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Bowel problem - poorly guinea pig

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colin&rodney

Hello this is my first post. I have two 3 year old guinea pigs both male "Colin" and "Rodney". My problem is with Rodney who has been poorly for two weeks now. We saw the vet as soon as we noticed a small bald patch accompanied with watery eyes. He was treated with a spot on anti-parasitic antibiotics and painkillers. My main problem now is that he is having trouble poo-ing and I am having to help him by squeezing the area a couple of times a day. He has not passed a normal poop in two weeks. I know that guinea pigs eat the soft faecal matter but my main worry is that he has not passed one of the normal looking ones! I have weighed him he is 960g today and his brother is 1350g so I know he has lost a lot of weight as they were a similar size.
He is eating dry food as well as some veggies and I am giving him water with a syringe also.
Any advice would be much appreciated
Thanks on behalf of rodney x
 
Yes, I have had a boar with anal impaction-it isnt too serious if he is cleaned regularly. It is a bit smelly, but you get used to it.

I use: cotton wool, cotton buds and slightly warm olive oil. Just ease the mass out with the help of the cotton bud soaked in warm olive oil and it should ooze out quite easily. Offer some of the mass to the pig as normally, he would eat this from his anus himself and it contains essential B vitamins.

How often a pig needs cleaning depends, some daily and some less often.
 
Could be that whatever anti biotic he was given has messed up his tummy, it might be worth giving him some pro biotics? You can use either Bio Lapis or Avipro.
 
Hello and welcome to the forum. If you want advice on guinea pigs, then you have certainly come to the right place. There are lots of experienced owners on here who will be only too happy to help.

If it is anal impaction, then as long as you help him then he will do ok.
Yes, it is smelly and messy but as long as you are armed with a cotton bud and some toilet paper or kitchen roll, all will be well.

It might be worth checking with your vet first in case it is another problem with his digestive system, but if it is anal impaction, which is very common in older boars, you will quickly adapt this into your daily routine. It is a pain, but I always think if I don't do it, I imagine how uncomfortable it must be for the boar.

I think the best position is to rest his back against your tummy ... gently squeeze the anal sac and the unformed poos should just slide out. Not a nice subject, but hey it has to be done.

Let us know if it is definitely that and how you get on.
 
I would also give thought that the recent drugs may have upset his tummy. Consult your vet if you are at all worried about him!
 
Thanks everyone,I'm sure it's impaction also, and the little guy is certainly much happier after he's been cleared! Am supposed to let him eat the droppings or just dispose of them ? I read that they can become vitamin deficient?
Thanks again
 
Offer the poop to him he may well eat it. Better for him if he does as it does contain nutrients he needs!
 
Just to let you know that rodney died today at around 1pm. He died in my arms. I am so sad but would like to thank you for your replies and advice.
Regards
Lindsay x
 
Hi Lindsay. I'm so sorry to hear about little Rodney. You did everything you could for him. Take peace knowing he's no longer suffering xx
 
I'm so sorry to hear you lost him. Rest well, sweet Rodney. *Hugs* to you. xx
 
We buried Rodney in the garden today. His brother is doing well and will remain indoors until springtime. It's amazing how attached you get to the little guys they have such sweet personalities.
Lindsay X
 
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