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Piggy Had Her Head Stuck In A Tube

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CarnivalPiggy

CarnivalPiggy

Adult Guinea Pig
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I came into see Minja with her head stuck in a long cardboard tube. I took her out to get it off her and after a minute of carefully cutting the tube it came off. Her nostrils were partly clogged and I cleaned her so they were clear again. My mum ringed the vets a second later and described the situation, to which the vet said just to clean around her nose and make sure she's breathing ok which she is and to check for any neck etc injuries which I haven't seen so far. I'm not sure how long she's been like that, but for at least half a hour to a few hours+. She's eating a lot of sliced greens right now to make up for the loss of water and food intake, and I'm going to weigh her (although I don't think the scales are working properly so I can't rely on it) to see what she lost. Is this the right approach? I feel incredibly guilty, but I know now not to put cardboard tubes in without cutting them first. Any advice? Thanks.
 
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Also, she won't let me touch her neck right now obviously so I can't look under her hair for any hidden injuries.
 
If she won't let you touch it then it may be sore, either that or she is spooked. I would get her checked out especially if she is the same in an hour or so. Do you mean she had her head in the tube for that long? Is she pooing ok?
 
That must have been very stressful for her I would imagine especially if she was having trouble breathing.

What sort of tube was it that she could not get out of? Was it a type of strong/hard cardboard?

I guess if she was stuck in the same position she may very well be sore and spooked. It would be like a human not moving for a few hours and then getting up and trying to move. It would be painful.

I think I would watch her carefully and perhaps see if you can spoil her and re-assure her that everything is ok now. Tell he3r that it was an unfortunate accident and you will make sure it will not happen again. I am a firm believer that even if they do not understand the actual words they understand that you are trying to comfort them over what happened. Plus I think it makes us feel better by voicing how we are feeling and letting it out.

Hope she will be ok but if you feel she is not well then really the best option is for her to see a vet.

Sending *hugs* to you both.
 
She pooing, drinking, and eating ok. She's currently running about the room and eating hay. I didn't realise at first, but it must have been from a different kitchen roll brand or something as the cardboard felt stronger/harder than the usual softy kind I have. She's letting me touch her nose and around her neck, but I'll probably leave her for a few more minutes before picking her up.
 
Thank you :)

I can't see under her fur/hair as I'm trying but it keeps going back haha. Honestly, I spent the last of my vet funds recently and my parents aren't getting enough money in right now to afford much over ten pounds for the guinea pigs, so I don't know what to do. The vet said she didn't need to be looked at though.
 
CarnivalPiggy said:
Thank you :)

I can't see under her fur/hair as I'm trying but it keeps going back haha. Honestly, I spent the last of my vet funds recently and my parents aren't getting enough money in right now to afford much over ten pounds for the guinea pigs, so I don't know what to do. The vet said she didn't need to be looked at though.
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I don't think you should panic to see a vet. Animals like young children will have wee accidents that are not major or fatal. The main thing is to watch her for a day or two and see if there are any obvious problems. If she is eating, pooping and seems normal then she should be fine. She may be a little bit sore and spooked but that should settle down over time. If you need any further advice though just let us know.
 
sport_billy said:
How is she doing now? Is she moving her head okay? Has she drunk form the bottle etc... as this would involve neck movement?...
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She's running and drinking absolutely fine. She isn't moving her head stiffly or awkwardly if that's what you mean?
Caron's Cavies said:
I don't think you should panic to see a vet. Animals like young children will have wee accidents that are not major or fatal. The main thing is to watch her for a day or two and see if there are any obvious problems. If she is eating, pooping and seems normal then she should be fine. She may be a little bit sore and spooked but that should settle down over time. If you need any further advice though just let us know.
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Thank you, I'll keep that in mind :)
 
CarnivalPiggy said:
She's running and drinking absolutely fine. She isn't moving her head stiffly or awkwardly if that's what you mean?

Thank you, I'll keep that in mind :)
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Keep a close eye on her. Accidents happen and you know how to prevent this from happening in the future. Give her a cuddle from us
 
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