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Guinea Pig Feels Boney After Spay?

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Kat190

Kat190

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Sorry to keep posting on here everyone, I'm just a total newbie to operation aftercare as all my previous guinea pig's never needed one.

Basically, my guinea pig used to be quite 'chubby' in her sides, actually I think that weight might have been her cysts and that now they're gone she feels boney/skinny in her bottom area but I'm not sure. I can feel the bones in her butt/lower back but only there, the rest of her is fine. She hasn't been eating as much since her operation a few days ago, only nibbling her grass, hay, and carrots, although she did eat a whole carrot yesterday. She'll be going to the vet tomorrow anyway, but I really need some advice before then since I'm worried sick about her. Thank you. :)
 
I'm honestly not sure whether the removal of the cysts would have made her feel more bony in her bottom end, but I would think that if she has been eating less than normal, then she will have lost some weight other than the weight of the cysts. Would you be able to help her by syringe feeding? You need a 1ml syringe with the end cut off, and food of a consistency that it will draw up into the syringe. If you don't have any special food such as Science Recovery, or Critical Care (your vet might be able to supply you with some), you can make a mush with her normal dried food. Put some pellets in a small cup or bowl, add boiling water and mash up. Allow it to cool, but some pigs like the food slightly warm. You can also add some probiotic powder if you have some. Getting the food into piggy can be difficult if they don't want it, but you should aim to put the food in at the side of the mouth, never just shoot it in from the front. Only syringe a little at time, and give her time to chew - if she's not chewing, then she's not swallowing.

Without a syringe, then of course you won't be able to do this, but again, the vet can give you some. It's good to always have a supply for emergencies.

Other than that, perhaps a little warm pellet mash offered on a teaspoon might tempt her, or any little vegetable or fruit pieces that you think she might enjoy. It's good that she is eating something, but she needs help to get her normal appetite back.

It's a good idea to get a set of scales, and weigh your piggy daily while she is under the weather. Then you can see exactly what her weight is doing, and not have to guess. In normal circumstances, weighing weekly is sufficient, and at the same time of day.

Hopefully a more experienced member than myself will come along soon, and give you advice. There is lots of information on the forum about syringe feeding, if you need it.

I'm really sorry I couldn't be more help. I do feel for you, it's very stressful and worrying in this sort of situation. You're seeing the vet tomorrow, so make sure you make your concerns known, and hopefully they'll be lots of help! I hope your piggy will soon be back to normal!

*After writing this, I just had a look back through your previous posts - I think I've just repeated some of the stuff that other people have said, so I'm sorry about that! Also sorry if you've already been syringe feeding and I somehow missed it!*
 
I can relate to the cysts bit. My Rosie had cysts and was quite round in her back end, when she had the hormone injections and they shrunk she did feel quite different.
I would be tempted to just supplement her with some pellet mash/ critical care to ensure she is eating enough.
 
Just been to the vets, she said the same thing as both of you and gave me a syringe and some critical care food. But she said that my piggy is actually really healthy and recovering well but just needs to eat a bit more. Thanks for your help, hopefully this will be the last thing I post regarding the spay! x
 
Please keep weighing her daily to keep control of her actual food intake; that way you also know how much to top her up wth recovery food. Always give her fresh food first and please use a 1 ml syringe, which you cut off the narrow tip in front of the plunger for best feeding and control.
 
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