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Worried about one of my boys.

Don’t worry. The issues you posted originally on this post do not seem to be medical issues at all.

If he isn’t eating, or is losing weight, then that is a medical issue. You said that he seems lethargic. IF it is an ongoing issue, then that could be a medical problem but if he was just tired on that one occasion, then it isn’t a medical problem. You say you’re scared about him, but I’m not seeing any reason from your written word to be unduly concerned.
 
retro said:
He’s still eating. And don’t worry, I already have a shelter that’s really awesome and has piggies. I would never buy from pet stores. However, since I rescued Bowie from a shelter, I’m sure he’s a pet store pig and probably has underlying genetic issues. So this stuff doesn’t surprise me. I’m up at 2am right now and checking on him about every hour. I need a vet but again..issues
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Sorry if I’m being a little slow (I read this at night). what issues does Bowie have exactly? Was it a vet who said he has underlying genetic issues.

you also estimate his age to be 8-9 months so I assume his testicles descended? I’m not entirely sure and maybe someone else could advise, but if he’s losing weight have you looked at his hay intake? Do you weigh him weekly to see the change in weight, and is he gaining?
 
Siikibam said:
Sorry if I’m being a little slow (I read this at night). what issues does Bowie have exactly? Was it a vet who said he has underlying genetic issues.

you also estimate his age to be 8-9 months so I assume his testicles descended? I’m not entirely sure and maybe someone else could advise, but if he’s losing weight have you looked at his hay intake? Do you weigh him weekly to see the change in weight, and is he gaining?
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No. He’s currently passing away in my arms.
 
Piggies&buns said:
What is happening with him at the moment?
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He’s laying limp. Mostly unresponsive. His heartbeat is slow and his breathing is shallow. He’s very weak, and shakes when trying to move due to weakness.
 
If you are concerned that he is too weak to move and may be passing away this really needs an immediate trip to the emergency vet! I hope he is ok x
 
PigglePuggle said:
If you are concerned that he is too weak to move and may be passing away this really needs an immediate trip to the emergency vet! I hope he is ok x
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We don’t have one, not for pigs
 
retro said:
He’s laying limp. Mostly unresponsive. His heartbeat is slow and his breathing is shallow. He’s very weak, and shakes when trying to move due to weakness.
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This has come on very suddenly. The things you posted about yesterday are not warning signs that something like this would happen so there must be an underlying issue. He really needs to see a vet urgently.
 
Below is a list of vets in North Carolina. Please try and get him an appointment as a matter of emergency. The moment you decided to keep Guinea pigs, you should have made it a point to find a vet for them.
Veterinarians: North Carolina - Guinea Lynx Records

I’m finding it hard to understand how he could have gone downhill so quickly. Has he eaten at all today?
 
PS if his testicles haven’t dropped then he can’t be more than 4 months, which is about right for his age.

Please keep us posted on what’s happening. 🤞🏾 for you
 
Siikibam said:
Below is a list of vets in North Carolina. Please try and get him an appointment as a matter of emergency. The moment you decided to keep Guinea pigs, you should have made it a point to find a vet for them.
Veterinarians: North Carolina - Guinea Lynx Records

I’m finding it hard to understand how he could have gone downhill so quickly. Has he eaten at all today?
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Yes. They do have a vet, Avian and Exotics, and he’s going in a few hours if he is still living. Right now he is fighting. Still with us. Emergency vet was called—too expensive and the odds are against me.
 
retro said:
Yes. They do have a vet, Avian and Exotics, and he’s going in a few hours if he is still living. Right now he is fighting. Still with us. Emergency vet was called—too expensive and the odds are against me.
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So we are going to take him to their regular vet.

You should know that I do well with finding a vet when obtaining animals, thanks. I’m not a child. Don’t treat me like one.
 
Siikibam said:
PS if his testicles haven’t dropped then he can’t be more than 4 months, which is about right for his age.

Please keep us posted on what’s happening. 🤞🏾 for you
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His testicles have dropped. right now he is laying against me, still fighting and occasionally doing movements like “hiccups”...but no hiccups. He tried to groom his little face. What a trooper. I’m hoping so much.
 
Piggies&buns said:
This has come on very suddenly. The things you posted about yesterday are not warning signs that something like this would happen so there must be an underlying issue. He really needs to see a vet urgently.
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Hi will be seeing one
 
HE IS STILL POOPING. He just pooed on me!
 
The confusion has arisen because you mentioned in an earlier post that you don’t have a vet.
Without a clear set of symptoms, it is difficult to know what is happening. Let us know how he gets on at the vet.
Is he still eating?
 
Piggies&buns said:
The confusion has arisen because you mentioned in an earlier post that you don’t have a vet.
Without a clear set of symptoms, it is difficult to know what is happening. Let us know how he gets on at the vet.
Is he still eating?
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We don’t have a near by emergency vet that would take him within reason.
No. He is completely on his side, laying down. Body weak. About to pass. But he is fighting so hard.
 
In your original post you said he was eating fine and was showing no signs of illness - how long has he not been eating for?
 
Piggies&buns said:
In your original post you said he was eating fine and was showing no signs of illness - how long has he not been eating for?
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I’ve been with him the entire night, so if you do the time zone math, not since the last time I checked, which was around 3am
 
What does he do when you put him back in the cage?

If he’s not been eating you should try string feeding him mushed pellets. A little at a time. You can use a spoon and get him to lick them off. Have you offered him any way to see if he will eat it?

It’s confusing because I’m not sure whether a passing piggy poops or tries to groom itself. Did he manage to groom himself?

I would ring one of the vets on the list I linked (and will link again). Tell them it’s an emergency and hopefully you’ll get an appointment. Have you had a look to see if any of them are within reasonable distance to you? I know states can be massive!
Veterinarians: North Carolina - Guinea Lynx Records
 
Siikibam said:
What does he do when you put him back in the cage?

If he’s not been eating you should try string feeding him mushed pellets. A little at a time. You can use a spoon and get him to lick them off. Have you offered him any way to see if he will eat it?

It’s confusing because I’m not sure whether a passing piggy poops or tries to groom itself. Did he manage to groom himself?

I would ring one of the vets on the list I linked (and will link again). Tell them it’s an emergency and hopefully you’ll get an appointment. Have you had a look to see if any of them are within reasonable distance to you? I know states can be massive!
Veterinarians: North Carolina - Guinea Lynx Records
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We went to the vet on an emergency appointment...I go to avian and exotics and they’re amazing. I’ve taken Bowie and Ziggy there. Bowie’s first and last visit. They’re incredible and I’ve made them my primary vet.
I’ve repeated this over and over to everyone, so I’m gonna keep it brief..
(This is a copy and paste because I’m so tired that...I just can’t keep typing different messages, I’m sorry if that sounds disingenuous...)
At 9:10 am, on the way to the vet, I lost him...he tried fighting so hard but god called him home. The next time I see Bowie on this plane of existence will be in a neat wooden box, in the form of ashes. However, It’s just another angel waiting for me in heaven. I can’t wait to see him again some day.

Right now his body is at the lab for a necropsy (autopsy), to see what happened and to see if it’s a risk for my 3 other piggies...from there he will be sent home after cremation.

Today was probably the hardest day of my life. I love you, Bo.

I’m going to rest. I’ve gotten no sleep, except the two hours I’ve managed to take after the long drive home. I’m okay but I’m gonna need a while to heal because it still hurts. It hurts so much. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody.

Thank you to the lab, the crematorium and the vet for their kindness and helpfulness.
 
So sorry for your loss. You certainly couldn't have done more to try to make Bowie better, I hope the autopsy gives you some answers that help you.
I lost one of my boars after a long fight, it is so painful not being able to help them. :hug:
Popcorn free sweet Bowie x 🌈
 
So sorry for your loss. You did what you could and hopefully the autopsy gives you some answers and that the rest of your boys aren’t at risk.
 
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