unwanted weight loss

[Willowbunny]

I have a sow called Moo, who is 3 years old. She seems to be losing weight. She doesn't like burgess super guinea any more. She eats plenty of readigrass, ordinary grass and vegetables and eats her cecals but won't touch the pellets. She is getting distinctly bony and her fur seems to be sticking out. She has always preferred Gerty guinea pig despite my efforts with the burgess. My other two piggies like the super guinea. Is there anything I can give my bony guinea to help her put on weight. She is such a lovely girl but a fussy eater. Could it be something other than her lack of pellets that is causing the weight loss?

 

[karenrgpr]

She sounds ill, get her to a good vet and have her checked over. How long has she been like this (underweight)? Whereabouts are you?

 

[maryh]

The most common cause of weight loss is a dental problem,but if Moo is eating veggies this is unlikely.Is her chewing motion normal and is she swallowing properly?
Another cause of weight loss is renal problems such as diabetis.Is Moo drinking more than usual?
I take it that she has no signs of parasitic activity such as scabs,loose hair,dandruff or excess scratching.
It could just be that she is missing the dry mix,try other mixes to see if you can find one that she likes.
If she is getting very thin,take Karens advise and get her to a piggy friendly vet asap.

 

[Willowbunny]

I don't trust my local vets. Last time one of my piggies was sick they suggested putting her to sleep but I insisted on her being given supportive care and she got over the URI she was suffering from. I live in Bedfordshire. I'd be more than happy to travel to another county with Moo to find her a good vet, as I do suspect there is a problem.

Moo is drinking as normal. She doesn't show signs of mites, she isn't scratching and her two friends are just fine and slightly over weight if anything. She is getting her share of veggies and seems to be eating as she always has except the pellets. She does seem tired though.

 

[spudnik]

why dont you feed her gerty if thats what she likes? you didnt mention that you were giving her any dry food..

gerty may not be the best but if she'll eat it then it might help with some weight gain

 

[maryh]

I guess Surrey would be too far for you?.My vet is in the Epsom area and is a piggy expert.

 

[karenrgpr]

Depending on where in Bedfordshire you are you may be near the Cambridge Cavy Trust. Wagg is OK to feed if you can get it. Sainsburys sometimes have it. Tesco's own (Purple bag) doesn't have colourings and is OK too. But give her back her Gerty perhaps and see what happens...