Lethargic/Depressed Piggy

[emma123]

Hi all, i have taken my piggy to the vets this week as she has gone off her food and seems very lethargic and unwell. She will eat veg, but won't touch her dry food

The vet gave her a very good examination and checked her teeth, all fine. He couldn't find any lumps or anything so has put her on a course of baytril incase she has an infection.

I was just wondering if anyone knew what i could tempt her with in terms of dry food?

Vet has said to syringe some liquid feed into her (which he provided) with some apple sauce (is this ok?).

What else could i give her to 'perk' her up a bit?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MemberX]

Hi Emma,

Dried food isn't hugely important, the most important food is Hay, which should make up for 80% of a pigs diet. 15& should be veg and 5% dried pellets or museli.

I'm not sure about the Apple Sauce, maybe blend some carrot if you can?

Has anything happened to make her depressed?

Louise
x

 

[katiep]

Hi Emma,
We've just had a similar problem with our Roly. Is your piggy managing to do poops OK?

 

[jnenbnb]

I'd use vegetable baby food instead of apple sauce O0 just to be safe! Maybe try a bit of grass aswell, its good for them and they love it! Hope she's ok x

 

[grommit]

When our little Wendy went off her food i tried to give her little bits and often of grass or anything that she would eat. She got better very slowly and has piled all the pounds back on! hope your little babe is better soon. xx :smitten:

 

[Laure]

Like S&T says good quality hay is the most important, also offer readigrass. You could try herbs like mint, basil, parsly in small amounts. Try and hand feed her little and often if you can. I would keep the syringe feeding to a minimum as it will not wear down her teeth and could make her a bit lazy about eating. Also I would not use apple sauce, use baby food (vegetables ones) and ask your vet for Critical Care.
You need to try and get down to the bottom of why she is not eating though. Is she on her own? Maybe she is depressed?

I hope she gets better :smitten:

 

[emma123]

Her little friend (also her sister) died about a month ago, but so she wasn't lonely we got another female piggy to go with her. They seem to get along really well, never seen them argue. Whenever i go to the cage they are sitting together.

She seems yo want to eat any green items & hay, but just won't touch her dry food (which she loves!).

At the moment she hasn't lost too much weight but i'm concerned this might happen if she continues not to eat. She just looks a bit unwell and is staying in her bedding area.

someone mentioned museli....is this a special Guinea pig museli? What's the brand? She might like that!

Just been an brought her some romaine and rocket salad to give her. I'll give anything a go!

 

[emma123]

Hi Emma,
We've just had a similar problem with our Roly. Is your piggy managing to do poops OK?

Yeah, she is going to the toilet fine. Just really puzzled?! It may be that she was poorly, and went off her food and maybe i just need to be patient and let her eat in her own time. I do worry though. I have been feeding her little bits often however i'm worried she may start to rely on this! ;D

 

[choloe]

hoping your little baby gets better soon. we have a piggy-jessie who is the exact opposite she won't eat her veggies at all! she only eats dry food, hay and grass. both piggies won't eat pellets, but they will eat the mix,-cut up grass, hay, chaff etc. whether this is good for them have no idea. just wish jessie would eat veggies. for thos interested zoe is still on hay, grass and the mix stuff and parsley, (touching wood) her poops are still normal, will either add a bit of corriander or celery to zoe;s diet tomorrow and see how she goes. hugs and cuddles to your baby. :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: