Is it normal for gpigs to be sickly?

[4boipigs]

This is mostly a rant and question. I've had guinea pigs for 2 years. I've had 7 total in that time. I have 2 pairs of boars. My very first pair is still alive. The second pair was a senior pair abandoned in a box, that I took in after someone found them. The last 3 were all 'new friends' for the surviving pigs after the abandoned pair died. Abandoned pigs had CHF and horrible eye issues. CHF pig was pts after a month. His eye issue friend lasted a year and died in his sleep. He eventually needed an eye removed. We think he was 6 to 7 yrs old.

My original pair is not super sickly - one of the pair had scurvy when adopted. He was skin and bones. A year later one got a UTI. Right now, something seems not quite right with one - he seems uncomfortable but I can't place anything specifically wrong.

My next 3 were from a rescue and a shelter. My rescue boy had a history of bumblefoot w/ the rescue, and it came back after a year. In March, he developed gdv/bloat overnight and had to be pts.

My newest guys technically aren't sickly - one came from the shelter with ringworm. Not 'his fault', so to speak. My newest fellow seems okay, he may have some long teeth and sometimes walks a bit funny w/ his back legs. (He hasn't gone to the vet because I'm in the process of being hired at our exotics vet.)

I always take my pigs to the vet when they're ill. I have spent so much money on them! They live in proper size C&C cages, have fleece, get fed all the right stuff. I've expressed my concerns to my vet and she has told me I take great care of them and there's nothing I'm doing wrong. I love having guinea pigs and they are wonderful pets, but it seems like something is always wrong with them. Is it just me? Do other people have pigs like this?

 

[CV26]

I'm sorry to hear you've had poorly piggies.

My boys have a persistent respiratory illness (probably from birth) and have been on permanent antibiotics for over a year now. Sadly although this has kept them alive, it has damaged their livers so they're now on medication to help that too, along with daily Emeraid. They've actually gained a little weight lately so the new medication must be helping.

We don't know how much time they have left. Both us and the vet are astounded they've made it this far, but despite their issues they seem really happy and perky.

I haven't totalled my spend for a while now as I don't really want to know. Throw in a few standard hay pokes too and it's well into four figures.

I've had piggies before and both times were absolutely fine. I also know a few people with piggies and they haven't ever had cause to see a vet.

This particular experience has really upset me and I don't know what I'll do when I finally have to say good bye to my boys. Part of me would love to offer some more piggies a home but the rest of me can't bear the thought that I might have a repeat of the last 18 months. It's been tough to say the least.

 

[Sue and Smartie]

I think there are people out there who don't take guinea pigs to the vet. They just let them die because it's cheaper to buy a new one
Or they abandon them so that people like you OP can pick up the pieces.
I think some pigs who end up being rehomed have not been properly looked after and that can cause health issues. Maybe that's why you have had this trouble? Because you are again dealing with a problem caused by a previous neglectful owner?
I try very hard not to add up what I spend at the vet. I think I'd need a stiff drink and a lie down if I did!

 

[hot fox]

I know completely how you feel. I have adopted over 20 pigglies over the years and no one has ever not been to the vet for one reason or another. We've tackled every illness you can think of and it certainly takes it's toll on your mental health as well as your bank balance!
My current trio; Pickle has no eyes and has developed teeth issues so has monthly dental work and is on permanent metacam. Maisy Moo has IC and is also on this, and cystease twice a day. Her sister Flumpy French had a jaw abscess but is currently drug free.
My theory is mass breeding exacerbates specific issues, the IC particularly is apparently due to the mummy pig being stressed out so when piglets arrive they're in panic mode which can lead to IC. This leads to their human mummy developing panic too!
I adore my trio but have decided to have a break once they go.

 

[Engel]

I've had more issues with dogs than pigs if I'm honest. With pigs I've only had the odd bladder issue and hay pokes. My 2 newest pigs had fungal issues.

My dogs however, one had canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and was allergic to everything under the sun. There was only 2 foods he could have other than home cooked meals. He would have essentially been a grain free vegan dog which couldn't have certain veg who also had issues with pollen and dust. All his issues where genetic.

One of my current dogs has an autoimmune disease that effects her eyes as well as a skin issue of unknown cause (we're still trying to find out more. Likely to be allergy related but unsure if it's CAD but it could be). There's also a question mark over progressive retinal atrophy. All her problems are genetic.

The other one needed 20 teeth removed when we got her 3 years ago and is due to have more out. This is largely because she's a toy poodle cross and they're known for teeth issues. She too has a skin issue and currently has 10 cysts I'm keeping an eye on. All her issues are genetic also.

Yet they never miss vaccines or flea/worm tablets. Get a full groom every 6-8 weeks, medicated baths as often as twice a week if they're having a flare up. Brushed multiple times a week. I brush their teeth and even massage the one as she's developing some joint pain which is probably the start of arthritis as she's 8 this year. Get a hydrating balm on their pads when they start to dry out. Fed on quality food and supplemented with oils to help their skin and joints.

There is nothing that I have done to cause this, there's nothing I've done which has made it worse. The same goes for you. We manage the issues they are dealt with. It's largely because animals are in demand so are produced on mass with little consideration.

 

[Claire W]

I have found that it really is hit and miss. I've been keeping piggies since 2007 and have had 13 in total (including my current 4) I've had pigs that have had me backwards and forwards to the vets where as my current 4 (my eldest is 6 and a half) have rarely had me at the vets *touch wood* but I have decided to take a break from piggy ownership when my current 4 cross the rainbow bridge