NotFondOfCarrots
Junior Guinea Pig
Hello all - I hope someone can help with some advice, as I think we have a potential dental piggy.
Back story:
We recently realised that our wee piggy Woody had gradually lost quite a bit of weight, and it became obvious that he was struggling to eat. He wasn't off his food in any way, and was desperately trying to eat - he just couldn't manipulate the food in his mouth. He would bite a little bit off, and then drop it or not even be able to pick up his food.
So off to the vets he went. The vet - after some probing questions based on some info from here and other guinea sites - decided that his front teeth weren't overlong, and that he would require sedating so that she could examine and then sort out any problems with his mouth/back teeth.
His op went fine; he had no abcesses or lumps, no swelling or soreness, and no signs of pain or discomfort. His molars were overgrown a little, so were filed down, and his front teeth were clipped.
Back home, however, we're having to syringe him his food - he still can't pick up/chew his food. The desire is there, he's lively and happy, not withdrawn, and really wants to eat, but just... can't.
Does anyone have any advice to offer/reassurance? We're hoping that it's just a temporary thing, he's not used to the new tooth/mouth feel, and will pick up the eating mojo shortly... and crossing fingers that he won't need syringing or chin straps or goodness-knows what treatments.
Many thanks for any help.
NFOC
Back story:
We recently realised that our wee piggy Woody had gradually lost quite a bit of weight, and it became obvious that he was struggling to eat. He wasn't off his food in any way, and was desperately trying to eat - he just couldn't manipulate the food in his mouth. He would bite a little bit off, and then drop it or not even be able to pick up his food.
So off to the vets he went. The vet - after some probing questions based on some info from here and other guinea sites - decided that his front teeth weren't overlong, and that he would require sedating so that she could examine and then sort out any problems with his mouth/back teeth.
His op went fine; he had no abcesses or lumps, no swelling or soreness, and no signs of pain or discomfort. His molars were overgrown a little, so were filed down, and his front teeth were clipped.
Back home, however, we're having to syringe him his food - he still can't pick up/chew his food. The desire is there, he's lively and happy, not withdrawn, and really wants to eat, but just... can't.
Does anyone have any advice to offer/reassurance? We're hoping that it's just a temporary thing, he's not used to the new tooth/mouth feel, and will pick up the eating mojo shortly... and crossing fingers that he won't need syringing or chin straps or goodness-knows what treatments.
Many thanks for any help.
NFOC
