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Eating well, but getting thinner

M

max-mama

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi, I would like to ask your advice please.

My lovely Cara has been getting thinner in the last few weeks despite eating normally. She looks fit and healthy, runs around and has got bright eyes and a shiny coat. She drinks more than usual. I assume it could be the thyroid or diabetes? I am not exactly sure about her age as she is a rescue piggie, but I think she must be at least 5 years old.

As she looks so well my instinct so far has been not to take her to the vets, I assume they wouldn’t really do a blood test from a guinea pig?

Has someone got any advice what it could be or any recommendation what I should do if anything?

Thanks for your help.

Regards, Marion
 
If she was my piggy I'd take her to the vet. There could be some underlying problem that is not obvious. A vet would rather see a healthy piggy with an anxious owner than and ill piggy and an owner who has left it too late. It'll put your mind at rest if nothing else.
 
Hi Marion,
Not really sure what's wrong with your piggie, but wish you and Cara the best of luck xx
 
max-mama said:
Hi, I would like to ask your advice please.

My lovely Cara has been getting thinner in the last few weeks despite eating normally. She looks fit and healthy, runs around and has got bright eyes and a shiny coat. She drinks more than usual. I assume it could be the thyroid or diabetes? I am not exactly sure about her age as she is a rescue piggie, but I think she must be at least 5 years old.

As she looks so well my instinct so far has been not to take her to the vets, I assume they wouldn’t really do a blood test from a guinea pig?

Has someone got any advice what it could be or any recommendation what I should do if anything?

Thanks for your help.

Regards, Marion
Click to expand...

Hi!

Please switch from the regular weekly weigh-in and onceover health check to weighing daily at the same time and see a vet.

Sudden increased thirst in combination with weight loss can point to a kidney problem as the most common issue or diabetes, which is rarer and can thankfully in most cases be controlled with diet.

I would be wary about thyroid issues. They are the new 'fad' illness of the hour as far as the online world is concerned, like diabetes has been a few years ago but diagnosis and treatment are not yet reliable and consistent. It is very likely that we end with a similar position as with diabetes: yes, there are thyroid problems in guinea pigs but they are likely not as common as the illness is thrown into the ring right now. With thyroid problems you want to see some other symptoms in connection with weight loss and thirst is not always a symptom.

Diet tips depending on any diagnosis: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
 
Hi Marion
I would recommend getting her vet checked.
Please let us know how you get on.
 
I agree - a vet check is what I would do.
It’s better to be reassured that nothing is wrong than leave something too late.
Keep us posted please
 
Hi, thanks for your help. I have booked an appointment for Tuesday.
 
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