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One of my piggies seems uncomfortable when going to the toilet? HELP

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hrl20100

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Patch is nearly 3 years old and I have noticed that when she is going to the toilet, she hunches up, puffs her coat and makes a noise. Like a short chirping sound. I don't know how to explain it, but I think she is having some problems in that area...

Does anybody have any clue as to what is wrong with her?
Anything I can do to help her?

My dad is not a vet person and hates taking my animals to the vets. Obviously, he does in the end, but I was wondering if there is anything I can do from home to help her.

I'm not sure if she is constipated or if it just hurts her...

Would keeping her in a cat carrier overnight be a good idea (to see if she poops)?

She is with 2 younger guinea pigs (12 weeks)
 
It could be cystitis. But does your father realise its a criminal offence not to take a pet to the vets when clearly in pain.
 
All you can do for her is take her to the vet. She is in a lot of pain to be hunched up. Have you ever had a bladder infection? It is agony. Piggies wee more then we do so it is constant pain. Tell your dad it is an emergency.
 
He does take them in, I just have to yell at him and give him the proof.
I phrased it wrong.
He wont take them in unless he thinks they are in pain or ill. Like when my pigs had a URI, I had to phsically put my guinea pig to his ear so he could hear her breathing.

With this it's different. Patch lives up in my room with my other guineas. My dad stays downstairs most of the time so I don't think he is going to be able to see that she is uncomfortable.

I think I am going to start weighing her too. To see if she is loosing weight.

But yeah, he does take my animals to the vets, he just hates doing it because he has enough to deal with.
 
Being hunched and fluffed up are both clear signs of pain. Piggies are prey animals and hide signs of illness. When they do shows us these signs, it is imperative that we act to help them as soon as possible.

She is clearly in discomfort when weeing/pooing, as you suspect. Please take her to the vet tomorrow. It would be a good idea if you could take a sample of her urine with you to be tested.

She may have a urinary infection (UTI) or other bladder issues - only a vet can make a proper diagnosis. It is likely that she will need antibiotics. Please also speak to your vet about painkillers.

Symptoms such as these are usually easily treated, but will rapidly get worse if left untreated.

Sending lots of healing vibes for little Patch x
 
Here is a list of pain symptoms to show to your dad; as you can see, hunching and puffing up the hair is clearly listed.
http://www.guinealynx.info/pain.html

Most likely it is a bladder infection, but there can be other causes. You will need to have it checked by a vet and appropriately treated. I can guarantee you that things will only get worse from here and will cost more to treat!

PS: It really IS officially a criminal offense in the UK not to have a pet in pain treated. Parents are legally responsible for the care of the pets that belong to any minors attached to their household.

Hopefully, your piggy will soon be better again with some antibiotic and painkiller!
 
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You really do need to see a vet a.s.a.p. x
 
Any news? What did the vet say?
 
I would guess some sort of urinary issue that will require a vet. Having a pig with chronic bladder issues, that is definitely what a urinary tract infection in a guinea pig looks like. Hopefully your dad understands that she's uncomfortable and needs treatment.
 
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