Discovery Of Broken Teeth In Rescues

[wozeywifey]

Hi,
I've rescued two piggies who are petrified of people but I've had them a week and they are now coming out and wheeking for their veg.
I didn't investigate that thoroughly straight away as I wanted to give them time to settle into their new environment.

Today I clipped their nails. One we curled round. I then had a look at their teeth.
I we horrified...
The one has a broken canine, broke about half way down but teeth in the right position. The other seems to have a canine missing or broke off at the gum line. Because they're not really good to handle at the moment I didn't look any further.
They are both eating and drinking which reassures me.
I should add I was told they are about a year old the teeth look quite fine still as if they are reasonably young boars.
I've read lots about their teeth and don't know whether to contact a vet or wait to see how they grow back.
Any info from anyone with advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Could you please add your country, state, province or UK county to your details as comepetent vet access is so very variable across the world and even within a country. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location.

Generally, incisors are self-sharpening and grow back rather quickly. If the root is affected, this may not be the case. It should not affect their ability to chew although a missing incisor will ideally need a regular check from a vet who can do dentals (sadly, many can't). It looks like your boys may have been doing lots of bar gnawing.

Here are our tips on how to settle in skittish piggies:
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig

 

[wozeywifey]

Hi,
I did go into my profile and add my location.
I'm in Gloucestershire, UK. In a rural area called the Forest of Dean.

One of my concerns was a vet with the right knowledge.

I will try and have another look tomorrow maybe even photograph it and also try and weigh them.

Why would a guinea pig gnaw on bars? None of my others have ever done this?

I know these guys were saved from Pet peddlers and we're over crowded. They were in appalling conditions so the lady told me that fostered them until I stepped in. But she didn't know anything about guineas. She said they had no fur in places and treated them for parasites but I am gonna get some more parasite spot on treatments as this was 3 months ago and they still appear quite itchy although fur has grown back.
They were rescued in January and I got them a week ago.

Thanks for info.



E="Wiebke, post: 1869258, member: 3906"]Hi! Could you please add your country, state, province or UK county to your details as comepetent vet access is so very variable across the world and even within a country. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location.

Generally, incisors are self-sharpening and grow back rather quickly. If the root is affected, this may not be the case. It should not affect their ability to chew although a missing incisor will ideally need a regular check from a vet who can do dentals (sadly, many can't). It looks like your boys may have been doing lots of bar gnawing.[/QUOTE]

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,
I did go into my profile and add my location.
I'm in Gloucestershire, UK. In a rural area called the Forest of Dean.

One of my concerns was a vet with the right knowledge.

I will try and have another look tomorrow maybe even photograph it and also try and weigh them.

Why would a guinea pig gnaw on bars? None of my others have ever done this?

I know these guys were saved from Pet peddlers and we're over crowded. They were in appalling conditions so the lady told me that fostered them until I stepped in. But she didn't know anything about guineas. She said they had no fur in places and treated them for parasites but I am gonna get some more parasite spot on treatments as this was 3 months ago and they still appear quite itchy although fur has grown back.
They were rescued in January and I got them a week ago.

Thanks for info.



E="Wiebke, post: 1869258, member: 3906"]Hi! Could you please add your country, state, province or UK county to your details as comepetent vet access is so very variable across the world and even within a country. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location.

Generally, incisors are self-sharpening and grow back rather quickly. If the root is affected, this may not be the case. It should not affect their ability to chew although a missing incisor will ideally need a regular check from a vet who can do dentals (sadly, many can't). It looks like your boys may have been doing lots of bar gnawing.

[/QUOTE]\

Hi! Your location should show up underneath your picture when you post.

We have got a recommended piggy savvy vet locator on the top bar, if that helps you although many UK vets have sadly not much experience with dentals in guinea pigs (including the recommended vets).

However, I would strongly recommend to have your newbies checked by a vet. From the sound of it they have either had mange mites, fungal infection or most likely a combination of both when they were got out. That is pretty common in neglected, overcrowded piggies.

Please do not treat on spec with low-dosed shop products; they do more harm than good and cvertainly won't do the job. If they still have got problems, then a proper vet can find that out and treat spefically for what needs doing with good quality products.
He can also check whether lack of vitamin C/malnourishment could be at the bottom of their ongoing tooth problems. These will hopefully settle over time as your piggies get a good balanced diet and can replenish their bodies.
Guinea Pig Vet Locator