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unusual teeth

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HairlessWillow7

Adult Guinea Pig
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Hi! I have a hairless guinea pig named Willow, which I just adopted a few months ago. She is in very good health, but one of her bottom teeth is missing.
I saw this a while ago and thought it just broke off. But, it hasn't grown in at all. She eats fine though, and does not seem bothered by this. Does anyone know why her tooth is missing?
 
Thanks doglovinpiggylover, she is really cute! I love her pink skin color! :)

I noticed after adopting her, she showed signs of previously being malnourished. Her spine and ribs are visible, but she is a bit plump. Would being malnourished have any affect on her teeth at all?
 
While it is a possibility that Willow's missing tooth is due to previous malnourishment, it is more plausible that Willow's malnourishment is due to her missing tooth - If malnourishment was the cause, I believe other dental problems would be evident.

Willow's missing tooth could be due to a number of reasons, including a congenital birth defect.

However, due to the lack of hair, Skinnies have a higher metabolic rate in order to maintain their body temperature, and are required to consume large volumes of food. Therefore, Willow's tooth may be preventing her from consuming an adequate amount of food. Therefore, Willow is at risk of developing further health complications, including, but not restricted to, respiratory infections.

Naturally, I would advise that Willow is examined by a cavy savvy veterinarian - Ideally, a veterinarian with experience of Skinnies -, to confirm whether Willow's tooth is missing; rule out further dental problems, and illness; and to discuss Willow's future health, e.g. dietary changes to accommodate for Willow's defect.

However, I would also advise that you weigh Willow every day for the foreseeable future.

Unfortunately, for Willow's health, should you feel that you are not able to meet her care requirements, I would encourage you to contact an individual who will be able to.

Above all, Willow is required to be kept in an environment with an ideal temperature, no draughts, and Willow should have a warm retreat at her disposal.

Please do not hesitate to ask further questions.

Best and warmest wishes.
 
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Thanks for the advice.

Willow is very healthy and eats a lot. Her tooth is just a strange thing I noticed when I got her. She is very happy and healthy and lives with another sow, and they get along well. She does have a drought free cage and a cozy little hideaway, which she sometimes shares with her companion. :)

Her malnourishment occurred before I adopted her :( which made me think she was neglected severely before she was given up. She did have some other issues when I got her too though like bumble-foot. It's been treated though :)
 
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Therefore, I feel I must apologise if you found my previous post abrasive. However, I absolutely adore the breed!

Although, another concern is how Willow's upper tooth manages to remain at a good length with the absence of her lower tooth? Would it be possible to have a picture of Willow's missing tooth - and Willow, of course -? :))

I am so pleased Willow has found a suitable, and loving, home!
 
That's okay Guinea-pigGaga, you were only looking out for her best interests. They are my favorite breed too. Willow is my second hairless piggy. I had a hairless boar named Nick a few years ago. :)
willoteeth.jpg
Here's Willow's teeth picture. Sorry it's not very clear. Willow wasn't very happy about here teeth being photographed :). Here's another cute picture of her and my other piggy, Fermi. They love snuggling together! :))
ferwillow.jpg
 
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