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Help! My Guinea Pig Pup Might Be Very Sick!

PigsLovesYas10

PigsLovesYas10

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Nov 18, 2018
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Location
Maryland, United States
I think he’s fine but my sister thinks he’s dying. He’s not refusing to eat nor drink, which is like the main sign of sickness. His fur is a little patchy but I think that’ll go away with time. His balance is off but he’s not constantly falling over. His eyes and nose are clear with little flakes of roughness here and there. He’s just skinny, but he’s gaining weight! We got him skinny. There’s no blood in his pee (as far as I’m aware) and his stools are tough and of normal texture/hardness. But he doesn’t move much and is always sleeping. Please help.
 
I'm afraid he needs a vet ASAP! Loss of balance can indicate an ear issue, brain issue or stroke. Flakes of roughness is usually a fungal skin infection especially as his fur is patchy - or mites! Please don't hesitate - he certainly is not 'fine' 😢
 
Hi, sorry to bother you, but the vet doesn’t have any open spots until the next couple weeks. Just to have an estimation to his condition (you don’t have to answer if it’s too hard or you think it’s wrong) but how long does he have left?
 
PigsLovesYas10 said:
Hi, sorry to bother you, but the vet doesn’t have any open spots until the next couple weeks. Just to have an estimation to his condition (you don’t have to answer if it’s too hard or you think it’s wrong) but how long does he have left?
Click to expand...
The vet should know this is a EMERGENCY SITUATION. I suggest finding a emergency vet opened 24 hours. They are more expensive but your piggy is depending on you!
 
In the UK vets have to see a piggy in an emergency. This is an emergency. If your vet is not able or willing to assist then please get the piggy to another.
We cannot possibly speculate how long a piggy may have to live. We don't know what is wrong with him - only a vet can answer that. What we can say, however, is that even if you think a piggy is dying, it is probably kindest to get a vet to confirm that it can't be saved and to help put it out of pain, discomfort and suffering by PTS if needed. I would never advocate just leaving a piggy to see if it dies.
 
PigsLovesYas10 said:
Hi, sorry to bother you, but the vet doesn’t have any open spots until the next couple weeks. Just to have an estimation to his condition (you don’t have to answer if it’s too hard or you think it’s wrong) but how long does he have left?
Click to expand...

Hi!

You piggy sounds like he has a fungal skin infection, possibly highly infectious ringworm (which transmits to humans, too).
He may also have an untreated ear infection that is impacting on his balance, but that could also be due to other problems that only a hands-on examination by a vet can tell. The sooner he can be seen, the better. Are there any other vets in your area?

Please have a look at this guide here: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Since we are a UK based forum with members from all over the world, it would help us if you please added your country to your account details (via your username on the top bar). that will help us to help you better.
 
Yes, I am a US poster. Thank you for the help. I’ve started discussing going to vet for him with my family, and plan to move him away from the other pigs.

An update, actually, I was looking at him wrong. His balance is fine. He got down from a walk-up home fine without losing his balance. And it isn’t his skin that is patched, sorry for the misunderstanding. It’s the base of his back that’s a bit... scalpey? If that makes sense? It’s like if his scalp is chipping. But I am worried nevertheless. Thank you.
 
I asked the rescue where I adopted my pigs from about a good vet. They gave us a much cheaper vet with great people. They ended up being our new vet. It’s a good 40 Min drive but it’s worth it for great care. Is there anyone you can ask about quality vets?
 
I think a picture may help us see what’s wrong, but a vet trip is needed anyway
 
Here is his bum, about where the issue is:

If you can’t see it, I’ll be happy to retake it.
 

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I’m not an expert, somebody else will be able to tell you 😁
 
At the risk of being a little judgemental @PigsLovesYas10 if your piggy is really that sick maybe you should be researching possible out of hours vets rather than posting "fun" piggy stuff on 3 different threads simultaneously yet still claiming your piggy is really sick? Sometimes there are real emergency situations on the forum where people are desperate for help and don't have time to do a "Hia" intro, join a club for piggies of a certain coat colour, etc, while waiting for emergency medical advice? Just a thought, moderators please let me know if I am being unreasonable...
 
PigsLovesYas10 said:
Here is his bum, about where the issue is:

If you can’t see it, I’ll be happy to retake it.
Click to expand...

Yes this needs a vets visit. Balding and dry flaky skin is not normal and can be a sign of mites, lice, fungal infections or hormonal imbalances.
 
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