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Strange Guinea Pig Behavior

ThePotterPiggie

ThePotterPiggie

Junior Guinea Pig
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When I went on holiday this year, I left my guinea pigs with a relative. When I came back, one of my boys, Ron, was a lot furrier, hasn't got good reflexes, doesn't wander about, doesn't care if I pick him up (He always used to run away when I tried to pick him up), shivers a lot, and doesn't eat as much as usual. I have no idea whats wrong with him, but am very worried.

PLEASE HELP!
 
ThePotterPiggie said:
When I went on holiday this year, I left my guinea pigs with a relative. When I came back, one of my boys, Ron, was a lot furrier, hasn't got good reflexes, doesn't wander about, doesn't care if I pick him up (He always used to run away when I tried to pick him up), shivers a lot, and doesn't eat as much as usual. I have no idea whats wrong with him, but am very worried.

PLEASE HELP!
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You need to see a vet ASAP as an emergency! Ron is seriously ill!


Step in with syringe feeding support asap to keep him going until vet treatment can kick in fully and switch from weighing daily at the same time instead of weekly in order to monitor the food intake. Keep in mind that over 80% of what a guinea pig eats is hay, so you might have easily missed just how little he is eating! Your round the clock care at home is as important as the necessary vet care.
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Ron may suffer from the effects of a heat stroke or an illness brought on by the hot weather. He needs to see a vet NOW! Keep him a stable, cool and comfortable as possible.
Hot weather management and heat strokes

Please come back with the result from your vet and we will help you support Ron as best as possible during his recovery. BUT he needs to see a vet today, the sooner the better.

I am moving your thread to our specially monitored health/illness section for ongoing support.
 
Ron passed away peacefully last night. After a visit to the vet, we found out that Ron had been sold to us with breathing complications, and a bad heart. We weren’t told of this at the time, and, by the time we reached the vet, there was nothing he could do.

Now, I have a lone guinea pig. He is really confused as to where his brother went - they had a really close relationship. Should I get Ted a new piggie friend? Or is that risky?
 
@ThePotterPiggie Pigs are social creatures so it's always best for them to have a friend. But it can take a little while for them to find a friend they like.
 
So sorry for your loss.
As @Jaycey said guinea pigs do need piggy companionship. He will grieve for a few days then get on with the business of surviving.
However he will probably be quieter than usual from loneliness.
You do have options.
If you are close to a guinea pig rescue that does boar dating that is a very good way to find a companion he will like.
Another option is to get him neutered and then after 6 weeks wait to ensure no cute furry surprises he can live with sow(s).
Don’t forget to allow yourself time to grieve as well
 
Thanks, Merab's Slave. Do you have any idea how much neutering costs?
 
ThePotterPiggie said:
Ron passed away peacefully last night. After a visit to the vet, we found out that Ron had been sold to us with breathing complications, and a bad heart. We weren’t told of this at the time, and, by the time we reached the vet, there was nothing he could do.

Now, I have a lone guinea pig. He is really confused as to where his brother went - they had a really close relationship. Should I get Ted a new piggie friend? Or is that risky?
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I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute to Ron in our Rainbow Bridge section anytime you wish to; it is there for those who want to make use of it. Some piggies sadly live with a genetic bomb in their body that can go off at any time in their lives. Respiratory infection is sadly not uncommon in shop piggies. Heat can also affect a weak heart.

Here are our tips for looking after a bereaved guinea pig; they are detailed and practical, and talk you through short-term care in the immediate wake as well as in the longer term.
Give Ted time for grieving and a quarantine unless he refuses to eat and is giving up on life (acute pining; also see your vet as an emergency in case it is an illness).
The best way of finding a character compatible new companion is by dating him at a good standard rescue that offers this service so Ted can chose who is getting on with for a stable new relationship. Not every piggy gets on with every other one, and that includes baby boars.
You can find links for recommended rescues in several countries in the guide, too. All these rescues practise mandatroy quarantine/vet care, putting only healthy piggies up for adoption and they are piggy savvy. They are by far the safest place to get piggies from. You also get support during settling in and recourse to the rescue in case the bond runs into trouble throughout the life time of an adopted piggy.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig


Your options depend on your local availabilities. Please add your general area so we can help you work out the best and safest solution for you.
Since we have got members and enquiries from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details so we can always tailor any advice to what is relevant and available where you are straight away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to account details and then down to location. This makes it appear with every post you make and saves everybody time. Thank you!
 
ThePotterPiggie said:
Thanks, Merab's Slave. Do you have any idea how much neutering costs?
Click to expand...

The cost of a neutering operation varies wildly, within and between countries. Please had a read through this guide here, so you can make an informed decision. Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths And Facts

I have have and have had a string of 'husboars'; it is the happiest way to live for many boars, but it also needs to be right for you and you need to have a vet you fully trust. You can always enquire at a vet clinic for an estimate of the cost.

If you have access to a boar dating rescue, then it is a perfectly good and much less costly alternative, even if it involves a little wait and some travel. I have travelled up to 2 hours on the train each way to date one special neutered boar with some sows of mine.
 
What @Wiebke said.
I had a boar neutered over 6 years ago and I can’t remember how much that was.
It really depends where you are and how cavy savvy your vet is
 
ThePotterPiggie said:
Thanks, Merab's Slave. Do you have any idea how much neutering costs?
Click to expand...
Our neutering op 3 werls ago in the North West UK cost £68 and that included medication and 2 post-op check-ups. In the South East UK it might be more and in the USA it is lots more, but it would give your lonely piggy lots of options to find a nice new friend!
 
When my two boys were neutered nearly 2 years ago it was £80 per piggy luckily I didn't have to pay for it as I was sold a pregnant piggy and the pet shop covered the cost of neutering. I had to ask for this though they didn't volunteer the info!
 
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