Alvin not eating!

[BumbleandBumpy]

Hi there - just looking for some advice because unfortunately my Vet knows less about guinea pigs than I do and this forum has been extremely helpful in the past!
I have two brothers named Theo and Alvin who are around 3 years old. Theo is the boss although he weighs 600g less than Alvin! Just today I have noticed a change in Alvin - he seems withdrawn and was not being his usual nightmare self when I was cleaning him out. He usually wolfs down his vegetables but today he only really sniffed at his tea and had a small nibble which is not like him. He even sat quite still when I got him out for cuddles which is totally out of character and obviously I'm really concerned. I've checked him over and physically he seems normal - he even let me check his teeth. Any ideas/advice before I take him to the Vet and guaranteed they give him Metacam?!? Thank you!

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

I'm sorry Alvin isn't eating and that it certainly sounds as if he isn't feeling well.

The only suggestion I have is to start syringe-feeding. If you don't have any actual syringe food, you can soak some pellets in water till they're mushy and use them.

Healing vibes to Alvin!

 

[Truffolo]

It would be worth taking him to a guinea pig savvy vet for a thorough examination. I hope he will be OK, it does sound like something is developing

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear this

He will need to see a vet as I’m afraid although not eating is a vague symptom it is a symptom of pretty much every possible illness.
He probably will need Metacam, quite likely gut stimulants and then whatever else may be necessary beyond that it would be impossible to say without diagnosis.

Please switch to daily weight checks (each morning) and step in with syringe feeding.
They often go off hay first so if he isn’t eating veg then he almost certainly isn’t eating enough hay.
If there is any chance he is gassy and bloating then It would be best to remove veg from his diet for the time being. If the vet tells you isn’t bloated and the issue is something else, them you may be able to reinforce veg.

You will need to syringe feed as close to 60ml of recovery feed as possible per day to replace hay intake and prevent stasis

I’ve added all our guides below to help you. I hope he is ok

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support Levels
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
Wiebke's Guide to Tummy Trouble
How to Improvise Feeding Support in an Emergency

Emergency and Crisis Care as well as Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

 

[Merab]

Have a look at the vet list for vets in the north west.
There are some around Manchester.
I don’t know how far from Bury any of them are, or how easy it is for you to travel but finding another vet who does know about piggies may be helpful

Hope Alvin will be ok