When to take your guinea pig to the vet?

[barilee]

Hello all!

My family currently owns two guinea pigs, we’ve had them for about two years now, both girls. One of them has started to lose her fur on her head and by her back. She has dropped a significant amount of weight as well. And today I noticed some blood around her bum.

I’m worried, but I’m not the head of the household — In other words, I’m a minor. My parents don’t seem to care about the pigs and I know they need to see a vet, but can’t convince them.

Is there something I should say/do to help convince my family, and should I be this worried about my pig?

 

[Wiebke]

Hello all!

My family currently owns two guinea pigs, we’ve had them for about two years now, both girls. One of them has started to lose her fur on her head and by her back. She has dropped a significant amount of weight as well. And today I noticed some blood around her bum.

I’m worried, but I’m not the head of the household — In other words, I’m a minor. My parents don’t seem to care about the pigs and I know they need to see a vet, but can’t convince them.

Is there something I should say/do to help convince my family, and should I be this worried about my pig?

Hi!

Please have your guinea pig seen by a vet as soon as possible; it is very ill and at risk of their life if you do not step in!
Healthy guinea pigs in good care have an average life span of 5-7 years but they can live even longer. That is a considerable time and worth investing care and vet care on. Guinea pigs don't feel pain and suffering any less than humans.

- Loss of fur is usually sign of either ringworm (and aggressive and highly transmittable fungal skin infection) or ivisible skin parasites like mange or hay mites. If you do not have new guinea pigs, then these are opportunists that usually hit when a guinea pig's immune system is impacted. Untreated or undertreated severe mange mites can cause so much discomfort that they can lead to fitting and an agonising slow death. New piggy problems: URI - ringworm - skin parasites

- any major weight loss over 50g should be seen by a vet. Step in with support care promptly in the meantime. This guide will tell you what you can do with what you have at home. Major weight loss is very often caused by pain; it means that you guinea pig has stopped eating because it is not feeling well at all. Keep in mind that over 80% of what a guinea pig is eating in a day should be unlimited hay - and you cannot control that by eye, only with daily weighing on the kitchen scales.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre

- any bleeding from the bum needs to be vet checked. blood red urine is usually a sign of an infection; sheer blood can be caused by a bladder stone, especially if it gets stuck on the way out - this can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
Here is a link that tells you how soon you need to see a vet: How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide
Here is the list of life and death emergencies: List Of Life And Death Out-of-hours Emergencies

In the UK, withholding medical care counts as abuse and can be prosecuted. Since you are a minor, the responsibility lies with your legal guardians.

 

[Betsy]

Your poor piggy doesn't sound very well at all.

Here are the five freedoms of animal welfare:-

• FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST. by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor.
• FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT. by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
• FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE. ...
• FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. ...
• FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS.

Clearly your piggy is suffering and needs to see a vet. Your parents/guardians are legally responsible for the welfare of your piggie(s).

I wish you luck in telling your parents/guardians that your piggy needs to see a vet.