Weight Loss

[Polypea]

Hello

I have only just started to weigh my guinea pigs, I didn't realise it was important until I joined this forum and I have a query. :^-

Last week Scruffy who is female and about 2 years old weighed 1146 grams and from what I've ready this is a good weight.
But this week when I weighed her she had lost 12 grams, weighing 1134 grams.
I know this is still a good weight but is it normal for piggies weight to fluctuate like this? and is 12 grams a lot to lose in one week?

I have been watching them today and have noticed that Scruffy seems to eat a lot slower than the other 2, she will be still finishing a leaf of lettuce whilst the others may be on their 3rd or 4th.
She definitely is eating, pellets, hay and veggies and drinking fine but to be honest I didn't actually expect to see any weight loss at all.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated rolleyes

Thanks

 

[1stTimePiggieOwner]

Hi Polypea

I posted a very similar message to this not so long ago as I was worried my piggy Guinness had lost 13grams.

The much more knowledgable members on here all advised me not to worry, as weight can fluctuate quite a bit. I was told up to around 50g isn't anything to worry about, if it is anymore than that then maybe to be concerned. I'm sure Scruffy is fine

x

 

[nutmeg]

12g is nothing to worry about provided there are no symptoms of anything else, and behaviour, eating, drinking normal. I would continue to weigh regularly and you will probably find that it does fluctuate. Just be aware of weight loss/gain trends. x

 

[Wiebke]

30g can more or less can be just a full bladder! When weighing regualry, you will find that the weight will fluctuate a bit. You will also learn what is "normal" for your piggies and what is not.

This is a good article with a very good rule of thumb for weight loss:
http://www.guinealynx.info/weigh.html

PS: If one of my piggies is ill or showing signs of weight loss, I weigh daily, so I can react and take it to the vets as quickly as possible if necessary.

 

[Polypea]

Hi

Thanks everyone, I'm just a little worried about the fact that I've noticed she eats so much slower than the other 2, but to be honest I'm not sure if she has been like this since I got her or if it's a new thing.

I think I've scared myself reading all the threads about teeth problems, I've never checked a piggy's teeth and I'm not sure I would know if something was wrong or not.

Should I have a look?, if she'll let me, and what should I be looking for in terms of problems?, one thing I definitely know is she isn't drooling, there is no wetness around her mouth.

Thanks again :{

 

[alcesterpigs]

Unless you have the necessary training/experience/equipment it is almost impossible to even look at the back teeth, let alone determine if there is a problem.
However, you can at least look at the front teeth.
Firstly, look at the teeth of another pig, this will give you a reference.
Place the pig on it's back on your lap, or on a pillow on a table, and carefully pull back the lips away from the teeth and then have a good look.
(Some people restrain the pig by wrapping it in a towel).
Be warned, the front teeth are like chisels!