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not eating? help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kasya
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Kasya

hello. yesterday I noticed that my guinea pig is not eating much. he eats hay normally, but when it comes to normal guinea pig food it seems that he can't chew it and spits it out. he doesn't drink that much either. his stool also has a different shape than usual, it's dry and has a lighter colour. I gave him a carrot, but he didn't eat it, he bit it all around. I'm worried that it might have something to do with his teeth. he acts differently too. he sits quietly, hardly mooving. he sometimes squeaks. it looks like when he ate, he hardly chew the food. should I go to the vet? and does anybody know about how much would that cost?

thanks x

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we've been to the vet with him and the vet says that his teeth look fine. she said it might kind of an infection or something. they gave him fluids and gave me antibiotics. i've to give them to him for the next 5 days. I think he'll be fine. thanks for help x
 
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Greetings.
Read the thread "Can't eat", especially the last two pages.
It does sound like a dental problem. How old is the pig?
It seems that he is dehydrated and needs fluid.
 
I agree. It sounds like your piggie will probably need his teeth trimming. Don't worry, this is quite a common problem. Look for a vet who will check your piggie's mouth without using anesthetic. The trimming/filing can also be done without anesthetic.
 
thanks.
I gave him some wood to bite, even though I don't think it will help now.
x
 
Welcome to the forum Kasya. :)

Wood chews are of little use ordinarily, they only work on the incisors so are of no effect to the molars. Hay is the best dental wearing tool - just as well since it is so important in the diet too. Hay encourages good dental wear of all the teeth.

Vet costs vary a lot, but a consultation (minus treatment) usually averages about £15. For dental work, the cost should logically be minimal (the Cambridge Cavy Trust does all dentals free for members, but obviously Cambridge is a bit far for you to travel!). If the vet will not do any work without anesthetic then the cost goes up quite a bit as they are then essentially charging for surgery. If the vet won't budge on the issue of anesthetic then hopefully he will go with just a whiff of Isoflurane for a minor sedation, rather than a full general. Just a whiff would (logically......) keep the cost down.

Keep us updated on your piggie, hope you find a good vet to help out.
 
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