Sickly Guinea Pig

[Jrw1287]

I have noticed over the past few days my guinea pigs are eating less, now nothing at all except for a couple of small pieces of celery yesterday. The one piggy, Blossom, now today refuses any food. They have both been huddled in their little house as well and not drinking much. I noticed a small bit of blood in the cage as well but did not see any wounds. I attempted hand feeding and the sickly one seems to want to eat but seems disoriented. The other, Kibbles, ate a bit of radicchio and small bit of Apple from my hand. I'm not sure how old either of them are as they're both rescues. Any idea on what the possible problem may be? Also, is it possible that kibbles is not eating much because she it too worried about comforting her companion? There aren't any vets in my area who are very familiar with guinea pig problems but I'm going to try taking her to the vet as soon as I possibly can.

 

[helen105281]

It sounds like possibly some kind of infection. If they are not eating they really need to see a vet today. Please could you update your location as it helps us to help you. I suspect you may be in the US if you have no guinea pig vet nearby?

It is possible that Kibbles is worried about her friend but she still needs checking.

The blood could be from a urine infection but it doesn't usually cause them to go off their food completely.

Here is our syringe feeding guide. It is important that you persevere with hand feeding or their digestion will start to shut down.

Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

 

[Wiebke]

I have noticed over the past few days my guinea pigs are eating less, now nothing at all except for a couple of small pieces of celery yesterday. The one piggy, Blossom, now today refuses any food. They have both been huddled in their little house as well and not drinking much. I noticed a small bit of blood in the cage as well but did not see any wounds. I attempted hand feeding and the sickly one seems to want to eat but seems disoriented. The other, Kibbles, ate a bit of radicchio and small bit of Apple from my hand. I'm not sure how old either of them are as they're both rescues. Any idea on what the possible problem may be? Also, is it possible that kibbles is not eating much because she it too worried about comforting her companion? There aren't any vets in my area who are very familiar with guinea pig problems but I'm going to try taking her to the vet as soon as I possibly can.

Please start syringe feeding as soon as a guinea pig is losing its appetite and more than 50g/2 oz of weight, considering that the majority of the food intake is hay (up to 80%), which you cannot observe and control. That is very important, so you can keep its strength up to fight whatever illness it has. @helen105281 has given you the link to our step-by-step guide, which also contains tips for what you can do with what you have got at home in an emergency.
Switch to weighing daily at the same time to get a proper idea of the actual food intake and how much you need to top up. cheap kitchen scales from the supermarket will do if you haven't got any at home.

Please book a vet appointment today and have your piggy seen as soon as possible! More often than not, loss of appetite boils down to a pain issue rather than a digestive/oral obstruction.

As we have got members from all over the world, we find it helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can tailor any advice and recommendations according to what is available and doable where you are. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!

 

[Jrw1287]

Thank you both for your advice. Unfortunately, Blossom did not make it through the night. Kibbles stayed by her side until I found her this morning. I will be taking Kibbles to get checked, although She still maintains her energy level and will eat her favorite treats. I think she is/was protesting pellets due to watching over her friend. But when I hand feed her veggies she will eagerly eat them. I am worried about her being lonely. Should I look for a new friend for her after she's had time to grieve?
P.S. I am located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, United States.

Thank you all again.

 

[Brittany Unrein]

I'm so sorry to hear that! I would get her a new friend as soon as you possibly can.

 

[madguinealady]

I would make sure she is OK first but byes, she would benefit from a friend.Sorry for your loss

 

[Jrw1287]

Thank you, I will be checking local shelters for a new companion once I get her checked

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you both for your advice. Unfortunately, Blossom did not make it through the night. Kibbles stayed by her side until I found her this morning. I will be taking Kibbles to get checked, although She still maintains her energy level and will eat her favorite treats. I think she is/was protesting pellets due to watching over her friend. But when I hand feed her veggies she will eagerly eat them. I am worried about her being lonely. Should I look for a new friend for her after she's had time to grieve?
P.S. I am located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, United States.

Thank you all again.

I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute to Blossom in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you.

Here is what you can do for Kibbles now and when to look for a new friend: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

There are a number of good standard guinea pig rescues listed for your state; they would be the best place to find a new mate for Kibbles, as you can be guaranteed to rehome only healthy/quarantined, non-pregnant guinea pigs and you also have the support of the rescue during the whole life of their piggy in case ssomthing goes wrong. Some rescues may allow you to bring Kibbles in for a meet&greet session. Mutual liking comes a long way before age or gender (i.e. a neutered boar).
Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

 

[Jrw1287]

I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute to Blossom in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you.

Here is what you can do for Kibbles now and when to look for a new friend: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

There are a number of good standard guinea pig rescues listed for your state; they would be the best place to find a new mate for Kibbles, as you can be guaranteed to rehome only healthy/quarantined, non-pregnant guinea pigs and you also have the support of the rescue during the whole life of their piggy in case ssomthing goes wrong. Some rescues may allow you to bring Kibbles in for a meet&greet session. Mutual liking comes a long way before age or gender (i.e. a neutered boar).
Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

Thank you! That was a very helpful site.

 

[helen105281]

I'm so sorry.

 

[Jrw1287]

Treating Kibbles for upper respiratory, got some Critical Care. Hopefully we can turn this around.

 

[Jrw1287]

Good news! Kibbles seems to be feeling better. Her breathing has improved, I saw her out eating some hay and drinking water on her own today.