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Food Refusal And Lethargy! Worried!

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Sazzy

Sazzy

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My April, whom a friend surrendered to me after deciding he was unable to care for her, has been isolating herself to a corner of her pen. She will not eat when offered hay or solid food and is refusing even water. When I was given April, I didn't want her to stay alone so I introduced her to another female, and the introduction went beautifully. The difference: April is about two years old and her previous owner had irresponsibly bred her several times, while Nola (her penmate) is still less than a year old. I bring this up because Nola is not exhibiting any of the same behaviour as April, nor are either of my males who are kept in a separate pen but in the same living area. I am not so much worried about illness as I am about April's age and improper care before she came to live here.

Nola seems to understand that something might be off. At first, I noticed her keeping a distance from April, but over the course of observation, she has been sitting closer to April, almost in her face, though not aggressively. More friendly...

What do I do...
 
I think I'd be inclined to get him to the vet asap, also you need to start syringe feeding & also water or her gut will start to close down. It maybe the irrational behaviour, it's well worth getting her checked.
 
Sazzy said:
My April, whom a friend surrendered to me after deciding he was unable to care for her, has been isolating herself to a corner of her pen. She will not eat when offered hay or solid food and is refusing even water. When I was given April, I didn't want her to stay alone so I introduced her to another female, and the introduction went beautifully. The difference: April is about two years old and her previous owner had irresponsibly bred her several times, while Nola (her penmate) is still less than a year old. I bring this up because Nola is not exhibiting any of the same behaviour as April, nor are either of my males who are kept in a separate pen but in the same living area. I am not so much worried about illness as I am about April's age and improper care before she came to live here.

Nola seems to understand that something might be off. At first, I noticed her keeping a distance from April, but over the course of observation, she has been sitting closer to April, almost in her face, though not aggressively. More friendly...

What do I do...
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Please start syringe feeding and watering asap. You can use mushed up pellets in an emergency; feed them when they are still a little warm, as you do with the water. Do not give more than a mouthful or less if she struggles to swallow (about 0.1 - 0.3 ml); little but often. Always make sure that she has swallowed before you give more. Do not feed if she struggles well in disproportion of her apathy or is too weak to respond and swallow. In this case it is sadly too late; she is no longer able to process food. You can find all the detailed tips in the guide below.
Keep April warm, but not hot and as cosy as you can. If you have a microwaveable snugglesafe, heat for half the maximum time, so it is just nicely warm. Heat it again after 6 hours.

Her companions know that she is seriously ill. Nola is obviously keeping watch over her.

Try to see a vet as soon as possible. It can be that she is dying from acute heart or multi-organ failure. In that case, you can only keep her as comfy as possible and play it by ear.

Here are our detailed tips: Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
Here is a list of recommended vets for your state: Veterinarians: Illinois - Guinea Lynx Records
 
I thank you all so much, and Wiebke for the helpful info. Will update after vet.
 
Tragically, April crossed the rainbow bridge early yesterday morning.

The veterinarian basically told me the same stuff you all advised me of and sent us home with some syringes for feeding. Usually very cooperative, April would not even open up to accept the syringe when we got home. Around 3 am, she seemed to suffer some manner of heart attack, and that was it...I just wish she had come to stay with me sooner.
 
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