Could this be brain damage?

[xoxchickletxox]

I know berry has somthing wrong with her, but I'm not sure and mom doesn't want to pay 200$ for testing on a free pig. But anyway berry is always drinking ALOT of water, I was thinking diebities. But I have also noticed she is 90% of the time looking up, when you hold her you have to hold her snug and secure or she freaks and starts squealing. When Thing scary happend and all the others run she just sits there. She runs into things alot! But her eyes are clear. She also turns her body in half and licks her but when you scratch her...

So what could cause all of this?

 

[Wiebke]

Have you tested her sight by waving a hand near her eyes and see whether she reacts to it. Does she flinch when a flash light goes off? Guinea pigs that are born blind usually don't show any outward signs in their eyes.

Excessive drinking can be a sign of diabetes, but it can also be he sign that she has problems with her kidneys. Unfortunately, only a vet can find out what is the cause of that, and it won't be cheap. If you are a minor then it is your parent's responsibility to care for any pets of yours that you have brought home with their permission.

Sorry, I don't understand your last sentence.

 

[claremw92]

clouded eyes mean cataracts... just becuase there not clouded doesnt mean she can see...
ive found out today that coco is deaf... its not nice to find out one might have something wrong with them....
hopefully glynis will spot this thread and she can tell you some tips if she is blind... as one of her girlies cant see...
hope she'll be okay... and guineas dont have good eye sight anyway... so if she is blind it shouldnt make that much difference to her....
x

 

[claremw92]

She also turns her body in half and licks her but when you scratch her...

weibke...
i read this as...
when she scratches her piggie... the piggie turns round and licks her bum...
??
x

 

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

She also turns her body in half and licks her but when you scratch her...

That sounds like she has itchy skin. Nibbles did that when he had mites. We had him treated and he no longers does it.

I'm afraid I don't know enough about piggies to say anything more but I'd say if you are worried you should try to convince your mum about a vet visit. I know its hard (my parents were difficult at first) but really you have to convince her its whats best for the piggy and she may be caused unneccessary suffering otherwise. Thats what I said and it convinced my parents. You have to be firm and mature though or parents don't listen rolleyes I know that from experience.

Amy
x

 

[All0about0the0animals]

Guinea pigs ahve rubbish eyesight anyway, so being blind shouldn't effect her badly. As for what you describe with her head, is it that she has a neurological problem. Has she ever had a vetcheck before? If she has then a sign is that the pupils are different sizes or dilate differently. Possibly a head tilt, does hse have an ear infection. Not quite sure what you mean in regards to the last sentence.

 

[Wiebke]

If that last sentence means that she tries to bite herself on the back, then it could be a sign of mites, and that NEEDS to be treated, as mange mites can kill - and it is a very slow, very painful death. Treatment for mites doesn't cost the world, but you need to make sure that you use a product that contains ivermectin of the right strength for your girl (how old is she and how much does she weigh?).

Here is more about mange mites (if necessary show it to your mum):
http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

http://www.guinealynx.info/eyes.html#blindness

PS: I would also test your girl for deafness - clap behind your head and see wether she reacts. Neither blindness or deafness prevent a piggy from having a very happy life! I know a blind/deaf piggy who popcorns and does everything a boar does, as he has been neutered and is living with two elderly sows at a rescue.