellets. He has occasionally tried to eat harder foods but seems to struggle, moving his head around lots. He has started to have loose fur around his mouth and chin which is creating a bald spot, though his skin looks healthy. I'm hoping it's just from over grooming due to the mushy pellets being so messy.

He is not eating hay and I'm still syringe feeding him critical care in-between him feeding himself yet his weight is only very slowly going up and even fluctuating some days. I'm concerned to stop being so hands on with him, has anyone had this experience or have some advice as to what to do next?
 
I’m sorry Taco is still having problems. It’s great his poops have returned to normal and he has stopped getting a wet chin.

If he’s not eating hay then you will need to continue to syringe feed him. While he is not eating for himself the purpose of syringe feeding is to keep his weight stable. He will gain weight once the issue is treated and he feels well enough to eat.

Is he on any medication at the moment?
 
weepweeps said:
I’m sorry Taco is still having problems. It’s great his poops have returned to normal and he has stopped getting a wet chin.

If he’s not eating hay then you will need to continue to syringe feed him. While he is not eating for himself the purpose of syringe feeding is to keep his weight stable. He will gain weight once the issue is treated and he feels well enough to eat.

Is he on any medication at the moment?
Click to expand...

He has just finished his medication as he was on Cisapride and Metacam, I noticed he's trying to eat harder foods now but he seems to be struggling. I've offered him a variety of vegetables, fruit and herbs, even some mushy just to try and encourage him although he's interested he just can't seem to eat normally?

I've put some links below to show how he's eating and his brother as comparison. If you have any opinions it would be much appreciated!

New video by Shannon Miskin
New video by Shannon Miskin
 
Shannon1m said:
Thank you very much 🥰

Is this something that can be treated from home or will I have to take poor taco for another vet visit?
Click to expand...
He would have to be seen by a Vet but it’s easy to treat with the right medication
A thrush infection in a human mouth is very unpleasant and does make eating difficult and the mouth is very sore - so I’m sure it’s the same with a piggy - I’m hoping it is that 🤞
 
Having watched the videos are you really sure it’s not his teeth ? An overgrown molar can dig into the cheek or tongue and make it difficult and sore to eat. Of course it could be thrush as @Qualcast&Flymo said …..
I notice your address is England - are you near The Cat and Rabbit Centre in Northampton ? They are experts on anything guinea pig related especially teeth - well worth contacting them and they often can do treatment on the day
 
Roselina said:
Having watched the videos are you really sure it’s not his teeth ? An overgrown molar can dig into the cheek or tongue and make it difficult and sore to eat. Of course it could be thrush as @Qualcast&Flymo said …..
I notice your address is England - are you near The Cat and Rabbit Centre in Northampton ? They are experts on anything guinea pig related especially teeth - well worth contacting them and they often can do treatment on the day
Click to expand...
I'm not located near Northampton unfortunately however I took him twice to my local vets4pets who have a vet there who deals with small pets. They did a thorough check of his mouth both times as the vet was concerned overgrown molars may have been an issue and they said his tongue is able to move and everything else seemed healthy other than his front teeth are slightly slanted. They assured me that wouldn't be the issue. She also mentioned that he doesn't seem to be in any pain and I've also noticed that he seems very happy and comfortable, just that he seems to be struggling when eating. This has completely baffled me 😞
 
Roselina said:
He would have to be seen by a Vet but it’s easy to treat with the right medication
A thrush infection in a human mouth is very unpleasant and does make eating difficult and the mouth is very sore - so I’m sure it’s the same with a piggy - I’m hoping it is that 🤞
Click to expand...
Is there any signs noticeable that come with thrush? I'm a little disappointed I didn't pick this up sooner if that is what it is 😞
 
Now you have said his front teeth are slanted this definitely points to a dental problem. If there is a problem with the molars then the front teeth will wear slanted as the piggy is favouring one side.
 
Also just thinking it may not have been the metacam causing the soft stools. It may have been the fact that you were syringe feeding and he was also eating less hay.
 
I agree with weepweeps.

The incisors are self sharpening and are kept in check by the correct action of the molars.
If they don’t chew evenly with the molars (ie are favouring one side over the other usually due to pain on one side) then that causes the incisors to wear to a slant.
 
Piggies&buns said:
I agree with weepweeps.

The incisors are self sharpening and are kept in check by the correct action of the molars.
If they don’t chew evenly with the molars (ie are favouring one side over the other usually due to pain on one side) then that causes the incisors to wear to a slant.
Click to expand...
I thought this was the case but was kind of thrown off by the vets saying his teeth were healthy at both visits. She really did do a thorough check and she seems knowledgeable. I've been to her with other small pets previously and never had an issue, so I trusted her judgement.

Could this be something that isn't visible and he may need an x-ray for? Such as an infection?
 
So update
Shannon1m said:
I have a guinea pig aged 4+ his name is Taco. Although timid this past couple of months I had noticed some off behaviours such as not finishing his favourite vegetables etc. so I began to monitor him closely. This past week I noticed a pretty significant weight loss, soft stools and an unwillingness to eat. I took over handfeeding and booked him in at the vets, he had a full check over and they could not find an obvious issue. He is healthy, his teeth are fine and they mentioned he doesn't even seem in pain but there is obviously an issue to be causing this behaviour. As advised by the vet, I took over feeding with critical care and have been giving him fibreplex 3 times a day but with no significant affect and after suddenly wet chin I rushed him back to the vets where they did a thorough check of his mouth and teeth but again with no evidence of any dental issues. The only thing the vet could not rule out is internal organ issues. He was prescribed Metacam - (to be stopped if experiencing any diarrhea) and Cisapride- (to be used until passing normal faeces). Taco has had abnormal faeces, switching between soft stools and large but still slightly soft clumps so I stopped the Metacam. He has since shown interest in some food but appeared to be struggling so in addition to his critical care I've began offering mushy pellets (which he's very much enjoying) and continued with his other prescribed medication.

I'm lost, I'm unsure of the issue and don't know what else can be done during this time. He seems happy especially with his brother. Does anyone have an advice on what could be causing this and what could be done next?
Click to expand...
So another update-

I've checked his front teeth and they are slanted but the top ones are slanted in the opposite direction to the bottom? I'll try to get a picture to post in a reply
 
Shannon1m said:
So update

So another update-

I've checked his front teeth and they are slanted but the top ones are slanted in the opposite direction to the bottom? I'll try to get a picture to post in a reply
Click to expand...
This not Taco but this example is identical
 

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Shannon1m said:
This not Taco but this example is identical
Click to expand...
Hello again - I’m sure that’s not the right appearance for guinea pigs teeth - it must be due to a problem with the molars
I’m not an expert and someone will be along to advise you soon
I would look for a vet who has experience with exotic pets
 
Honestly this does sound to me like a dental problem, especially with the chewing problem. Incisors are unlikely to wear this way without there being an issue at the back.
When they are checking his back teeth, is he sedated?
It may not be overgrowth or a spur, or even anything that could be seen via a conscious examination, it could even be an abscess below the gum line making him chew oddly.
My house rabbit has very little teeth left above the gum line and definitely no spurs (not enough tooth left!) She is prone to infections below the gum line and around her tooth roots resulting in anorexia and twisting of the incisors just like your boy. This infection can normally only be seen when she is anaesthetised and pressure is applied to the area, or on an x ray.
This was all spotted by her specialist vet. It would be worth thinking about referral to a dental specialist, or even making the journey to Northampton for them to take a look at him.
Sorry for the long message, but I hope my experience helps. Fingers crossed he's on the mend soon 🤞
 
Wheekallweek said:
Honestly this does sound to me like a dental problem, especially with the chewing problem. Incisors are unlikely to wear this way without there being an issue at the back.
When they are checking his back teeth, is he sedated?
It may not be overgrowth or a spur, or even anything that could be seen via a conscious examination, it could even be an abscess below the gum line making him chew oddly.
My house rabbit has very little teeth left above the gum line and definitely no spurs (not enough tooth left!) She is prone to infections below the gum line and around her tooth roots resulting in anorexia and twisting of the incisors just like your boy. This infection can normally only be seen when she is anaesthetised and pressure is applied to the area, or on an x ray.
This was all spotted by her specialist vet. It would be worth thinking about referral to a dental specialist, or even making the journey to Northampton for them to take a look at him.
Sorry for the long message, but I hope my experience helps. Fingers crossed he's on the mend soon 🤞
Click to expand...
Thank you very much, this is all appreciated and it makes a lot of sense, I'll definitely be looking into a second opinion with a specialist 😁
 
Here is a picture of my late Peppers teeth just before he had a tooth root abscess come up

IMG_9617.webp

He was sedated and the vets filed his back teeth. There was nothing wrong with them but we didn’t know at the time. But the tooth root abscess was brewing. They saw some pus at the bottom of his incisor once they had finished.

There is something going on with Taco but sometimes it’s just not that easy to spot. 😟
 
Shannon1m said:
Thank you very much, this is all appreciated and it makes a lot of sense, I'll definitely be looking into a second opinion with a specialist 😁
Click to expand...
I'm glad it makes sense 😂
I can also recommend Evolution Exotics referrals in Shropshire if that's any closer to you. That's where my bunny goes and they are just amazing with her. Best of luck!
 
Have you had a look at the vet list at the top of the forum ?
These are vets that members have recommended.

Depending on whereabouts in England you are there’s also Rutland House in St Helens near Liverpool, Birch Heath in Tarporley, Cheshire and Mark Naguib at Battle Flatts vets in Stamford Bridge, East Yorkshire
 
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