Caring for a poorly piggy

[Yeahitsme]

Hi all,

Our guinea pig, Lion, stopped eating Friday night. We noticed Saturday afternoon and took him to the vets Saturday evening. We were given critical care to syringe, antibiotics, zantac and a pain killer and told if he's still not eating today to bring him back.
He's been taking the syringe feed like a champ, averaging 100-120mls, plus some water through the syringe. He's alert, bright eyed, coats in good nick. But he's not moving around a great deal and obviously not eating and drinking still.
My grandparents took him to the vets for me today as I had to work, who said that he's not getting any worse, weights stable etc. They said to wait until Thursday and then if he's still not eating Thursday, some decisions will have to be made (I.e. either putting him down or going down the route of xrays etc). I don't want to get him put down at all, he really seems like he's got a fighting chance! He's even started nibbling the tiniest morsels of food today (literally a few spinach leaves and a bit of carrot). Does this sound like a piggy whose in with a good shot? He lost his pal a couple of days before Christmas, we monitored him closely, got him checked out and he perked up within a couple of days, so I don't think he's pining.

Sorry this is rambly, I just really hope he pulls through. He doesn't look anywhere near as sick as his friend, who literally plummeted health wise, so I'm just looking for reassurance I guess! Thanks all x

 

[DMS260820]

Definitely in with a good shot, ive had a gpig literally on deaths door 3 times and bounced back with proper car. I'm going to tag a very knowledgable member in to help you better.

Has the vet not checked the teeth? Front and back?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all,

Our guinea pig, Lion, stopped eating Friday night. We noticed Saturday afternoon and took him to the vets Saturday evening. We were given critical care to syringe, antibiotics, zantac and a pain killer and told if he's still not eating today to bring him back.
He's been taking the syringe feed like a champ, averaging 100-120mls, plus some water through the syringe. He's alert, bright eyed, coats in good nick. But he's not moving around a great deal and obviously not eating and drinking still.
My grandparents took him to the vets for me today as I had to work, who said that he's not getting any worse, weights stable etc. They said to wait until Thursday and then if he's still not eating Thursday, some decisions will have to be made (I.e. either putting him down or going down the route of xrays etc). I don't want to get him put down at all, he really seems like he's got a fighting chance! He's even started nibbling the tiniest morsels of food today (literally a few spinach leaves and a bit of carrot). Does this sound like a piggy whose in with a good shot? He lost his pal a couple of days before Christmas, we monitored him closely, got him checked out and he perked up within a couple of days, so I don't think he's pining.

Sorry this is rambly, I just really hope he pulls through. He doesn't look anywhere near as sick as his friend, who literally plummeted health wise, so I'm just looking for reassurance I guess! Thanks all x

Hi!

It is a very encouraging sign that he is starting to nibble on his own and that he is taking his syringe feed so well. that means that he is not feeling totally grotty and is struggling to process any food. Try to syringe feed a little (which often stimulates the appetites) and then offer him solid veg. Herbs like parsley or coriander/cilantro usually go down best at first. Then to top up with syringe feed again. See how that goes and take it from there.

Can you check his front teeth, please? If the ends are even and not inward curving, then the crucial back teeth won't be overgrown. That is one area that is often overlooked.
Has your vet checked his boar bits for any impaction or sperm rods? They can cause pain and mobility issues when advanced.
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
I strongly assume that your boy has been checked by your vet for any injuries to the spine etc. that could have impacted on the appetite.

Your vet is treating wide spectrum for an infection, slow/no gut movement or bloating (zantac is for that), a pain problem, which is often at the bottom of any loss of appetite.
It gets very difficult to diagnose when you are dealing with a neurological problem, sciatica or a temporarily blockage of a bigger blood vessel on the lower spine, which is very painful and can cause temporary loss of mobility as well as loss of appetite etc.

The next step would be an x-ray or scan to see what could be going on. But as long as your piggy is lively and alert and has obviously plenty of quality of life, there is no reason whatsoever to put him to sleep, even though he needs feeding support.
Please weigh him once daily before his dinner feed to keep an eye on any independent food intake so you can adjust the support feed accordingly. You can also try and see whether he'll eat his mush from a bowl instead of a syringe.
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

 

[DMS260820]

Was about to come get you ,@Wiebke

 

[Yeahitsme]

Definitely in with a good shot, ive had a gpig literally on deaths door 3 times and bounced back with proper car. I'm going to tag a very knowledgable member in to help you better.

Has the vet not checked the teeth? Front and back?

Thank you I appreciate it! Keeping everything crossed

 

[DMS260820]

Thank you I appreciate it! Keeping everything crossed

You seem like your doing very well with syringe feeding, when the pig gets used to the routine they sometimes voluntarily take the syringe. Mine used to not let me have it back from his mouth. Hopefully your pig will be fine, the tiniest thing out of whack with these little guys and they stop eating . Wish you all the best, and everytime you need help just ask away, this forum is very active and friendly, your in the right place .

 

[Yeahitsme]

Hi!

It is a good sign that he is starting to nibble on his own and that he is taking his syringe feed so well. that means that he is not feeling totally grotty and is struggling to process any food. Try to syringe feed a little (which often stimulates the appetites) and then offer him solid veg. Herbs like parsley or coriander/cilantro usually go down best at first. Then to top up with syringe feed again. See how that goes and take it from there.

Can you check his front teeth, please? If the ends are even and not inward curving, then the crucial back teeth won't be overgrown. That is one area that is often overlooked.
Has your vet checked his boar bits for any impaction or sperm rods? They can cause pain and mobility issues when advanced.
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

Your vet is treating wide spectrum for an infection, slow/no gut movement or bloating (zantac is for that), a pain problem, which is often at the bottom of any loss of appetite.

The next step would be an x-ray or scan to see what could be going on.

I will grab some herbs and see how he goes. I mean he's not eaten much at all, but better than nothing right?

He's pretty fidgety, but from what I've just looked at they look Okay.

I'm not 100% what was checked today as I wasn't there, but the problem does appear to be his tummy as he makes a rumbly noise if any pressure is applied to his tum. He's not squealing in pain, but definitely uncomfortable in that area. But the vet has said he doesn't feel bloated which is good and the zantac is more precautionary. However, when he goes back Thurs I will make sure he's checked for impaction.

If he's still like this on Thurs (I.e. not eating/eating a little but not deteriorating) then I will definitely get him scanned. Thanks for your advice!

 

[Yeahitsme]

You seem like your doing very well with syringe feeding, when the pig gets used to the routine they sometimes voluntarily take the syringe. Mine used to not let me have it back from his mouth. Hopefully your pig will be fine, the tiniest thing out of whack with these little guys and they stop eating . Wish you all the best, and everytime you need help just ask away, this forum is very active and friendly, your in the right place .

Yes they are very fickle little guys aren't they! Thanks a lot for the well wishes xx

 

[DMS260820]

Yes they are very fickle little guys aren't they! Thanks a lot for the well wishes xx

Ask to see if the teeth were properly checked too, all of them good luck.

( corriander is a big yes please with most pigs)

 

[Yeahitsme]

Hiya, ust wanted to update yous

So, so far today he's had a few spinach leaves, a bit of cucumber, a little tiny bit of Apple, some coriander (thanks for the tip, he loved it!) and I've just given him a little bit of yellow pepper! He's only eating small amounts of each and I'm offering a variety to try and get him interested and encourage him, but I'm taking this as a positive. He's also starting to eat more hay now. He's still not drinking or eating pellets, so I will keep going with the critical care for the time being.

Thank you both for the support yesterday, I'm really hoping little piglet is on the up

 

[Bill & Ted]

Sending hugs and wishing your piggie well x

 

[Wiebke]

Hiya, ust wanted to update yous

So, so far today he's had a few spinach leaves, a bit of cucumber, a little tiny bit of Apple, some coriander (thanks for the tip, he loved it!) and I've just given him a little bit of yellow pepper! He's only eating small amounts of each and I'm offering a variety to try and get him interested and encourage him, but I'm taking this as a positive. He's also starting to eat more hay now. He's still not drinking or eating pellets, so I will keep going with the critical care for the time being.

Thank you both for the support yesterday, I'm really hoping little piglet is on the up

That is great news! Especially that he is also starting to eat hay, which should make the majority of his food intake (over 80%). Be patient - recovery is rarely instantly. He will hopefully feel better and hungrier with every passing day, which is reason to be optimistic.

Keep on weighing and - if necessary syringe feeding him as much as he still needs - until his weight has fully stabilised. Continue to weigh him more regularly in case of a relapse for a goodly while yet. You can gradually reduce the number of feeding sessions in the degree that he is able to eat for himself.