Worried For My Five Year-old Piggie

[GooseRider960]

A few days ago I noticed my guinea pig waan't moving around much. I thought "that's fine, just being lazy". But now, she keeps chewing on seemingly nothing, she's not eating any carrots (which she normally loves), she's shaking, and she's bent to one side (we noticed her nails were curled over, and we trimemd them, but that's done nothing. What should I do?

 

[Tiamolly123]

It could be her teeth but with her bending it could be a stroke. I'd take her to the vet as possible, she maybe could have your answers.

 

[Jesse's pigs]

A lethargic guinea pig (motionless etc etc) means a poorly piggy and I suggest a vet visit. Guinea pigs do chew on seemingly nothing either in pain (which could be the case as you're describing shaking etc) or when they're content. If the shaking is constant then it's not rumbling and could be muscle spams to a mild seizure. A tilted head could be from a stroke to just an ear infection. I suggest a vet visit rather quickly and if she isn't eatong anything then syringe feeding her and make sure she stays hydrated. Carrot should only be given as a treat say once a week if that because they are very high in sugar and claws should be trimmed before they start to curl unless the quick is at the end and only small trims can be done. Good luck and please keep us updated!

 

[GooseRider960]

Now her poop isn't normal either... it's stringy. I can't afford a vet visit... Anyone know the best ways to make their last hours comfortable (if push comes to shove?)

 

[Wiebke]

A few days ago I noticed my guinea pig waan't moving around much. I thought "that's fine, just being lazy". But now, she keeps chewing on seemingly nothing, she's not eating any carrots (which she normally loves), she's shaking, and she's bent to one side (we noticed her nails were curled over, and we trimemd them, but that's done nothing. What should I do?

Please have her seen by a vet asap. It can be overgrown premolars or a blockage somewhere, and it can have happened in the wake of a stroke or a bad ear infection.
UK: Guinea Pig Vet Locator
Some other countries: Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List

Start syringe feeding and watering right now; little but often. Up to 80% of the daily food intake is unlimited hay, which you cannot control, so her not eating her veg is just a tiny part of it.
Take the time to read our guide. it has all the tips on how to go about it, including what you can do with stuff you have got at home or easily available in an emergency. If your girl is not eating, her guts will slow and then eventually close down. Guinea pigs are not engineered to go days without eating like predatory pets (cats/dogs).
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

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[Wiebke]

Her poos reflect the fact that she's not eaten enough for the last day or two; you can rectify that by syringe feeding her.

 

[Jesse's pigs]

I understand that vet visits can be quite costly but is there absolutely no way to take her? Would a friend with guinea pigs not help? Parents or possibly go to a shelter and explain your situation because leaving a piggy in pain isn't great and if it can be helped then that's better surely?

 

[GooseRider960]

I seriously can't afford a vet visit. I live in Ottawa, Ontario if that helps any.

Good news: she's eating a bit of hay and broccoli.

 

[Wiebke]

I seriously can't afford a vet visit. I live in Ottawa, Ontario if that helps any.

Good news: she's eating a bit of hay and broccoli.

PLEASE syringe feed! You can get a syringe from a pharmacy and mush up pellets. The more you can keep her guts going, the more of a chance she has to survive and make it through.

Contact Piggles Rescue in Toronto and see whether they have any contacts that can help you; unfortunately it is the only decent guinea pig rescue in your province as far as I know.
Piggles Rescue

 

[GooseRider960]

I can't get her to a vet or rescue, guys. I don't have money nor transportation. She seems to be eating now, but we'll have to see what the morning brings. I'm sorry, but as much as I love her, I've done the best I can.

 

[Gem789]

I can't get her to a vet or rescue, guys. I don't have money nor transportation. She seems to be eating now, but we'll have to see what the morning brings. I'm sorry, but as much as I love her, I've done the best I can.

Have u got a friend or relative who could help with vet costs for now? it really does sound like she needs vetinary treatment.Its best to put money aside each month for possible vet costs if u own a pet.

 

[Red Star]

Do you have, or is it possible to apply for, a Carecredit card in Ontario? It's an easy to apply for credit card that works well for vet visits. Your credit doesn't have to be super high to be able to get one, either. It's the only way I was able to afford Nibbles' care before he passed. They don't add interest to the card payments for 6-12 months either which is extremely helpful.

In the meantime, I agree with the others--syringe feeding might be needed. Make sure you spot-check the space she sits in twice a day at least. Nibbles spent a couple months literally stationary and all his little poops built up very quickly in that one spot, so it was easy for him to get pretty grungy if you don't keep on top of spot-cleaning.

My vet had suggested making sure they get enough vitamin C, and adding a little calcium to his diet too.

Good luck <3 I know the stress of not affording vet care. Please do the best you can!

 

[Wiebke]

I seriously can't afford a vet visit. I live in Ottawa, Ontario if that helps any.

Good news: she's eating a bit of hay and broccoli.

Please monitor her food intake by weighing daily at the same time and START SYRINGE FEEDING! Just nibbling on a little bit IS NOT ENOUGH!

Also please contact Pebbles Rescue via the link I have given to find appropriate help for you piggy. It doesn't mean giving up your piggy, but they may know how you can get help locally to get the support you need. Please don't fall into the trap of not seeking help at all and failing your piggy that way.

 

[Pawz]

I can't get her to a vet or rescue, guys. I don't have money nor transportation. She seems to be eating now, but we'll have to see what the morning brings. I'm sorry, but as much as I love her, I've done the best I can.

The best you can do for her right now is syringe feed as the others have suggested. The fact that she is willing to munch a bit of hay and veg sounds promising but it's not quite enough if she's producing stringy poos.

No one is suggesting that you give up your piggy to a rescue but if you call them they "might" be able to offer some form of help, whether that's sorting out some form of vet care or helping you to transport her, you won't know unless you call. Perhaps they can't help but at least you'll know you tried .

 

[Tiamolly123]

If you take on a piggy or any other animal, you have take on vet bills as well. Your piggy must have syringe feeding & watering. You have been given excellent advice. I only hope that she's not in pain, if she is in pain what a terrible way for her to die. If she does pass over please don't get any more pets, as clearly you can't afford them.

 

[GooseRider960]

Alright, we managed to get her to a vet.

Turns out, she had something in her brain and they didn't think there was much we could do for her, so we had her put down.

I'm pretty sad that she's gone now, but at least she isn't suffering.

 

[Gem789]

Alright, we managed to get her to a vet.

Turns out, she had something in her brain and they didn't think there was much we could do for her, so we had her put down.

I'm pretty sad that she's gone now, but at least she isn't suffering.

I'm very sorry but you made the right decision xx

 

[Tiamolly123]

I'm so glad you got her to the vet, also so sorry she was PTS, you did your best & that's all you could do.

 

[Pawz]

Alright, we managed to get her to a vet.

Turns out, she had something in her brain and they didn't think there was much we could do for her, so we had her put down.

I'm pretty sad that she's gone now, but at least she isn't suffering.

I'm sorry to hear that she had to be put to sleep. Well done on getting her to a vet I know that could not have been easy from your previous comments.
At least if she was suffering it is now over, I only wish the outcome had been more positive.