glossy looking poops

[Myma]

Hi everyone,

yesterday I noticed that my guinea pig was making some strange kind of poop- first of all it was like a light tan colour but that seems to have calmed down now- the poops are also a lot more firm and back to looking to normal, however, the poops smell terribly strong and I’ve never really smelt them before?! In addition to this sometimes, they seem to be coated in what seems like a glossy mucus? Sometimes it’s clear and sometimes it’s dark.Since yesterday I stopped his veggies and have been giving him hay and water- anyone have any ideas of what this is?Normally, I will feed him pellets along side a handful of veggies: brocoli, carrots, a small bit of tomato sometimes and occasionally small amounts of lettuce/other leafy veggies. He seems fine, and is still drinking and eating as normal.

 

[Siikibam]

I’ll tag @VickiA @Swissgreys @furryfriends (TEAS)
Just as an aside, when you put your piggy back on veg. Keep tomatoes and carrots to the occasional treat. Carrots are high in sugar and tomatoes can cause sores if fed too often. Broccoli can also cause gas so feed sparingly.
hopefully the above will come answer re the poop. But I’d say keep him off veg for 1-2 days, until his poo is back to normal. I’m not sure what the mucus is though.

 

[VickiA]

Mucus is an indication of dehydration. Your piggy has clearly had an intestinal upset. We don’t know anything about you or your piggy so no idea if he has any underlying health issues, how long the poop output has been affected etc.
The best advice for any kind of intestinal upset is to stop all fresh veg fruit and grass for 48 hours. Feed hay and pellets only and only when the poop out put is entirely returned to normal in terms of quantity and quality do you sparingly introduce veg one at a time again. You could also try giving some probiotic such as Pro C. If you see no improvement in 24 hours then you will need to see a vet.
When you say he’s eating and drinking is he eating plenty of hay?
please weigh daily to monitor for weight loss.

 

[Myma]

Mucus is an indication of dehydration. Your piggy has clearly had an intestinal upset. We don’t know anything about you or your piggy so no idea if he has any underlying health issues, how long the poop output has been affected etc.
The best advice for any kind of intestinal upset is to stop all fresh veg fruit and grass for 48 hours. Feed hay and pellets only and only when the poop out put is entirely returned to normal in terms of quantity and quality do you sparingly introduce veg one at a time again. You could also try giving some probiotic such as Pro C. If you see no improvement in 24 hours then you will need to see a vet.
When you say he’s eating and drinking is he eating plenty of hay?
please weigh daily to monitor for weight loss.

Yes! Lots of hay. I make sure he always has a supply! I’ll see how he is tomorrow, as I am seeing gradual improvement- he has been drinking an seagulls lot too! So could very well be dehydrated.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
Hope your boy continues to imp

 

[Myma]

I’ll tag @VickiA @Swissgreys @furryfriends (TEAS)
Just as an aside, when you put your piggy back on veg. Keep tomatoes and carrots to the occasional treat. Carrots are high in sugar and tomatoes can cause sores if fed too often. Broccoli can also cause gas so feed sparingly.
hopefully the above will come answer re the poop. But I’d say keep him off veg for 1-2 days, until his poo is back to normal. I’m not sure what the mucus is though.

thanks so much for the advice. are there any veggies that can be fed daily? I had no idea about the carrots and tomatoes! his poo is all back to normal now after being on hay and pellets for two days!

 

[Myma]

Guys just to let you know he is all back to normal! Still going to take him to see a vet just in case as I know piggies hide their illnesses.

 

[VickiA]

thanks so much for the advice. are there any veggies that can be fed daily? I had no idea about the carrots and tomatoes! his poo is all back to normal now after being on hay and pellets for two days!

Here is a guide that explains about veggies and one about piggy diet in general

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Edible And Forbidden Veg And Fruit List With Vitamin C Grading