Sick guinea pig

[Missowen88]

I took my guinea pig who's about 3 months old to the vet monday. My Guinea pig Panda has lost a lot of weight and was drooling . The vet gave him antibiotics and a jab to keep him hydrated he then told me to bring him in the next day. He seemed a bit more alert but still not eating proper or drinking vet said it seems hes got some cold bug because hes got discharge from nostrils I've been giving him 2 doses of antibiotics a day and the vets given me a power food for small animals which I have to hand feed him. His brother is okay and has no symptoms as of today hes starting to have a lot of runny poos my mum said it's probably the bug coming out of him but I'm so worried and upset that it's worse. I have another appointment on friday at vets but cant really affoes so would have to go pdsa or something would like peoples opinions on what to do for him if anyone can help

 

[Winniepeg]

I would call the vet for advise. It could be the antibiotics giving him the squiffs. They certainly have that effect on me. Do check tho at least you can make an informed decision whether you need to take him to the vets sooner. Good luck

 

[Swissgreys]

Welcome to the Forum and sorry your guinea pig is unwell.
When you took him to the vet did the vet check his teeth at all?

I only ask becasue drooling and weight loss could point towards a dental problem.
I think it would be worth taking him back to the vet and making sure they look at this teeth properly.
You could also ask for a probiotic to help with his stomach.

Depending on how long you have had your guinea pig you may be able to claim some of the vet costs back from the shop who sold him to you if you have only had him a couple of weeks.

 

[PigglePuggle]

Yes weight loss and drooling could be a dental problem, getting the vet to check the back teeth especially is very important.
Its good you are syringe feeding him to keep his weight up, if he is taking antibiotics then that could upset his tummy, feeding him a probiotic such as pro-C or fibreplex a couple of hours after each antibiotic dose could help and certainly wont do any harm- you can ask your vet for these, or buy them online. Unfortunately there is no real alternative to taking him back to the vet until you find out what is causing the weight loss and he starts to regain weight. In such a young piggy who should be gaining weight, weight loss is very worrying! Hopefully the pdsa can help, or you could talk to your vet about maybe paying them in installments.
Healing wheeks for your little one x

 

[Wiebke]

I took my guinea pig who's about 3 months old to the vet monday. My Guinea pig Panda has lost a lot of weight and was drooling . The vet gave him antibiotics and a jab to keep him hydrated he then told me to bring him in the next day. He seemed a bit more alert but still not eating proper or drinking vet said it seems hes got some cold bug because hes got discharge from nostrils I've been giving him 2 doses of antibiotics a day and the vets given me a power food for small animals which I have to hand feed him. His brother is okay and has no symptoms as of today hes starting to have a lot of runny poos my mum said it's probably the bug coming out of him but I'm so worried and upset that it's worse. I have another appointment on friday at vets but cant really affoes so would have to go pdsa or something would like peoples opinions on what to do for him if anyone can help

Hi and welcome!

I am sorry for the pickle you are in.

Drooling is generally a sign of a blockage somewhere along the digestive tract from the throat onward or from overgrown teeth when chewing and swallowing is a problem. Has your vet checked the mouth and the back teeth for misalignment?

Could you please have a look whether the incisors at the front are even and self-sharpening or whether they are slanted, jagged or inward pointing? It is generally a good test to check for problems with the molars further back.

Please step asap in with syringe feeding support. You can use mushed up pellets as long as you cut off the syringe tip as shown in our illustrated step by step guide that shows you how to go about it.
Please read the tips in our crisis care guide and in the syringe feeding guide. Guinea pigs cannot fast. Your care at home is as important in keeping the little one alive as any medication.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

All the best!

 

[DMS260820]

I think a vet that's sais he has a cold or something, won't have a clue about Guinea pig teeth. can you find a decent guinea pig knowledgeable vet in your area instead?

 

[Freela]

I can't add much to what Wiebke said above, but would also really stress that it's important that you find a vet who is able to check your guinea pig's teeth. Drooling, not eating, and weight loss are all potential signs of dental issues, and even if the respiratory infection is being treated with an antibiotic, it's important to make sure that teeth aren't the underlying issue. I'm not sure where you're located, but if the vet you saw seems not that knowledgeable about guinea pigs, it's worth finding one with more experience with small animals... in North America, many of these vets are advertised as vets for 'exotic pets' (yes, guinea pigs are classed as exotics!) Hope this helps a bit!

 

[Missowen88]

Thank you for replies I wrote this Thursday night he died on friday when I woke and the vet had checked teeth and said there was nothing wrong. I'm absolutely heartbroken he was a little sweety his brother isn't poorly but now I think hes just sad

 

[Missowen88]

I can't add much to what Wiebke said above, but would also really stress that it's important that you find a vet who is able to check your guinea pig's teeth. Drooling, not eating, and weight loss are all potential signs of dental issues, and even if the respiratory infection is being treated with an antibiotic, it's important to make sure that teeth aren't the underlying issue. I'm not sure where you're located, but if the vet you saw seems not that knowledgeable about guinea pigs, it's worth finding one with more experience with small animals... in North America, many of these vets are advertised as vets for 'exotic pets' (yes,

I can't add much to what Wiebke said above, but would also really stress that it's important that you find a vet who is able to check your guinea pig's teeth. Drooling, not eating, and weight loss are all potential signs of dental issues, and even if the respiratory infection is being treated with an antibiotic, it's important to make sure that teeth aren't the underlying issue. I'm not sure where you're located, but if the vet you saw seems not that knowledgeable about guinea pigs, it's worth finding one with more experience with small animals... in North America, many of these vets are advertised as vets for 'exotic pets' (yes, guinea pigs are classed as exotics!) Hope this helps a bit!

• #8

Thank you for replies I wrote this Thursday night he died on friday when I woke and the vet had checked teeth and said there was nothing wrong. I'm absolutely heartbroken he was a little sweety his brother isn't poorly but now I think hes just sad
are classed as exotics!) Hope this helps a bit!

 

[Missowen88]

Hi and welcome!

I am sorry for the pickle you are in.

Drooling is generally a sign of a blockage somewhere along the digestive tract from the throat onward or from overgrown teeth when chewing and swallowing is a problem. Has your vet checked the mouth and the back teeth for misalignment?

Could you please have a look whether the incisors at the front are even and self-sharpening or whether they are slanted, jagged or inward pointing? It is generally a good test to check for problems with the molars further back.

Please step asap in with syringe feeding support. You can use mushed up pellets as long as you cut off the syringe tip as shown in our illustrated step by step guide that shows you how to go about it.
Please read the tips in our crisis care guide and in the syringe feeding guide. Guinea pigs cannot fast. Your care at home is as important in keeping the little one alive as any medication.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

• #8

Thank you for replies I wrote this Thursday night he died on friday when I woke and the vet had checked teeth and said there was nothing wrong. I'm absolutely heartbroken he was a little sweety his brother isn't poorly but now I think hes just sad
All the best!

 

[Lady Kelly]

Really sorry for your loss. Sometimes no matter what we do or how quick we act the illness can be too serious. Take time to grieve for your poor boy and be kind to yourself

 

[Hholmes]

Thank you for replies I wrote this Thursday night he died on friday when I woke and the vet had checked teeth and said there was nothing wrong. I'm absolutely heartbroken he was a little sweety his brother isn't poorly but now I think hes just sad

 

[Hholmes]

So sorry for your loss xx

 

[Freela]

I'm so sorry.

 

[Claire W]

I’m so sorry for your loss