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Potential Causes Of Weight Loss?

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Tbag

Tbag

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Tango normally weighs in between 1300-1400g, usually about 1350g and a little fluctuation in between that is normal and apparently him just being him. However last week he weighed in at 1280g and has been maintaining that for about a week with us weighing every other day to keep an eye on it.

After how we lost Cash weight loss terrifies me but I'm just wondering if I could run some thoughts past experienced members here before hitting panic stations.

There have been a few changes in Mr T's life the past few months and I was thinking some of them could be responsible for his weight change:
1) most obvious change is that he's now living with Wyatt. Could the change of living arrangement or the slight stresses of a new bonding have caused him to lose a few pounds?
2) After a discussion with the vet we stopped cranberry juice for his bladder problems and switched to using veggie glucosamine. It seems to be really helping him (barely heard a squeak in the past few days!). I was thinking the drop in the intake of sugar he was getting from the diluted juice could be a factor?
3) Since Cash died he didn't eat quite as many nuggets as he used to - still healthy appetite but I'm guessing he didn't feel the need to eat loads before Cash could anymore.

Obviously I'll be keeping a close eye on this and going to the vets ASAP if he drops any more. I'm just trying to consider all options before turning into a gibbering wreck.

Thanks in advance
 
We have the same issue with Astro, when we weighed him yesterday he had dropped from 1380 to 1265gms. Weighed him this morning and he has gained to 1275 gms. He has been munching his hay, pellets and veg and seems okay. However, when I checked his teeth, although they were still short they are not level at the tip and have a 30 degree angle. Will monitor this week but looking to take him to see Simon next week when they are back for a dental inspection.

Also, Star lost a lot of weight last year and after discussion with Wiebke and Debbie too her to see Simon. He popped a urethal stone and she is back to 970 gms after dropping to 800 gms.
 
Hopefully you can get to the bottom of what's caused Astros drop in weight when you see Simon - sounds like you've got some good clues to go on at least! And it's encouraging he's started to put some back on too.

When we lost Cash and his weight plummeted over time it was down to a thyroid problem and there were no outward or clear signs of ill health other than the weight loss. Just dreading going through the same again so I'm hoping there's a more simple explanation!
 
The reasons you have listed are feasible but if you are worried please speak to your vet.

Mine lost weight recently when they had a dramatic reduction in their dry food and eventually the weight loss stopped and they have all reached their new stable weight. Carnberry juice is very calorific so that could explain it too, am so pleased the Glucosamine has helped. If his issues are IC related then it is thought that cranberry juice can make it worse and a lot of doctors will not allow humans with IC to have it. I posted a link to an article a while back and can find it again if needed.
 
I am having the exact same problem with George. He's usually 1320 and now he's about 1270. But he has also been through some changes, mainly losing Borris, which I think would explain it. Also the weather has changed again so he's not out getting grass. He hasn't lost his appetite so I'm sure he's fine but I'm keeping a close eye on him just to make sure he's okay.
 
I would definately keep an eye on him but it could be increased exercise due to more rumbling at new cage mate etc... I would continue to monitor daily and should the weight continue to fall see a guinea savvy vet. Its often hard to find causes of weight loss when no other symptoms show, however if it does continue the vet will need to do tests to try find the cause.
 
Thank you all for the reassurance and thoughts - we will of course be keeping a very close eye on this, weighing daily and off to the vets if it drops further.

@helen105281 it was your mentioning of cranberry juice being bad for IC that got me to stop and finally try him on glucosamine! So thank you for that!
 
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