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Is it normal?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lixies_mum
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Lixies_mum

Hi all, Just a query really as I'm not sure if it is normal, When it comes to dogs or cats I know these things, but with Guinea's I'm a novice...

Biscuit seems to be a healthy weight, (I don't know as can not weigh them myself yet-kitchen scales too small, bathroom scales have a min weight limit!)

But Patch... when I held him, and stroked him, I could feel his hip bones... I know that in a dog or cat that means they are under weight (when they are very visible-ok I can't see them, there's too much hair! but they feel as though they protrude more than should be normal...)

My instincts tell me he is under weight... but wanted to know from more experienced owners if this is right?

I am looking into buying a bigger set of kitchen scales so I can weigh them myself, and also taking them both to the vets soon for a check up, as I have only had them just over a week myself....

If he is under weight, I think it must be where Biscuit is the dominant one and doesn't let patch get his fair share, but since I've had them, I've made an outside area for them, where they can get in and out of the cage freely 24/7, and put food bowls in and out side, as well as fresh veg and hay both in and outside, in the hope they will have one each, as Biscuit prefers to stay in the cage, but patch prefers to stay outside...

If he is under weight (due to not enough food) how long will it take for him to gain weight? and should I feed him slightly more or just the normal amount?

Of course I will ask the vet when I see him, but wanted your advice...

Sorry for the long post.. hope you can help :)
Thanks in advance!
 

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How old is Patch? You can feel the hips in very young and old piggies.

Try and get bigger scales first thing before you do anything, so you know where you stand. You need to know whether Patch is just not putting on weight or is slowly losing weight.

If I am worried about a piggy's health, I weigh it daily, but make allowances for a daily fluctuation of 30-50g (simply due to a full belly and a full bladder). I am looking for trends over the course of several days. It is advisable to always weigh at the same time of the day, as that will give you the most constant readings.

There can be many reasons for being underweight from being kept away from food by the mate to parasites (worming/mites etc.) to more serious health problems like trouble with overgrowing molars or other problems.

http://www.guinealynx.info/weigh.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/anorexia.html
 
Wiebke said:
How old is Patch? You can feel the hips in very young and old piggies.

Try and get bigger scales first thing before you do anything, so you know where you stand. You need to know whether Patch is just not putting on weight or is slowly losing weight.

If I am worried about a piggy's health, I weigh it daily, but make allowances for a daily fluctuation of 30-50g (simply due to a full belly and a full bladder). I am looking for trends over the course of several days. It is advisable to always weigh at the same time of the day, as that will give you the most constant readings.

There can be many reasons for being underweight from being kept away from food by the mate to parasites (worming/mites etc.) to more serious health problems like trouble with overgrowing molars or other problems.

http://www.guinealynx.info/weigh.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/anorexia.html
Click to expand...

I'm not sure how old he is, I was told that Biscuit is at least 2, and Patch is about 1, but can't be sure, could be 6 months either way...
I am going to buy a better set of scales, another user from here sent me a link to a good one from Argos so going to get that when I go into Hastings next week.
I have used the spot on thing on both of them, but only used 1 pipette as I was unsure on their weight, so might wait til it's been a week then use the second one, as patch has been itching more than Biscuit i did think they might have mites, again I will get the vet to check them both out, just waiting for pay day...

Thank you for the advice, and the links, really helpful :)
 
Just to add to that, I've just fed them their fresh veggies, and I shut the cage door so Biscuit was inside and Patch was outside, and I fed them exactly the same amount (roughly 25g each) and Biscuit finished his a lot quicker than Patch did, and then Biscuit was sniffing and pacing the cage door looking like he wanted Patches too, So I think I'll separate them each time I feed them, as looks like its Biscuit being a greedy guts lol.
 
That can be one of the reasons! It will be much easier for you to get to the bottom of the problem with the help of scales. At that age, his hips bones should not be sticking out.

A big bout of mites can also cause/contribute to weight loss, just from the stress of itching so badly. You need to repeat mites treatment at least once or twice.

Having Patch checked out by the vet is not a bad idea.
 
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