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Update on scarlet

R

Ridingscarlet

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jan 6, 2022
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180
Location
Cheshire
First year I’ve been trying to keep the pigs outside instead of taking over the living room. They are in a non insulated wooden shed with access to a covered run and cardboard boxes filled with hay. Noticed scarlet tonight is wheezy a little. I’ve normally brought them inside by October but I wanted to live them out but not sure what to do now. Any advice appreciated
 
She should be seen by a vet for any breathing issue.
Is the noise coming from her chest or from her nose? You can sometimes tell by putting her to your ear and having a listen - it’s not a conclusive test and you should see a vet but a noise from the chest is of concern. A noise from the nose can be an obstruction (hay dust for example) and can sometimes clear by itself in a few hours. If it doesn’t then a vet check is needed as it can still be a sign of respiratory issues.

When you say access to a covered run - do you mean they are still going outside onto grass?
It is usually too damp (and getting too cold) for any run time now. Being on damp and cold ground will not be good for them.

Being kept outside in a shed isn’t a problem. I keep mine in a shed and it while it keeps them out of the wind and rain they do need to be kept warm enough, snugglesafe heat pads, thermometers in the shed etc. I would also recommend that the shed is insulated if at all possible.
Temperatures seem to be dropping quite a bit over this coming weekend so it is worth making sure you are prepared for that and that they are definitely being kept warm enough in there
 
Thankyou, the run outside is covered but I understand that the ground is cold now, I just think that they need fresh air like us humans but I will close it off.
 
Piggies&buns said:
She should be seen by a vet for any breathing issue.
Is the noise coming from her chest or from her nose? You can sometimes tell by putting her to your ear and having a listen - it’s not a conclusive test and you should see a vet but a noise from the chest is of concern. A noise from the nose can be an obstruction (hay dust for example) and can sometimes clear by itself in a few hours. If it doesn’t then a vet check is needed as it can still be a sign of respiratory issues.

When you say access to a covered run - do you mean they are still going outside onto grass?
It is usually too damp (and getting too cold) for any run time now. Being on damp and cold ground will not be good for them.

Being kept outside in a shed isn’t a problem. I keep mine in a shed and it while it keeps them out of the wind and rain they do need to be kept warm enough, snugglesafe heat pads, thermometers in the shed etc. I would also recommend that the shed is insulated if at all possible.
Temperatures seem to be dropping quite a bit over this coming weekend so it is worth making sure you are prepared for that and that they are definitely being kept warm enough in there
Click to expand...
What temperature does your shed drop to?, I know the snuggle pads will keep them warm but how do you keep the shed warm? Thankyou
 
My shed is insulated but not heated (no electric down there). They do have snugglesafes so they don’t get cold themselves. However when the sun comes out even in winter it really helps warm the shed up and the insulation stops it from dropping too much. It’s never really dropped below 10 degrees even when it’s 1-2 degrees outside.
If it does ever happen, then they will come indoors for winter (I’ve never had to do it yet though).
It has a stable door with internal mesh door so I can open the top half a bit for ventilation and still keep them protected and warm.
They do not go out onto grass at all after the beginning of October.
 
Piggies&buns said:
My shed is insulated but not heated (no electric down there). They do have snugglesafes so they don’t get cold themselves. However when the sun comes out even in winter it really helps warm the shed up and the insulation stops it from dropping too much. It’s never really dropped below 10 degrees even when it’s 1-2 degrees outside.
If it does ever happen, then they will come indoors for winter (I’ve never had to do it yet though).
It has a stable door with internal mesh door so I can open the top half a bit for ventilation and still keep them protected and warm.
They do not go out onto grass at all after the beginning of October.
Click to expand...
Thankyou, I appreciate your help. I just feel bad on them being inside until April/May but it’s for their own good. I will get a thermometer too.
 
As long as you provide plenty of enrichment and mental stimulation in their cage there is no issue with them not getting outside time.
Remember there are many owners who don’t have access to a garden. It doesn’t cause any issues.
 
Hello
My pig is losing weight so I thought I would try critical care but it’s the first time I’ve used it.not been the vet yet, she has an appointment on Friday. She weighs 826 grams. I’m a bit confused by the label as it says 1 scoop per 250g, 2-5 times a day. Do I make one batch up and syringe feed her 5 times a day and I’m worried she may choke or it go down her lungs. Not sure what to do
 
How much weight has she lost and over what time period?
Is this the piggy who was wheezing yesterday?

You don’t go by the label on the pack.

She will need at least 60ml per day over as many sittings as is needed to get that amount into her
Eg If she takes 10ml per sitting then she will need six sittings per day. If she takes 15ml per sitting then do four sittings per day.

But it is linked to what her daily weight checks tell you. Weigh her every morning and adjust the days feeds accordingly
If her weight is stable in the morning (on the amount you have given the previous day) then give that same amount again over the coming day.
If she loses weight then you will need to feed more than 60ml per day

She will only be able to take 0.3ml into her mouth at a time. Syringe a small amount, stop and wait for her to swallow before giving more

I would match each batch of feed as needed.

Weight and Weight Loss Explained: BMI, Weighing, Poos and Feeding Support
 
Hi I got her in the vets. He thinks it’s a tooth problem but wants me to give her critical care. I tried her last night when I brought her home and she barely managed 5mls. Am trying today. She kept turning her mouth away from it and it was all coming back out. The vet listened to her chest and she has antibiotics
 
- Is she on painkillers?
- Is she eating anything (hay, veg) or swallowing anything at all?
- Is she drooling?
- what have her weight checks shown over the last few mornings?
-Are they going to get her teeth checked properly?
- Was her chest clear?

If she isn’t physically able to swallow (vs just not liking critical care, they don’t all like it and other brands or even mushed pellets could be needed ) then she needs urgent help and potential dental work. Teeth trapping the tongue and stopping her from physically being able to swallow, causing food and saliva to dribble out of her may be a possibility.
 
Piggies&buns said:
- Is she on painkillers?
- Is she eating anything (hay, veg) or swallowing anything at all?
- Is she drooling?
- what have her weight checks shown over the last few mornings?
-Are they going to get her teeth checked properly?
- Was her chest clear?

If she isn’t physically able to swallow (vs just not liking critical care, they don’t all like it and other brands or even mushed pellets could be needed ) then she needs urgent help and potential dental work. Teeth trapping the tongue and stopping her from physically being able to swallow, causing food and saliva to dribble out of her may be a possibility.
Click to expand...
Hello she is still eating hay and vegetables. They have prescribed this but it was my partner who took her and he doesn’t remember how much to give her. I’ve phoned them again today and the vet isn’t available so they said to follow instructions on packet which I’m posting because I find it confusing. He didn’t say anything about the chest and the wheezing has stopped. She has put on 1 gram since yesterday. He wants to review her on Monday. Thankyou for your help, it is much appreciated. She’s bright in herself and is running round as normal. I’ve only managed 1.5 mls today
 

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Ridingscarlet said:
Hello she is still eating hay and vegetables. They have prescribed this but it was my partner who took her and he doesn’t remember how much to give her. I’ve phoned them again today and the vet isn’t available so they said to follow instructions on packet which I’m posting because I find it confusing. He didn’t say anything about the chest and the wheezing has stopped. She has put on 1 gram since yesterday. He wants to review her on Monday. Thankyou for your help, it is much appreciated. She’s bright in herself and is running round as normal. I’ve only managed 1.5 mls today
Click to expand...

You don’t feed by the instructions on the packet - You must feed according to what her daily weight checks tell you.
Please see the weight loss guide I added and the information in my previous posts.

A guinea pig who is not eating for themselves needs at least 60ml per day (but a minimum of 40ml to stay alive if they are critically ill). The packaging suggests 30ml per kg but that means giving your 800g piggy less than 30ml per day. This is far too low in a piggy who is not eating for themselves and why you cannot go by the packet. This is why the weight checks are so important as it tells you how much you need to give to her (the packaging doesn’t).

If she maintains her weight each day then she is eating enough. Putting in 1 gram is not weight gain - it is maintenance. She has stayed exactly the same as yesterday. That’s fine as it means she has eaten enough to be able to stay the same. If you haven’t been able to get any syringe feed into her then it is her own independent hay intake which has caused her weight to stay the same.
If she loses weight each day then you need to give more feed - as I say at least 60ml per day.
The point of syringe feeding is To stabilize and stop further weight loss.

- Is she on painkillers?

- you said she had lost weight in your original post, how much weight has she lost?

- it’s good they want to see her again. Are they going to sedate her and check her teeth properly?
A dental issue will not get better on its own.
 
Hello it’s metocam they’ve given her, is that an antibiotic or a painkiller. I’ve not weighed her previously. She feels more boney than usual.thankyou for your help, I will try and get more feed down her. I’m in work so it’s difficult to feed her hourly.
 
Ridingscarlet said:
Hello it’s metocam they’ve given her, is that an antibiotic or a painkiller. I’ve not weighed her previously. She feels more boney than usual.thankyou for your help, I will try and get more feed down her. I’m in work so it’s difficult to feed her hourly.
Click to expand...

Metacam is an anti-inflammatory painkiller.

Try to get into the habit of weighing your piggies every week as part of lifelong routine care. You then switch to daily checks when you have concerns/they are unwell.

Yes of course - you aim to feed 60ml per day but it has to be manageable ie a couple of feeds before you go to work and then a few more between when you get home and go to bed.
 
Holding you in my heart ♥️

When you’re at work you could leave a small dish of critical care in the cage for her to help herself.
I used a ramekin dish.
I also added a small piece of mashed banana to the CC which all my piggies have loved.
Don’t worry if her cagemates help with the CC if you do put it in a dish - it won’t hurt
 
Piggies&buns said:
Metacam is an anti-inflammatory painkiller.

Try to get into the habit of weighing your piggies every week as part of lifelong routine care. You then switch to daily checks when you have concerns/they are unwell.

Yes of course - you aim to feed 60ml per day but it has to be manageable ie a couple of feeds before you go to work and then a few more between when you get home and go to bed.
Click to expand...
Merab said:
Holding you in my heart ♥️

When you’re at work you could leave a small dish of critical care in the cage for her to help herself.
I used a ramekin dish.
I also added a small piece of mashed banana to the CC which all my piggies have loved.
Don’t worry if her cagemates help with the CC if you do put it in a dish - it won’t hurt
Click to expand...
 
Hello can anyone recommend a knowledgeable vet in Cheshire please, I’ve tried Birch Heath in tarporley and not been impressed. Thankyou for any recommendations
 
Hello, hope everyone’s ok, my pig is going in for a scan on Wednesday to see why she’s dropping weight. Last time she went the vets for a lump removed when she got back the other two fought terribly with her, it took weeks to integrate them again. I was wondering if I’m best asking the vet if I can take all 3 in so they all smell the same or what to do about the situation. Any help is much appreciated
 
Ridingscarlet said:
Hello, hope everyone’s ok, my pig is going in for a scan on Wednesday to see why she’s dropping weight. Last time she went the vets for a lump removed when she got back the other two fought terribly with her, it took weeks to integrate them again. I was wondering if I’m best asking the vet if I can take all 3 in so they all smell the same or what to do about the situation. Any help is much appreciated
Click to expand...

Hi

All the best for the scan.

Yes, you can ask the vet whether you can take all three.
Tips For Vet Visits

All the best with getting to the bottom of the weight loss. Please step in with support feeding if needed.
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
 
Hello piggy parents. Took scarlet in today to see why her weights been dropping. They said her teeth were fine but when they did an xray said it could be a bit of wind so prescribed emeprid. Because she lives with one other female and a neutered male they and has done for 2 years they thought it could be a love triangle drama (I know), they said the other female could be bullying her but I’ve never witnessed this, they all eat together and seem fine. They mentioned getting rid of one piggy, either the most dominant or scarlet, the weakest. Just don’t know what to do, paid £389 today and still don’t really have any answers.
 
Bloating can occur as a primary or a secondary issue. There may be no other reason ie bullying may not be a factor at all.
I would see whether she feels better after the emeprid and whether her weight then starts to come up.
Perhaps look at her diet also.

Wiebke's Guide to Tummy Trouble

Have you been weighing her daily now?
Have you been able to stop the weight loss with the critical care feeds?
How much weight (in total) has she lost now?

Telling you to ‘get rid’ is awful.
There is a chance with a trio that two piggies get close and then one gets left out. The boar inevitably sides with his favourite and probably the dominant sow.
The two sows will have their own hierarchy and obviously scarlet is the low ranking sow.
Sows can be a bit more subtle in their bullying so it can be a bit harder to spot the signs.
With all that said, trios can work absolutely perfectly and bullying may not be a factor at all in your case.
So, what I would do is wait and see if she feels better after the emeprid and see whether her weight comes back up.
If it does then all is well.

If she doesn’t improve, continue to lose weight then get another vet check done first and foremost - just in case there is then something for the vet to see.
If all medical issues are definitely ruled out and the only thing you are left with is a potential bond issue, then you can do a trial separation. Separate scarlet into her own cage but keep her alongside the other two. If she then is happier, her weight starts to come up and she improves, then you can start to draw the conclusion that she may not be happy being with them. You can then do a neutral territory reintroduction to gauge their reactions to being reunited. If they go back together without issue then their bond was never the problem. If the reintroduction fails then it may be that they then have to live separated side by side permanently.
We can help further with this in time though.

Bonds In Trouble

Keep us posted on how things go

Ps. I have merged all your threads into one. Can I ask that you keep everything to this one thread rather than starting a new post with each update. We ask that it’s one thread for an issue as it helps us advise more easily if all information and background ia in one place
 
Hello
I’m so sorry about lots of threads. I’m old and I’m absolutely useless, I don’t know my way round a computer at all. I really need to do a computer class. I have been weighing her daily and it continues to drop. I will try the separation and the new medication. Once again, Thankyou for your advice and guidance. It’s much appreciated
 
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