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Guinea pig underweight and barely eating!

S

Shaunthesheepypig2011

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Nov 29, 2024
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Location
telford, shropshire
I am in no way asking for a diagnosis, but I need some advice. My guinea pig of around 2 years isn't eating much and is very skinny (0.595 kg) . His hips and spine are visible etc. At first, I thought he just didn't get enough food, which was strange as I always made sure he was fed. We bought him some feeding formula. He ate it and began to gain weight. Then he suddenly refused the formula and got thin again. We thought he just needed more hay because of digestive issues, but he hardly ate! Then we thought he was simply bored of having the same foods, so we gave him a mixture of small portions of fruit and veggies. But he didn't eat much of that either! I desperately want to take him to a vet, but my family won't allow it. I feel terrible seeing him every day. I don't know what to do. Please advise.
 
Shaunthesheepypig2011 said:
I am in no way asking for a diagnosis, but I need some advice. My guinea pig of around 2 years isn't eating much and is very skinny (0.595 kg) . His hips and spine are visible etc. At first, I thought he just didn't get enough food, which was strange as I always made sure he was fed. We bought him some feeding formula. He ate it and began to gain weight. Then he suddenly refused the formula and got thin again. We thought he just needed more hay because of digestive issues, but he hardly ate! Then we thought he was simply bored of having the same foods, so we gave him a mixture of small portions of fruit and veggies. But he didn't eat much of that either! I desperately want to take him to a vet, but my family won't allow it. I feel terrible seeing him every day. I don't know what to do. Please advise.
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Hi

I am very sorry, but your piggy needs to see a vet asap. If you are underage or under guardianship, then those adults are under the legal obligation to provide vet care in the UK.

Whatever he is suffering from, it is well advanced and it is sadly likely that his body is closing down down now. Continue to syringe feed and offer carefully if he is still able to swallow.:(

This very practical guide also has a chapter on how to spot the line when your piggy still has a chance or they are no longer able to process food:
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
 
Oh dear, how sad 😢

Are you in the UK? Your parents are legally required to provide vet care for an unwell pet under the Animal Welfare act if so.

Perhaps show them this thread? Your pig is seriously ill and may well be in pain.

Keep syringe feeding little and often if he can swallow it.
 
I really hope you can convince your parents to take him to the vets. Why won’t they take him?

He’s definitely in pain but it may be something easily treatable like a UTI.
 
Shaunthesheepypig2011 said:
my mum says it's too expensive and it's my own fault that he's ill.
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Please do show your parents this thread. They are breaking the law and allowing a sentient being to suffer.
I can't see how this is your fault, it sounds like you are doing what you can for your pig.
But he really does need to see a vet ASAP. Surely they don't want him to be in pain?
Have they called the vets to ask for advice? They may take a payment plan? Have they checked if they are entitled to help via the PDSA?
 
I see the PDSA head office is in your town! I don't know if your family is eligible for help from the organisation but if your parents are utterly refusing, then I'd hope the PDSA would help you, if you approach them on your own. Good luck!
 
@Shaunthesheepypig2011 we run Merrypigs Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Stafford - we're not far from you at all.

Could you contact us? We may be able to help you here with the vet issue - one of us is a vet nurse so may be able to take him for you.

You can find our contact details at www.merrypigs.com, or if you like I can get Admin to pass your email address on to me.
 
thank you everyone for your support. i've convinced my parents to take him to the vet and he said that Oreo (guinea pig) has a bladder stone. we've received medicine and the vet said he can operate once Oreo has gained enough weight. Thanks again and I hope you and your piggies are and stay well :)
 
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