bloat?!

[Jnusbaum817]

Our girls are between 4 and 6 months. I noticed this morning two of their bellies feel a little bigger than they normally do - in the back half of their body. At first I was scared the oldest was pregnant as it is more pronounced on her but they are all girl piggies. Does that mean it is bloat? We have been slowly upping their food intake since we got them 4 weeks ago. They are up to 3 cilantro sprigs, 2 cucumber slices, 1 large romaine leaf, and 4 slices bell pepper each now per day, and have been at that amount for about 4 days. I do keep all their vegetables in the fridge, the cilantro I keep with the stems in a cup of water in the fridge to help it stay fresh. We did also switch them about a week ago from Oxbow young guinea pig pellets to science selective grain free pellets of which we hand feed 1 table spoon and hide the other tablespoon around the cage.

Is it just that they are putting on weight and rounding out? Is there something we are doing wrong with their feeding.

 

[Piggies&buns]

It does not necessarily mean it is bloat but it is also impossible for us to determine whether or not your piggies have bloat, we can only give you the general information of how bloat can present.
To that end, I attach a guide which explains it more fully.
Always see a vet if you are concerned about bloating.

Wiebke's Guide to Tummy Trouble

 

[LillyB]

Hi
Over the last month, we have had to take one of my girls to the vet due to her tummy being very bloated and she is very lethargic.
Each visit has included the vet giving her 2 injections (one painkiller and one to start her bowel movements). Thankfully this has helped and 12 hours later she is back to her usual self. So far, she is managing to get through 7 days and then she bloats back again! We have cut out lots of veggies and both her and her sister are having mostly hay which is really good.
Please could anyone advise the best way forward with this and advise if bloat will now be permanent or if this is something she will 'grow out of'? She is 2 years old and thankfully her sister is absolutely fine.
Any advise would be gratefully received, thank you so much x

 

[GP4life]

If I am ever worried about bloat I give them gripe water. Even if its not bloat its better safe then sorry.

 

[Jnusbaum817]

If I am ever worried about bloat I give them gripe water. Even if its not bloat its better safe then sorry.

Is gripe water safe for them? How much do you give?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Is gripe water safe for them? How much do you give?

Gripe water is safe and might help in mild cases but its use does not negate a vet trip.

It will not help in a case of acute bloat though. Acute bloat needs urgent vet care.

Our advice will always remain to not try home treatments and to always seek vet advice

Wiebke's Guide to Tummy Trouble