Teeth Problems

[NatalieMT]

One of my guinea pigs, Skye, had to have her teeth trimmed. They were quite overgrown top and bottom. Obviously the vet did nothing about the back molars, I can't see any problems but she does like the wriggle away before I've had a good look. If the top and bottom needed to be trimmed then is there likely a problem with the molars too?

I haven't ever had to take a guinea pig to a vet with dental issues so this is quite new ground for me. They all have plenty of hay and apple wood to gnaw.

Skye has lost some weight due to the teeth issues, so I am trying to feed her extra and help her gain it back. She's about 5 maybe a little bit older so I don't want to put her through anything where she may need to be sedated.

Vet told me to return in about a month if I didn't think the problem was sorted but I'm tempted to say I think leaving it another month is a little long if the situation doesn't improve.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Where about do you live? Did the vet check the back teeth at all? A month is definitely too long to leave them without doing a recheck. Is she eating ok?

 

[NatalieMT]

I'm in Wrexham, North Wales, not far from Chester but I can travel. I just used my local vets although they are supposed to be one of the best in area, although I hadn't seen the vet that was there before, might have been a stand in. I haven't had a lot of guinea pig health problems in the past like I've said so I've not had call to go elsewhere.

The vet did not check the back teeth at all or from what I could tell. I would have assumed to check the back teeth they would have needed to use an instrument to keep her mouth open etc which they did not.

She can eat by herself although is having difficulty, she is not disinterested in food but is having trouble getting it in, she seems to chew very slowly and for example if she is eating greens she chews the same piece over and over. She only got her teeth trimmed a few days ago so I'm not sure if it's too early to tell.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I wish you lived closer. My vet is probably the best in the country for dealing with dental issues in guinea pigs.

I have a sanctuary for guinea pigs with dental problems, some stay with me for a short time, while they undergo treatment and some have come to live with me permanently.

The vet I use is:

Simon Maddock
Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic
1 Limehurst Square
Northampton.

He has so much experience and people travel to see him from all over the country.


Telephone 01604 478888

 

[NatalieMT]

Thankyou for the information! I had a look at the train journey Chester to Northampton and it's only 2 hours ish so it might be a possibility.

Is there anything I can do in the meantime or do you recommend I return somewhere with her as soon as possible?

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

If you're thinking of coming to Simon I wouldn't get anyone else to look at the teeth. Simon has had the best success with those he has seen early on rather than those that have been to various other vets first.

If you do come to Northampton I would meet you at the railway station and take you to the practice.

For now, make sure you chop up veggies small to make them easier to eat and keep a close eye on weight. If weight does start to drop you may need to supplement with a bit of syringe food. You could also soften some guinea pig nuggets to make them a little easier to eat. Just add some boiling water and leave to cool.

I will pm you my phone nos in case you need a chat at any point.

 

[NatalieMT]

I made the pellet mush from Excel this morning and also finely grated some apple and carrot so that too was pretty mushy, as I have seen you do for Kevin. I brought Skye inside to eat by herself (she lives with two other greedy little things!) but she didn't seem too happy so she's back with the other two now and appears to be eating both foods on offer. I am relieved to see she can get something down and will be keeping both well topped up.

I think I'm going to take her back to the vet I saw initially asap and get them to check her back molars so I atleast have a clearer picture of whether they are overgrown too or not. They only charged me £5 to trim her teeth so for the sake of another small fee it's probably worth it. Depending on what they say I will then come to Simon, I don't want to take her on a 4 hour round trip if it's not the back molars and it can be dealt with locally.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Unless they have buccal pad separators they won't be able to see the back teeth properly. Just looking with a scope isn't sufficient. Make sure they have the proper equipment to examine the back teeth.

I notice you say that Skye lives with two other greedy piggies. It's a good idea to feed her separately from them so she gets her fair share, especially as she eats slower than they do.

 

[NatalieMT]

Just an update on this, Skye and I went to see Debbie and her vet Simon today who was very helpful in giving a definitive opinion on Skye's problem. Turns out it's hopefully nothing too disastrous and that the vet I previously took Skye to has cut her teeth WAY too short potentially making it harder for her to eat. Skye is currently being looked after by Debbie who is taking her back to see Simon in a couple of weeks when her teeth will have grown again. I'm very grateful to Debbie for all her help and it was wonderful seeing all her other dental pigs who are living happy lives thanks to her!

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Skye has taken 20 mls of syringe food and has also eaten some veggies. She eats a little slower than normal but seems to be managing to eat quite well once the food is in her mouth.

It was lovely to see you today and will look forward to seeing you again very soon. I'll keep you posted on progress etc x

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

Glad to hear that Skye is in the best place, hopefully between the care of Debbie & Simon she'll make a good recovery.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Skye is making tremendous progress already, and is eating totally for herself. She struggles a little to pick the food up, due to the previous vet cutting her top incisors too short, but once she can get the food into her mouth she munches her way through it just fine. As the incisors grow it should become easier for her.