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New member - help/advice please.

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Woodlouse

Woodlouse

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New member - URGENT help/advice please - update 4/11

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum but am an active poster on Rabbit Rehome's forums, under the same username. I know lots about bunnies but not so much about guineas ... need some advice please.

We have 3 female guinea pigs who have lived indoors since we bought them. They are approaching 5 years old.

Last night I noticed a lump on Gidgit and took her to the vets this morning. It was eventually discovered to be an abcess and the vet drained the pus and gave her an antibiotic injection.

This afternoon she has been quiet but still interested in food/hay etc. however this evening she has taken no interest in her greens (and this is extremely out of character)...

At what point should I begin to worry? Are guineas like bunnies in terms of needing to eat almost continually? I have some Supreme Science Recovery - should I syringe feed her?

All advice gratefully received please - it's upsetting knowing that our girl obviously isn't well :( Thanks!
 
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Hi welcome to the forum, how long have you had her the whole 5 years?

when was the last time she had something to eat?

does she still look bright, her eyes clear, check she isnt looking puffed up in her appearance, she could be feeling a little off food due to the antibiotics.. did she give you any antibiotics to carry on with at home? if not i would keep an eye on it for infecting.
 
Thanks for your reply :)

Yes, we've had her since she was about 8 weeks old and she's always lived with the 2 other girls who we refer to as her "sisters" (tho they may not be related!).

We've seen her nibble hay this afternoon and she had some apple about 3pm. Since then she's being lying quietly but still alert. I took her out about 9pm, checked the abscess and cleaned it (as advised by the vet). She was alert and pretty much her normal self ... trying to jump off my lap and push my hand away!

She went to the bowl of greens with the others, had a little nibble of something and has now gone to hide in one of the houses.

Her eyes are still bright and she wasn't cold when I was checking her at 9pm. I don't want to keep man-handling her as she really doesn't like it .. don't want to stress her out more than necessary.

Vet gave long-acting antibiotic injection.

I'm just concerned cos I know how quickly bunnies can go downhill so really need some reasurance whether to see how she goes overnight, to try syringe feeding or to call vet?

Thanks for your help with this x
 
personally i would wait a little longer before syringe feeding if she has had a nibble at some greens, and seems normal but its upto you if your worried then see if she will take some syringe food.

sometimes antibiotics can unsettle their tummy quite a few people give bio-lapis or similar when on antibiotics to help settle the tummy.

if it was my piggy id see how she was in the morning as you say she doesnt seem to be looking unwell, and is still alert and interested in whats going on, but again its upto you if your worried you could give your vet a call, if you wait to see how she is maybe get up in a few hours to check she is ok..

I'm not sure if thats much help to you.. if your at all worried a quick call to your vet is probably the best answer :)

hope your little girly is ok!
 
Thank you SO much for your advice and reassurance. :)

My OH has just encouraged her to come out of hiding and she was somewhat disgruntled with him and looked alert and bright.

I know that if I call the vet and take her to the emergency on call then I'm going to see a vet who has very little knowledge of small furries. We've taken the rabbits before and basically had to tell her what to do :( It's cos she only works nights and not many people rush their bunnies or piggies in after midnight!

Think I'm going to leave her be for a while and check on her in a few hours. Maybe all she needs is a good night's sleep?! If she's no better in the morning then I'll start syringe feeding and get her to the vet.

Please send lots of positive healing vibes for her - will update tomorrow.
And thank you so, so much for your help. I really appreciate it :D x
 
yeah thats sounds like a good idea, i hope she is ok in the morning and wheeking for her breakfast!

keep us updated :)
 
I agree with everything that Spudnik has advised. I hope your little piggie is feeling better soon.
 
Update 4/11

Just a quick update ... Gidgit seems to be steadily on the mend :D Over the weekend and the last couple of days her appetite seems to have slowly returned :) Thanks again everyone for the help x
 
I'm so glad. Its always a worry when you piggy is unwell. Get well soon Gidget!

Love from
Amy, Nibbles and Nugget
 
oh i am pleased. its like with us humans - it takes a few days to start feeling better again!
 
Only just seen this, really glad she is on the mend! I always have some bio lapis or fibreplex in my piggy medicine bag in case, it does seem to help if their tummies are a bit off due to surgery or illness x
 
Hi there and a huge welcome to the forum xxxxxxxx
Oh dear i do hope little Gidgit is ok, sending her heap of healing wheeeeeeeeks from me xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>
 
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