When is weight loss something to worry about?

[machuandpicchumummy]

One of my boys has dropped around 70-50g recently. I know their weights can fluctuate throughout the day even but just wanted to know how much fluctuation is normal and when would weight loss possibly indicate a concern? He is usually around 1.3kg bang on and when I weighed him yesterday as part of a weekly health check, he was 1.25kg ish. He has been spending more time in the run recently so could have something to do with it?

 

[Claire W]

I would weigh him daily at the same time for the next few days and if he continues to lose, I would have him checked by a vet. We usually say that anything up to 50g is normal weight fluctuation as some of that can be due to a full / empty bladder but if they lose 50g or above, it’s time to see a vet

My Ella recently had a dental problem and was losing around 20g a day and lost 200g altogether just to give you an idea. She’s now recovering from her surgery, and I’m pleased to say is eating for herself again and is gaining weight

 

[Piggies&buns]

50g of loss means you go on alert, switch to daily weight checks. If weight loss continues over the next day or two then step in with syringe feeding and see a vet.
100g loss in one go is an emergency vet visit.
Daily fluctuation can be around 30-40g so you don’t worry about that unless and until it becomes a downward trend.

Mine spent a lot of time in their runs but they’ve never lost weight because of it - lots of grass to eat on the lawn but also they always have hay in their run.

Weight Monitoring and Management

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

I would recommend to switch to weighing daily at the same time of day and to see a vet if the weight loss continues. I prefer weighing first thing in the morning when the daily weight swing is at its lowest for best day to day comparison.
This also allows me to plan the level of any necessary appropiate level of feeding support for the coming day in ill or recovering piggies and see if I can squeeze in an emergency trip to the vets on the day if that is required with a marked deterioration.

Keep in mind that any piggy is that on the heftier side of a healthy weight will initially lose weight more quickly as overweight comes off faster then muscle mass.

Our weight guide does not only tell you the guidelines re. weight loss, it also shows you how you can check your piggies whether they are a good weight for their individual size or whether they are overweight or underweight. Once you have a better idea in which general ballpark your piggy is punching, you are in a better position to put any weight loss into the correct perspective. You feel for the heft/BMI around the ribcage.
Here is our guide with all the practical details: Weight - Monitoring and Management

 

[machuandpicchumummy]

Thanks all. Yesterday and today his weight still seems to be hovering around the 1.26kg mark so no further loss which I guess is good. He is a bigger piggy anyway so hopefully not a signal of something serious but we will continue to monitor him.