Hi all, I'm really worried about Chi Chi who I noticed yesterday seemed in pain when either weeing or pooping, I wasn't sure which. She has much smaller poops than my other 1 year old and has not grown to the same size. This morning she was keen to eat her veg and hay but has not pooped since - I know because I separated her from my other 2 to keep watch. Currently she is sitting on my knee happily chuckling away as usual, but something is clearly wrong. I have made an appointment to see the vet later this afternoon as soon as I can get there. In the meantime does anyone know what this might be and if there is anything I should be doing for her?
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My Piggy Has Stopped Pooping
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Please weigh her daily at the same time to check on her food intake. It is good that you are having her seen by a vet today. Depending on the diagnosis, you may want to make check whether she additionally needs gut stimulant, painkiller and probiotics. The problem could be a urinary tract infection/bladder stone or a digestive tract issue. Loss of appetite is often pain related.
Here is our detailed how to hand feeding guide, which we recommend whenever a piggy goes off food, as it is vital to keep the guts going. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-hand-feeding-guide.115359/
Here is our detailed how to hand feeding guide, which we recommend whenever a piggy goes off food, as it is vital to keep the guts going. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/complete-hand-feeding-guide.115359/
Thanks for your reply Wiebke. The vet gave her a check over and couldn't feel any lumps or blockages. He gave me Batril for a possible urinary infection and some Metacam to ease her pain. Today is Day 4 on these medicines and they are helping. She has regained her appetite and is in less discomfort although remains under weight.
Another problem is I usually keep my 3 sows together but Trouble who is 1 month older has started bullying her and wanting to fight. I have had to rescue her a few times. I've separated Trouble from the other two for the time being. It's difficult as Treacle and Trouble are very bonded and I don't like to part them. Do you think it is because Chi Chi seems ill that Trouble has suddenly started attacking her when they have lived together fine for one year? She continues to live up to her name anyway!
Another problem is I usually keep my 3 sows together but Trouble who is 1 month older has started bullying her and wanting to fight. I have had to rescue her a few times. I've separated Trouble from the other two for the time being. It's difficult as Treacle and Trouble are very bonded and I don't like to part them. Do you think it is because Chi Chi seems ill that Trouble has suddenly started attacking her when they have lived together fine for one year? She continues to live up to her name anyway!
MycuteBoys
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Hi, if I was you I would put treacle and trouble back together as if they have a strong bond they well be missing that. Take chi chi out and monitor her then once she's better try bonding her back in with your other two, if that doesn't work you may need to keep her on her own but close to the other to for company.
Hi My3, I did try putting Chi Chi on her own on Saturday but she seemed sad and wasn't moving around much and I was worried as she needs to gain weight. She livened up when I put Treacle in with her and started munching on hay. It's tricky, but I'm thinking I will have to share Treacle out between the two of them in half day sessions?! It's so evident to me that piggies like company and as a general rule shouldn't be left on their own. But it's a mystery as to why some sows get along and others not. Treacle has always been an easygoing piggy but I used to look after a friend's daughter's sow when they were on holiday and I let her have some floor time with Treacle. They were fine investigating each other for 5 minutes but then Treacle decided she really didn't like her and the teeth chattering, chasing, snapping and skirmishes started. To prevent injuries I decided not to try that again!
Guinea pigs can bully those group members whose illness will endanger the survival of the whole group (and that will often take themselves a little dinstance away when ill or face the wall in a cage), but will support the ones that have proven they can keep up and are not a danger. It also plays a role as to who is top sow.
I am glad that Chi Chi is doing better. She will be able to start putting on weight once she is over what is causing her problems. Right now, it is a matter of getting her through it. You could let Treacle decide who she prefers to be with if necessary.
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