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My guinea pig isn’t himself!

E&George

E&George

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
May 14, 2018
Messages
12
Reaction score
4
Points
130
So my guinea pig George hasn’t been himself for about 2 days. Firstly he hasn’t been drinking and eating as much as he usually does, yesterday he had wetter poo but today it seems he hasn’t been pooping at all, there is crust around his nose which I think may be indicating a runny nose, the fur on the under side of his chin is wet as if he has been sick (I’m not entirely sure if that can happen but that’s what it appears to look like) and apart from the more physical things he just hasn’t been himself and seems very subdued, less energetic and lethargic? I am going to book an appointment to the vet tomorrow but wanted to make a quick post to see if anyone has had a similar situation to this? I have researched but nothing seems to be adding up so I would appreciate any help possible. Thank you.
 
E&George said:
So my guinea pig George hasn’t been himself for about 2 days. Firstly he hasn’t been drinking and eating as much as he usually does, yesterday he had wetter poo but today it seems he hasn’t been pooping at all, there is crust around his nose which I think may be indicating a runny nose, the fur on the under side of his chin is wet as if he has been sick (I’m not entirely sure if that can happen but that’s what it appears to look like) and apart from the more physical things he just hasn’t been himself and seems very subdued, less energetic and lethargic? I am going to book an appointment to the vet tomorrow but wanted to make a quick post to see if anyone has had a similar situation to this? I have researched but nothing seems to be adding up so I would appreciate any help possible. Thank you.
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He sounds very poorly, it could be a dental issue. He needs to see the vet asap in the morning. Overnight keep him warm, offer him syringe feed carefully (if he is drooling he may not be able to swallow normally

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
 
pig in the city said:
He sounds very poorly, it could be a dental issue. He needs to see the vet asap in the morning. Overnight keep him warm, offer him syringe feed carefully (if he is drooling he may not be able to swallow normally

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
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Ok, will do everything, try syringe feeding and get him to the vets tomorrow. Thank you for information.
 
Bill & Ted said:
Did you manage to get George to the vets and how is he?
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We managed to get him there this morning. It turns out he has a very swollen kidney and what the vets think is a tumour in his stomach. He was given fluids and antibiotics and we are seeing if he is getting better with a few days. Since he has been back he has only had about a sip of water and just one pellet I managed to get him to eat. I hope he gets better but with the tumour it’s unlikely he’ll live much longer and if he doesn’t get better and begin eating more than we will have to put him to sleep ☹️ Of course I don’t want him to suffer but I still hope he gets better. We are going to take him to the vets again tomorrow and see what they think but I’m not sure what’s going to happen just yet. ☹️
 
Are you able to syringe feed him? Sorry the news wasn’t the greatest. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for him, however hard it is for you.

Good luck tomorrow. 💕
 
Siikibam said:
Are you able to syringe feed him? Sorry the news wasn’t the greatest. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for him, however hard it is for you.

Good luck tomorrow. 💕
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Thank you, I appreciate everything everyone has said. Unfortunately today we decided we are going to put him to sleep. Myself and the vets think it is the best thing for him. I don’t want him to suffer and I know even though it doesn’t feel like it right now, it’s the best option for him. Thank you all again xx
 
So sorry. You did what’s best for him but it’s still a hard decision 💕
 
Aw, so sorry you had to help George over Rainbow Bridge 🌈 You have done the kindest act for him, sending you big hugs x
Sleep tight little man x
 
So sorry that you had to make such a difficult decision.
Even when we know it’s right and it’s a gift of love to a sick piggy it’s tough.

Be gentle with yourself as you grieve
 
Thank you everyone for your kind words. George is resting happily and pain-free now. Reading these messages has helped. Thank you all 💕
 
E&George said:
So my guinea pig George hasn’t been himself for about 2 days. Firstly he hasn’t been drinking and eating as much as he usually does, yesterday he had wetter poo but today it seems he hasn’t been pooping at all, there is crust around his nose which I think may be indicating a runny nose, the fur on the under side of his chin is wet as if he has been sick (I’m not entirely sure if that can happen but that’s what it appears to look like) and apart from the more physical things he just hasn’t been himself and seems very subdued, less energetic and lethargic? I am going to book an appointment to the vet tomorrow but wanted to make a quick post to see if anyone has had a similar situation to this? I have researched but nothing seems to be adding up so I would appreciate any help possible. Thank you.
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Hi!

Please have him seen as soon as possible, ideally tonight as an emergency, and step in with support feeding asap; the poos generally reflect was has happened the day before, so your boy hasn't eaten much at all for a day now.
Take the to read through this link here. We have collected all emergency care information in this guide here, including tips on how you can improvise with what you have at hand until you can see a vet and until you can get hold of the proper support care stuff.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

Be careful in just squirting anything into his mouth as he looks like he has issues with swallowing or a blockage somewhere in in the digestive tract from the throat down to the gut; that would also explain food getting into his nose. Him losing the ability to swallow is rare, but it can happen (and has happened to one of my piggies). Please don't feed it comes straight back out.

What exactly is the cause requires a vet examination; please see a vet quickly!

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

Please have him seen as soon as possible, ideally tonight as an emergency, and step in with support feeding asap; the poos generally reflect was has happened the day before, so your boy hasn't eaten much at all for a day now.
Take the to read through this link here. We have collected all emergency care information in this guide here, including tips on how you can improvise with what you have at hand until you can see a vet and until you can get hold of the proper support care stuff.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

Be careful in just squirting anything into his mouth as he looks like he has issues with swallowing or a blockage somewhere in in the digestive tract from the throat down to the gut; that would also explain food getting into his nose. Him losing the ability to swallow is rare, but it can happen (and has happened to one of my piggies). Please don't feed it comes straight back out.

What exactly is the cause requires a vet examination; please see a vet quickly!

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Click to expand...
Thank you for the advice, but we have already taken him to the vets and the problem was a swollen kidney and a tumour. As said in the previous post I made, we decided to put him to sleep today as he was suffering too much. The advice would have been amazing for George but I didn’t want to put him though anymore pain. Thank you anyway.
 
E&George said:
Thank you for the advice, but we have already taken him to the vets and the problem was a swollen kidney and a tumour. As said in the previous post I made, we decided to put him to sleep today as he was suffering too much. The advice would have been amazing for George but I didn’t want to put him though anymore pain. Thank you anyway.
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I am very sorry; I missed your thread having had to take break for some days in the wake of losing my third old lady in the space of a month but it suddenly showed up in my alerts today in a whole batch of other alerts.

You have made the correct decision, as heart-breaking as it is! :(

You are welcome to post a tribute to George in our Rainbow Bridge; it is there for all of us who want to make use of it at any time.
If you struggle with your grieving, then this link here may be of help to you: Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children
 
E&George said:
We managed to get him there this morning. It turns out he has a very swollen kidney and what the vets think is a tumour in his stomach. He was given fluids and antibiotics and we are seeing if he is getting better with a few days. Since he has been back he has only had about a sip of water and just one pellet I managed to get him to eat. I hope he gets better but with the tumour it’s unlikely he’ll live much longer and if he doesn’t get better and begin eating more than we will have to put him to sleep ☹ Of course I don’t want him to suffer but I still hope he gets better. We are going to take him to the vets again tomorrow and see what they think but I’m not sure what’s going to happen just yet. ☹
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Have you tried syringe feeding with critical care it might help him feel better. It's worth a try. I am so sorry for you I have a sick Guinea pig too. Critical has helped a lot. Good luck! I hope he feels better soon.
 
Wiebke said:
I am very sorry; I missed your thread having had to take break for some days in the wake of losing my third old lady in the space of a month but it suddenly showed up in my alerts today in a whole batch of other alerts.

You have made the correct decision, as heart-breaking as it is! :(

You are welcome to post a tribute to George in our Rainbow Bridge; it is there for all of us who want to make use of it at any time.
If you struggle with your grieving, then this link here may be of help to you: Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children
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I’m so sorry too. Thank you for your kind words, every words helps and brings me closer to feeling better everyday. I really appreciate it. I will have a look at the Rainbow Bridge and the website, thank you for giving me advice like that. Thank you ❤️
 
E&George said:
Thank you for the advice, but we have already taken him to the vets and the problem was a swollen kidney and a tumour. As said in the previous post I made, we decided to put him to sleep today as he was suffering too much. The advice would have been amazing for George but I didn’t want to put him though anymore pain. Thank you anyway.
Click to expand...
 
Very sorry for your loss. I have just had to have my guinea pig Ash pts on 9th August due to a fairly large tumour in his stomach which had pushed his kidney to the side. After they pts they said there was a second tumour growing. He was 5 plus at but didn't know his true age as was a rescue from RSPCA who had an awful start in life. We gave him a loving family home where he has been so spoilt and loved. We had him 4 years 3 months. It is awful when you get that diagnosis. I am missing him so much. We have a blind rescue pig approximately 3 years and I know he needs a friend but haven't been able to bring myself to do this yet. Take care
 
Hholmes said:
Very sorry for your loss. I have just had to have my guinea pig Ash pts on 9th August due to a fairly large tumour in his stomach which had pushed his kidney to the side. After they pts they said there was a second tumour growing. He was 5 plus at but didn't know his true age as was a rescue from RSPCA who had an awful start in life. We gave him a loving family home where he has been so spoilt and loved. We had him 4 years 3 months. It is awful when you get that diagnosis. I am missing him so much. We have a blind rescue pig approximately 3 years and I know he needs a friend but haven't been able to bring myself to do this yet. Take care
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So sorry that you have lost your little piggie too recently x
Sleep tight Ash x
 
Hholmes said:
Very sorry for your loss. I have just had to have my guinea pig Ash pts on 9th August due to a fairly large tumour in his stomach which had pushed his kidney to the side. After they pts they said there was a second tumour growing. He was 5 plus at but didn't know his true age as was a rescue from RSPCA who had an awful start in life. We gave him a loving family home where he has been so spoilt and loved. We had him 4 years 3 months. It is awful when you get that diagnosis. I am missing him so much. We have a blind rescue pig approximately 3 years and I know he needs a friend but haven't been able to bring myself to do this yet. Take care
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I am very sorry for your loss, too!

You are welcome to post a tribut your boy in our Rainbow Bridge section if you wish to.
 
Hholmes said:
Very sorry for your loss. I have just had to have my guinea pig Ash pts on 9th August due to a fairly large tumour in his stomach which had pushed his kidney to the side. After they pts they said there was a second tumour growing. He was 5 plus at but didn't know his true age as was a rescue from RSPCA who had an awful start in life. We gave him a loving family home where he has been so spoilt and loved. We had him 4 years 3 months. It is awful when you get that diagnosis. I am missing him so much. We have a blind rescue pig approximately 3 years and I know he needs a friend but haven't been able to bring myself to do this yet. Take care
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So sorry that you too have lost a piggy.
Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself time to grieve
 
Merab's Slave said:
So sorry that you too have lost a piggy.
Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself time to grieve
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Thank you very much. I am trying to but it's definitely hard not to miss them when such a gentle soul. I think because of his awful start in life it made me love him even more.
 
Hholmes said:
Very sorry for your loss. I have just had to have my guinea pig Ash pts on 9th August due to a fairly large tumour in his stomach which had pushed his kidney to the side. After they pts they said there was a second tumour growing. He was 5 plus at but didn't know his true age as was a rescue from RSPCA who had an awful start in life. We gave him a loving family home where he has been so spoilt and loved. We had him 4 years 3 months. It is awful when you get that diagnosis. I am missing him so much. We have a blind rescue pig approximately 3 years and I know he needs a friend but haven't been able to bring myself to do this yet. Take care
Click to expand...
I’m so sad to hear this and am so sorry for your loss as I can now say I know it’s very hard. We too didn’t know George’s true age as he was also a rescue. He had his ear bitten of by other male guinea pigs before being taken in by my family and I. All I can say now is I am so glad we managed to keep him happy, warm and safe in the 2 years we had him, much like you gave yours and in the end that’s all that matters.
I wish you all the best for your future and your guinea pigs. Sending my love 💕 x
 
E&George said:
I’m so sad to hear this and am so sorry for your loss as I can now say I know it’s very hard. We too didn’t know George’s true age as he was also a rescue. He had his ear bitten of by other male guinea pigs before being taken in by my family and I. All I can say now is I am so glad we managed to keep him happy, warm and safe in the 2 years we had him, much like you gave yours and in the end that’s all that matters.
I wish you all the best for your future and your guinea pigs. Sending my love 💕 x
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QUOTE="E&George, post: 2334044, member: 129124"]
I’m so sad to hear this and am so sorry for your loss as I can now say I know it’s very hard. We too didn’t know George’s true age as he was also a rescue. He had his ear bitten of by other male guinea pigs before being taken in by my family and I. All I can say now is I am so glad we managed to keep him happy, warm and safe in the 2 years we had him, much like you gave yours and in the end that’s all that matters.
I wish you all the best for your future and your guinea pigs. Sending my love 💕 x
[/QUOTE]
Thank you so much. I am glad George had a happy home and was loved so much by his family. Yes that is definitely all that matters, especially when some poor animals never get that. I know we should be proud of ourselves. Wishing you all the best for the future too. ♥️Xx
 
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