My Guinea Pig Is Spinning In Circles?

Kierra Ruddle

Kierra Ruddle

New Born Pup
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Hello, my guinea is a male and is about 4 years old. He just starting spinning around in circles today and I'm not sure what is wrong. He has never done this before. The vet wants a lot of money for an exam. He spins in circles like my dog chases her tail. He also started waddling instead of walking. Then he started sniffing the air but their was nothing really to smell, and when I picked him up and put him back in his cage he usually lands on his feet when I set him in his cage but this time he tried to land on his head. I'm not sure what I should do, is this just a pet owner being paranoid? If there is something wrong, can I treat him myself?
 
I think this sounds neurological. We have one in the sanctuary who does this. She's fine otherwise though. I can't remember what the diagnosis was. Some of the more experienced guys will probably be able to advise better.
 
Kierra Ruddle said:
Hello, my guinea is a male and is about 4 years old. He just starting spinning around in circles today and I'm not sure what is wrong. He has never done this before. The vet wants a lot of money for an exam. He spins in circles like my dog chases her tail. He also started waddling instead of walking. Then he started sniffing the air but their was nothing really to smell, and when I picked him up and put him back in his cage he usually lands on his feet when I set him in his cage but this time he tried to land on his head. I'm not sure what I should do, is this just a pet owner being paranoid? If there is something wrong, can I treat him myself?
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If your boy is spinning in a tight circle, then you really need to see a vet; it sounds like his balance organ in the inner ear is affected. In many cases, this can be the beginning of an ear infection, which can be deadly or leave permanent damage if not treated promptly. It requires an antibiotic, which is prescription-only.
Alternatively, it can be caused by a stroke or another neurological problem, or a build-up of wax and gunk in the ear (please DO NOT pour oil down the ear!)

Illness and emergencies NEVER happen at a good time unfortunately. :(
We strongly recommend to save up a little on a weekly basis towards a vet fund during the lifetime of any of your pets as part of the running cost for keeping them, so you can afford to see a vet whenever needed. ;)
 
Wiebke said:
We strongly recommend to save up a little on a weekly basis towards a vet fund during the lifetime of any of your pets as part of the running cost for keeping them, so you can afford to see a vet whenever needed. ;)
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I call it my 'hip and knee' fund as my late Mum and Dad had a savings account called the same in case they needed a new hip or knee!
 
He is now loosing his balance. He can't walk and falls over and tries to get back up. I don't know ow what's wrong with him, he's not acting like himself. He ate a little last night. He can't poop and makes these weird noises whenever he moves. Please help!
 
Please take him to the vet wiebke has given the possible causes there is not much else we can do as there are no home treatments. He sounds very poorly.
 
Kierra Ruddle said:
He is now loosing his balance. He can't walk and falls over and tries to get back up. I don't know ow what's wrong with him, he's not acting like himself. He ate a little last night. He can't poop and makes these weird noises whenever he moves. Please help!
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He needs to see a vet as an emergency. We are not vets on here and we cannot diagnose or help your guinea pig when he is having a medical emergency. Please get him seen asap
 
He's gone. Thank you all for the help. We were gonna take him to the vet cause they didn't open until 8 and he died right before our ride left. I can't believe he is really gone. To anyone who has this experience, don't waist time, go to the vet like NOW. Not saying I wasted time but it was too late. We were gonna take him to the vet. R. I. P Peanut
Sunday, October 15, 2017 about 8: 40 AM
 
I'm so sorry he passed away :( the behaviours sounded very much like the things my Bramble does with sniffing the air, waddling etc. She has neurological damage from a parasite called e.cuniculi but it can happen from quite a few things...a sudden stroke, infection, a tumor maybe? They go downhill do quickly..again, very sorry for your loss :(
 
Kierra Ruddle said:
He's gone. Thank you all for the help. We were gonna take him to the vet cause they didn't open until 8 and he died right before our ride left. I can't believe he is really gone. To anyone who has this experience, don't waist time, go to the vet like NOW. Not saying I wasted time but it was too late. We were gonna take him to the vet. R. I. P Peanut
Sunday, October 15, 2017 about 8: 40 AM
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Really sorry to hear you lost Peanut especially in such sad circumstances. Are you in the UK? If so your vet should have a message on their phone if you call out of hours to let you know which emergency vet they use. That way you can get out of hours care, it's not always going to provide a solution and is more costly but it can make a difference. Sadly last time I needed them I paid £60 to take Bumble knowing she would have to be pts. We have a rainbow bridge part of the forum where you are free to post a tribute to Peanut if and when you feel ready.
 
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