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Tummy problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter winnie_the_pig
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winnie_the_pig

Hi I'm new to this forum and fairly new to guinea pigs. I got two boys about 4 weeks ago. Just over the last week Apple has started squealing, jumping and running away when I go to pick him up. When I'm holding him if I stroke his sides at the back he jumps round. It feels like he's getting a bit of a tummy. It feels firm. I don't know what to do and I'm starting to get worried. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Hello and welcome to the forum :)

First of all, he may be just a jumpy pig. What sort of squealing is it that he's doing? Is he crying, or protesting? Some pigs just hate being picked up. My 4 year old sow Lulu still cries when I pick her up, anyone would think she was being murdered :))

Second, is he definately a he and not a 'she'? I immediately thought of pregnancy when you said the tummy feels firm. There are lots of photos of guinea pig 'bits' on Google, can you possibly compare your guinea's to those and confirm that he's a male? If your pig DID turn out to be a she, s/he would need to be removed immediately from the other pig.

Other than that, if your pig appears to be in pain, I'd advise a trip to a good vet!
 
I hard, swollen tummy can indicate bloat and should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, as bloat can kill.

Otherwise, when you haven't had new piggies for long, and they haven't been handled much before, jumpy pigs are normal. He's probably worked past the "frozen out of fear" phase into the "want to get away no matter what" phase; with persistence and patience, he'll come round to cuddling. Most piggies do!

Just keep chatting to him constantly and gently.
 
Welcome to the forum. :)

Can you tell if the abdomen feels tight/taut or soft? Is the pig definitely male? Bloat and pregnancy are the two main reasons for a guinea pig being especially reluctant to handling of the tummy.

The jumpiness may simply be a natural behaviour, but it is possible that he has mites, especially being so new to you still. Symptoms include skin sensitivity, hairloss, scabby/flaky skin and excessive scratching. It may be worth considering treating him and his friend, particularly if they came from a pet store. Ivermectin is the product used to treat mites, but I recommend finding an experienced guinea pig vet and/or local rodentologist and seeking their advice also.
 
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