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Poorly piggie!

  • Thread starter Thread starter mobo52
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mobo52

Hello,
I'm in a state because I know something is wrong with one of my piggies, Bella, but no-one can determine just what yet.
I took her to the vets last thursday because I noticed two patches of hair on her back were very short. The vet said the patches were around the gland areas but as she seemed to be ok in herself and eating well, we should just monitor if the patches get worse.

Last nite I went to give them their tea and while my other two piggies were wheeking, Bella sat in her pigloo and needed encouraging out! She did eat some tea but not as much as usual and not with as much enthusiasm!
This morning I haven't seen her eat any breakfast yet, just a little hay, and she's curled up in the corner looking very sorry for herself.

I know the symtoms are very vague but i'm wondering if anyone has any ideas what's going on or anything I can do before I take her on another stressful trip to the vets? I feel so useless :'(

Thank you, Claire x
 
hi Claire,

When you say shorter hair do you mean hair loss? How old is she? Just some more info may help to determine what is wrong. If it is hair loss then perhaps hormonal. Has she been checked for fungal or mites?

Louise
x
 
Hi Louise,
Thanks for your reply!
The hair looks like it could have been munched on because there's no bald patches it's just shorter, which puzzled the vet! I've watched the other two like a hawk but haven't noticed them munching on her.
I believe she is approx 2-3yrs old although unfortunately no-one knows for sure as she came from a rescue with no history.
She had running lice a few months back which was treated and the vet said last week that there was no sign of lice or mites at present.
I'm at such a loss!
Claire x
 
very odd, could they be barbering when you are not looking? If there is no loss from the hair shaft then I wouldn't worry but then I'm sure someone with more knowledge can advise.

Hope she is ok. x
 
if she is off her food and is not her usual self either put her in a seperate cage and watch her or take to a different vet. as any changes in guinea pigs are very important. she might be being bullied by the others or she might have something wrong with her like teeth or something. hoping you find out what is wrong with bella, sending hugs and healing vibes your way :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
Guinea pigs tend to try to act like they are fine when they are not. So, if you are noticing something different, something is probably wrong. Hair loss may be early signs of lice, mites, or a fungal infection, but in this early of a stage this shouldn't affect her eating. You might want to get a round of Xeno to cover the basis. Start checking her weight daily if you haven't already. Make sure she isn't losing weight. This is usually a sign of infection or other seious health problem. Check nose, eyes, breathing. Listen to her breathe. Any gurgles, crackles, etc. This could be a respiratory infection. I would get some Critical Care handy just in case. Up the vit C. Either add it to the water or mix a small amount in with some chamomile tea and give it w/ a dropper a couple of times a day (room temp chamomile tea usually prefered). Check teeth. A tooth problem can make her not want to eat. Make sure her teeth aren't too long and hitting into her gums and there are no bad teeth or sores. These are some of the basics. Also, make sure there is no blood in urine and she is pottying properly.
 
When a piggy goes off ites food,whether it stops eating altogether,or just gets picky,there is something seriously wrong.Get her back to a vet asap.Maybe try and find a vet that knows more about gps.

This may be a dental problem or a sore or infection in the mouth.It could also be a renal problem.

Never waste time with home remedies for an anorexic pig.
 
Thank you for all of your advice!
She's off to the vets a little later so fingers crossed we may get some answers! O0
Will keep you updated
C x
 
The hair loss may not be anything to do with what is actually wrong with her so you are doing the right thing. The vet should check her teeth and every aspect of her. I know its frustrating not knowing what is wrong. keep us posted, hope she manages to eat something. x
 
Just back from the vets....
She doesn't think the hair problem is connected to her being poorly today either, ( O0 Louise)
It's so typical she just get's everything at once and sends me into a panic!
The vet felt the hair problem had improved since last week and for some reason she's just got a poorly tummy today!
I had syringe fed her some water and a little Science Recovery before we went which the vet has advised to continue, and she also gave us some Fibreplex which Bella's had before, and it worked wonders last time.
The vet checked her teeth too and they're ok, so I think it's going to be a waiting game to see if it was just something she's eaten, hopefully it won't get any worse.

Thanks for all the advice and healing vibes :smitten:
C x
 
Aww hopefully its nothing too serious then. They are little gannets so if they do stop eating then I worry myself soft. :) Fingers crossed for her. x
 
really hoping bella gets better soon, sending hugs and healing vibes for her :smitten: :smitten: :smitten: please keep us posted on how she's doing O0 and you are doing a wonderful job :smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
 
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