Help.

[MIkay]

I bought 2 same sex guinea pigs at my local pet shop. guinea pigs are ordered and you cannot see them until you order them. I really wanted a cavy since I was a kid, I've done a lot of research since January. and upon ordering I requested for a guinea pig that is a month older. when my piggies arrive one is a Peruvian piggy ( Kovu ) the other is an American piggy ( Seve ). Kovu was doing just fine she was really nice and she let me pet her the second I got her. Seve on the other hand was really scared. But I notice that they were really small around 4 - 5 inches only. I was worried I didn't say anything because If I leave them there they'd suffer more. ( the petshop owner doesn't refill the water for their rabbits and leave the hamsters in crowded aquariums and outside where the sun light is harsh ) you may ask why get your guinea pigs there in the first place? well they are the only pet shop available in my town so people at my place don't have a choice either. anyways the first 2 days Seve was okay but the third day I noticed that her head is tilted more to her left side and I have read about that before but I wasn't sure. KOVU IS FINE HEALTHY AND ALWAYS POPCORNING. while seve is the only sick one I separated them out of fear kovu would get infected to whatever Seve might have. I checked her ears eyes and fur. she has fur mites and she tilts more when I touch her left ear but she doesn't have any discharge or what ever. Please help people here are unfamiliar of what guinea pigs are. I'm from the Philippines.

 

[MIkay]

I bought 2 same sex guinea pigs at my local pet shop. guinea pigs are ordered and you cannot see them until you order them. I really wanted a cavy since I was a kid, I've done a lot of research since January. and upon ordering I requested for a guinea pig that is a month older. when my piggies arrive one is a Peruvian piggy ( Kovu ) the other is an American piggy ( Seve ). Kovu was doing just fine she was really nice and she let me pet her the second I got her. Seve on the other hand was really scared. But I notice that they were really small around 4 - 5 inches only. I was worried I didn't say anything because If I leave them there they'd suffer more. ( the petshop owner doesn't refill the water for their rabbits and leave the hamsters in crowded aquariums and outside where the sun light is harsh ) you may ask why get your guinea pigs there in the first place? well they are the only pet shop available in my town so people at my place don't have a choice either. anyways the first 2 days Seve was okay but the third day I noticed that her head is tilted more to her left side and I have read about that before but I wasn't sure. KOVU IS FINE HEALTHY AND ALWAYS POPCORNING. while seve is the only sick one I separated them out of fear kovu would get infected to whatever Seve might have. I checked her ears eyes and fur. she has fur mites and she tilts more when I touch her left ear but she doesn't have any discharge or what ever. Please help people here are unfamiliar of what guinea pigs are. I'm from the Philippines.

you cannot see them until the day they arrive.

 

[Posyrose]

Please take them both to the vets to have the mites treated - Kovu might have them too. They can take a while to get used to their new surroundings and to being handled, so don't worry that Seve is still nervous.

 

[Wiebke]

I bought 2 same sex guinea pigs at my local pet shop. guinea pigs are ordered and you cannot see them until you order them. I really wanted a cavy since I was a kid, I've done a lot of research since January. and upon ordering I requested for a guinea pig that is a month older. when my piggies arrive one is a Peruvian piggy ( Kovu ) the other is an American piggy ( Seve ). Kovu was doing just fine she was really nice and she let me pet her the second I got her. Seve on the other hand was really scared. But I notice that they were really small around 4 - 5 inches only. I was worried I didn't say anything because If I leave them there they'd suffer more. ( the petshop owner doesn't refill the water for their rabbits and leave the hamsters in crowded aquariums and outside where the sun light is harsh ) you may ask why get your guinea pigs there in the first place? well they are the only pet shop available in my town so people at my place don't have a choice either. anyways the first 2 days Seve was okay but the third day I noticed that her head is tilted more to her left side and I have read about that before but I wasn't sure. KOVU IS FINE HEALTHY AND ALWAYS POPCORNING. while seve is the only sick one I separated them out of fear kovu would get infected to whatever Seve might have. I checked her ears eyes and fur. she has fur mites and she tilts more when I touch her left ear but she doesn't have any discharge or what ever. Please help people here are unfamiliar of what guinea pigs are. I'm from the Philippines.

Please have them seen by a vet. The head tilt can be caused by rabbit ear mites (very much a possibility when neglect and rabbits are in close vicinity), an ear infection or a neurological problem. An untreated/undertreated ear infection can result in a permanent head tilt; it can also be deadly, so if in doubt, your vet should treat for one.
I would recommend to ask your vet for an ivermectin/selamectin product against any ear mites ('revolution' can also work and may be the easiest available where you are) and an antibiotic against a potential infection to cover the two most likely possibilities. Be wary of pouring anything down her ear; it can do more harm than good!
Information on rabbit ear mites: Guinea Lynx :: Ear Mites

Link to safe and unsafe medications. Please copy both the list of safe and unsafe antibiotics when seeing a vet not experienced with guinea pigs and take it with you to check with your vet.
safe meds: Guinea Lynx :: Medications
unsafe meds: Guinea Lynx :: Dangerous Medications
How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide

Please add your country to your details, so we can always adjust any advice to what is available and relevant in your country straight away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to account details and then to location. This makes it appear with every post you make and speed up things for everybody.

When you have a piggy that is not quite well, you need to switch from weighing once weekly to once daily at the same time. As soon as it is losing weight, you need to step in with offering additional extra fibre asap. Hay is making over 80% of the daily food intake for long term health and longevity, but it is the one food group where you cannot control the intake of otherwise; it is also the food group that is dropped most quickly. Guinea pigs, and especially babies with their not yet fully developed immune system can go downhill very quickly. Make sure that you always have got pellets or powdered recovery formula at home to be able to step in with support whenever necessary.
Not Eating, Weight Loss Over 50g And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
First Aid Kit For Guinea Pigs

 

[fanniephina]

Hello, Your little ones are very precious. I understand about your dilemma in the petstore very well. I am in the US but recently moved to an area where it's difficult to find guinea pigs needing a home without a significant drive unless we are lucky (we lucked out this way with two of our rescued babies but it was handled through the pet store as they work with Humane Society and a local rescue a few hours away). We had a few mistakes from pet store errors as well for one of our babies.

@Wiebke is very knowledgeable with these things. Try to read up on each link that was sent. Please get them out to a vet asap. Mites are treatable but it sounds like this store was not very good with their little ones and it's not a bad idea to be sure of everything with them (verify sex and all around health).

Please keep up with us and let us know how your adorable little teddy bears are going.

 

[MIkay]

Hello, Your little ones are very precious. I understand about your dilemma in the petstore very well. I am in the US but recently moved to an area where it's difficult to find guinea pigs needing a home without a significant drive unless we are lucky (we lucked out this way with two of our rescued babies but it was handled through the pet store as they work with Humane Society and a local rescue a few hours away). We had a few mistakes from pet store errors as well for one of our babies.

@Wiebke is very knowledgeable with these things. Try to read up on each link that was sent. Please get them out to a vet asap. Mites are treatable but it sounds like this store was not very good with their little ones and it's not a bad idea to be sure of everything with them (verify sex and all around health).

Please keep up with us and let us know how your adorable little teddy bears are going.

Here there aren't even supplies for Guinea pigs like pellets and hay. I always try to give them the best but its so difficult to get my hands on simple items that they need. we have alternative pellets like integra 3000 and gmp3 your piggy looks like my KoVu

 

[MIkay]

Please take them both to the vets to have the mites treated - Kovu might have them too. They can take a while to get used to their new surroundings and to being handled, so don't worry that Seve is still nervous.

I'm kinda scared now knowing both of them might have it.

 

[MIkay]

Please have them seen by a vet. The head tilt can be caused by rabbit ear mites (very much a possibility when neglect and rabbits are in close vicinity), an ear infection or a neurological problem. An untreated/undertreated ear infection can result in a permanent head tilt; it can also be deadly, so if in doubt, your vet should treat for one.
I would recommend to ask your vet for an ivermectin/selamectin product against any ear mites ('revolution' can also work and may be the easiest available where you are) and an antibiotic against a potential infection to cover the two most likely possibilities. Be wary of pouring anything down her ear; it can do more harm than good!
Information on rabbit ear mites: Guinea Lynx :: Ear Mites

Link to safe and unsafe medications. Please copy both the list of safe and unsafe antibiotics when seeing a vet not experienced with guinea pigs and take it with you to check with your vet.
safe meds: Guinea Lynx :: Medications
unsafe meds: Guinea Lynx :: Dangerous Medications
How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide

Please add your country to your details, so we can always adjust any advice to what is available and relevant in your country straight away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to account details and then to location. This makes it appear with every post you make and speed up things for everybody.

When you have a piggy that is not quite well, you need to switch from weighing once weekly to once daily at the same time. As soon as it is losing weight, you need to step in with offering additional extra fibre asap. Hay is making over 80% of the daily food intake for long term health and longevity, but it is the one food group where you cannot control the intake of otherwise; it is also the food group that is dropped most quickly. Guinea pigs, and especially babies with their not yet fully developed immune system can go downhill very quickly. Make sure that you always have got pellets or powdered recovery formula at home to be able to step in with support whenever necessary.
Not Eating, Weight Loss Over 50g And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
First Aid Kit For Guinea Pigs

I'm kind of worried about taking them to take vet here. guinea pigs are rare here I only know 2 people who owns guinea pigs. my neighbor and a stranger who ordered at the same time with me.

 

[Wiebke]

I'm kind of worried about taking them to take vet here. guinea pigs are rare here I only know 2 people who owns guinea pigs. my neighbor and a stranger who ordered at the same time with me.

Unfortunately antibiotics are prescription-only. We CANNOT replace a vet visit and a hands-on examination of the ear.

My advice is taking into account that any vet you can see is likely not experienced with guinea pigs; hence why I have added the links about safe and unsafe antibiotics (any penicillin brand is lethal for rodents) and why I am proposing to treat for both mites and an ear infection in order to cover all angles and to make sure that your little one has a chance to get well again.
We have dealt with several members with ill guinea pigs from the Philippines before and are aware of the issue.

 

[MIkay]

Unfortunately antibiotics are prescription-only. We CANNOT replace a vet visit and a hands-on examination of the ear.

My advice is taking into account that any vet you can see is likely not experienced with guinea pigs; hence why I have added the links about safe and unsafe antibiotics (any penicillin brand is lethal for rodents) and why I am proposing to treat for both mites and an ear infection in order to cover all angles and to make sure that your little one has a chance to get well again.
We have dealt with several members with ill guinea pigs from the Philippines before and are aware of the issue.

I will take them tomorrow. My dads bestfriend is a vet here that's why I know what they do and what states the clinics are in I will have him check both of them out and tell him to read the list that you have given me. Thank you for your help

 

[Wiebke]

I will take them tomorrow. My dads bestfriend is a vet here that's why I know what they do and what states the clinics are in I will have him check both of them out and tell him to read the list that you have given me. Thank you for your help

If it is ear mites, you need to treat both piggies for them with ivermectin, as they are transmittable. You also need to disinfect the cage after the first treatment.
Vets should have baytril/enroflaxacin, the most commonly used antibiotic for guinea pigs but also for other more common species) and ivermectin or revolution in stock as mites are a widespread problem. I have referenced US brands which are available in your country.
Here is more information on baytril: Guinea Lynx :: Antibiotics
Guinea Lynx :: Dose Calculator

Information on US mites brands for guinea pigs including tips on how to get the dosage right: Guinea Lynx :: Mange Mites

 

[fanniephina]

Do you still get the supplies and pellets from the same petstore you got your guinea pig?

I have a lot of experience with what you can be going through and vets. I lived in a very small town in Italy, didn't speak much of the language and my husband was from Rome so he was as baffled as I when we moved. While we had the experience with some vets and our chihuahua, it reminds me of the ones even here with our guinea pigs. We found a local vet in our small town (Scandriglia) and had some bad experiences with him but asking around we did find a vet that would travel from Rome every once in awhile and took very good care of my chihuahua (then just a baby with many health problems from the awful place we got her). Here in Binghamton, I did find a vet that would see my guinea pig but he was also very inexperienced. I found that if you give them information and can get them to listen, most vets are happy to treat and even research to an extent. If not, they can refer.

Bear this in mind when you go visit your local vet and ask if any of these options are open should they not be as knowledgeable. I would ask if you can be referred even to a vet that maybe has a limited office open from a larger area that may have more services available.

Either way, please don't worry. They are in good hands. Vets with guinea pigs are very valuable to keep on hand at any time; just a little tricky to find the first. I really do understand your difficulties in your limitations there. Let us know how everything goes.

 

[fanniephina]

Here there aren't even supplies for Guinea pigs like pellets and hay. I always try to give them the best but its so difficult to get my hands on simple items that they need. we have alternative pellets like integra 3000 and gmp3 your piggy looks like my KoVu

Your KoVu does look very much like my scoundrel and monster-in-training Pumpkin lol. The first is Pumpkin when he was a baby, then closer with my other one Pippin. Next is the rest Pippin, Pixie and Salem and the last is my daughter's terror Tybalt with our youngest chihuahua, Bella.

Hello and best wishes for your babies from the whole gang :-).

 

[Livia Rabideau]

Hoping you get them sorted out. When my rabbit had a head tilt it was from e. Cuniculi. Just a thought.

 

[Posyrose]

Good luck with them both. Keep us posted xx

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
Hope your beautiful babies get well soon

 

[MIkay]

Good luck with them both. Keep us posted xx

Seve has passed away last night. I took her to the vet the next day the first vet wouldn't take her in and told me to look for another one the other one told me to get baytril and took me another day to find it I could only find it online and would ship 3 to 4 working days. she said Seve had an ear infection and a respiratory disease. I forgot to mention last time that the pet shop kept their guinea pigs with rabbits. but I was too late. I couldn't do anything for her but hand feed her and give her water because after the visit to the vet she started to run around in circles then could stand up had. :< It hurts more because when I showed Seve to Kovu, she started to run around and week I don't know if she knows she's gone or excited to see her again. I felt really bad and sorry Didn't do the right thing earlier.

 

[MIkay]

Your KoVu does look very much like my scoundrel and monster-in-training Pumpkin lol. The first is Pumpkin when he was a baby, then closer with my other one Pippin. Next is the rest Pippin, Pixie and Salem and the last is my daughter's terror Tybalt with our youngest chihuahua, Bella.

Hello and best wishes for your babies from the whole gang :-).



View attachment 87345View attachment 87346View attachment 87348View attachment 87349

You have lovely Guinea pigs <3 I hope Kovu grows up well.

 

[MIkay]

Welcome to the forum.
Hope your beautiful babies get well soon

Thank you . But sadly My Seve has passed away last night :'(

But Kovu Is doing great just a little bit sad that her sister is gone. I will learn more about keeping guinea pigs for Kovus sake.

 

[MIkay]

Thank you for all the help and encouragement. Sadly Seve has passed away last night :c . I am very sorry and regretful but I will do my best to be a better owner. I now have find a place online to get supplies for guinea pigs. This is Kovu earlier after we buried Seve

 

[MIkay]

I also got Kovu checked she said Kovu is fine and healthy. I asked if its fine for her to take vitamin C she said yes so I got her one.

 

[MIkay]

Do you still get the supplies and pellets from the same petstore you got your guinea pig?

I have a lot of experience with what you can be going through and vets. I lived in a very small town in Italy, didn't speak much of the language and my husband was from Rome so he was as baffled as I when we moved. While we had the experience with some vets and our chihuahua, it reminds me of the ones even here with our guinea pigs. We found a local vet in our small town (Scandriglia) and had some bad experiences with him but asking around we did find a vet that would travel from Rome every once in awhile and took very good care of my chihuahua (then just a baby with many health problems from the awful place we got her). Here in Binghamton, I did find a vet that would see my guinea pig but he was also very inexperienced. I found that if you give them information and can get them to listen, most vets are happy to treat and even research to an extent. If not, they can refer.

Bear this in mind when you go visit your local vet and ask if any of these options are open should they not be as knowledgeable. I would ask if you can be referred even to a vet that maybe has a limited office open from a larger area that may have more services available.

Either way, please don't worry. They are in good hands. Vets with guinea pigs are very valuable to keep on hand at any time; just a little tricky to find the first. I really do understand your difficulties in your limitations there. Let us know how everything goes.

I kinda don't like vets because I had bad experience with them. 2 of our dogs died before even though we took them to the vet even though its not entirely their fault. I got supplies online and would be arriving in about 4 to 5 days

I have decided not to get anymore animals from that pet shop or even supplies. I'm planning on getting Kovu a sister after a month or 2 from a quality breeder. in the mean time ill just read and learned more first.

 

[flowerfairy]

Sorry for your loss. Rip Seve. Hopenyou manage to find a friend for Kovu when you feel able to.

 

[Tiamolly123]

I am so so sorry you lost Seve, you didn't do anything wrong it wasn't your fault, he died.
Sleep tight little Seve

 

[Merab]

So sorry to hear about the loss of Seve.
You did everything possible for her.
Hope you find a suitable companion for beautiful Kovu soon.
Take time to look after yourself and grieve too

 

[Claire W]

I’m so sorry for your loss of Seve xx

 

[fanniephina]

Everyone is correct here and you have to remember that you did everything you could for little Seve. I know it's very difficult but this was a situation beyond your control. I lost one of my first ones the very same way as you did your little Seve very soon after getting her despite constant vet care. It got me to set up with a good vet and worry less now that I know the signs of illness in a guinea pig. It's something everyone learns. You are a very good piggy parent.

RIP little Seve. I am so sorry for the sadness and loss. Keep up with us with pics of your new little one when the time is right for both you and Kovu.