Guinea Pig Recovering From Pneumonia

[Twixy]

Hi,

On the 21/09 my guinea pig Gus was rushed to the vets with what we now know was pneumonia, he was so poorly they didn't think he'd make it through the night :-(

Fast forward to now, he's been back home with us for just under a week now and his pneumonia systems seem pretty much diminished minus the odd sneeze and a bit of crackle. We took him to the vets on Friday and the vet is very happy with his breathing and heart.

However, Gus isn't really eating and is losing weight. He gets super excited when we prepare his food (starts weeking and sniffing the air) but when he goes to eat it he can only take a couple of tiny nibbles. It's like he really wants to eat and tries but just can't.

As well as giving him fresh food we've also been syringe feeding him Critical Care. This is hit and miss, however, we can force feed him if necessary. The vet is concerned though that if he's not eating solids his mouth will deteriorate.

Since his last appointment with the vet we've lowered his antibiotic dose and reunited him with his brother for playtime all things I thought might be contributing to him not eating, unfortunately this has still not helped.

Although Gus is obviously not 100% he does some quite active and lively most of the time, it's just this not eating situation. The vet has said he'll have to go back in for more investigations if he's still not eating but I'm just so worried.

Does anyone have any ideas of what could be causing his struggle to eat?

Thank you

 

[Adelle]

Hi,

On the 21/09 my guinea pig Gus was rushed to the vets with what we now know was pneumonia, he was so poorly they didn't think he'd make it through the night :-(

Fast forward to now, he's been back home with us for just under a week now and his pneumonia systems seem pretty much diminished minus the odd sneeze and a bit of crackle. We took him to the vets on Friday and the vet is very happy with his breathing and heart.

However, Gus isn't really eating and is losing weight. He gets super excited when we prepare his food (starts weeking and sniffing the air) but when he goes to eat it he can only take a couple of tiny nibbles. It's like he really wants to eat and tries but just can't.

As well as giving him fresh food we've also been syringe feeding him Critical Care. This is hit and miss, however, we can force feed him if necessary. The vet is concerned though that if he's not eating solids his mouth will deteriorate.

Since his last appointment with the vet we've lowered his antibiotic dose and reunited him with his brother for playtime all things I thought might be contributing to him not eating, unfortunately this has still not helped.

Although Gus is obviously not 100% he does some quite active and lively most of the time, it's just this not eating situation. The vet has said he'll have to go back in for more investigations if he's still not eating but I'm just so worried.

Does anyone have any ideas of what could be causing his struggle to eat?

Thank you

Hi!

Firstly, please dont be tempted to stop the antibiotics too soon, as the odd crackle and wheeze shows the chest isnt quite 100% yet- stopping too soon could have disasterous consequences.

What antibiotic is he on?

Have you been giving him probiotics? Antibiotics (particularly baytril) kill off the bad bacteria but also all the good bacteria from the gut. Its usually advised to give a probiotic 1-2 hours after each antibiotic, then continue to give it a few times a day for a week after the course has finished.

Was he being syringe fed throughout the illness? If so, theres a chance his teeth may have already become out of whack, making him unable to eat. This would fit since he wants to eat, but doesnt seem able to.

The vet can usually have a decent look when the pig is conscious, if they find dental spurs on the back teeth id suggest waiting until his chest is 100% and get him bulked up with critical care in that time so he is fit enough to have a dental.

In the meantime, weigh him daily so you know if you need to increase the amount you are feeding. Cut his hay and veg into small thin strips to help him eat.

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

All the best x