Guinea pig weight loss

[Kidge]

Hi. I’m just looking for advice really. One of my guinea pigs has lost 59g since her last weigh in (09/05/26 so about 3 weeks ago). She seems fine and no reduction in appetite as far as I can tell. In fact she’s increased begging if anything. I’ve booked a vets appointment but I can’t get her seen for a couple of weeks as my exotics vet is on holiday this week and I’m on holiday next week. I know a drop in weight is cause for a vet visit but is that in a week or is this a normal amount to lose over a few weeks? I’m also in the UK and we’ve been having a heat wave recently.

 

[Piggies&buns]

A swing of up to 50g is considered normal fluctuation per week.
Anything more than 50g in a week and you go to daily weight checks, prepare to syringe feed if more weight is lost the next day, and see a vet during regular hours.
If she loses 100g in 24-48 hours then she needs a vet as an emergency.

As you are unsure how long ago she lost the weight (ie it could have been slow over the past three weeks (less concerning) or she could have dropped it all overnight yesterday (very concerning)) then do ensure you weigh her every morning for at least the next week.
If she loses more weight tomorrow, then you will need to step in with syringe feeds to prevent further weight loss.
Whether she can wait a couple weeks to see a vet rather depends on what happens over the coming days with her and whether any other symptoms show.

I’ve added some guides below.
I hope she is ok

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support Levels
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures

 

[Kidge]

Thank you. I have a pet sitter in who will get her to the vet if she shows any signs. I can also be home in 4 hours if anything happens. Luckily I’m going away in the UK. I’m just worried about her but not sure what else I can do as there isn’t any other vet she can see.