Sick Help with piggy i think hes sick - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**cherrytop108** · #1 10-22-09, 01:38 pm

Im not sure whats wrong or even if anything is wrong, but he dosent look good. I think hes eating but not very much, he does have a cage mate and there good friends. Theres nothing in his eyes but he is squinting them. He always hides(but i think its just cuz hes shy)--please help!! i got him in august and dont wanna lose him!!=(

**Peggysu** · #2 10-22-09, 01:40 pm

Do you weigh weekly?

Just because your guinea pig is acting differently could mean that there is a potential medical problem. I would make a vet visit.

**akstrohm** · #3 10-22-09, 03:28 pm

Get a vet appointment with an exotics vet. If your pig isn't eating you need to hand feed him. Have you been weighing them weekly? If so, have they lost weight? If not, you need to start.

**cherrytop108** · #4 10-22-09, 05:50 pm

We dont really have a weighing scale 4 piggies, unless u can use a human one--i have no idea--and i have never weighed him--i didnt know i had to--and--i dont think theres an exotic vet around here.=( what do i do?

**Peggysu** · #5 10-22-09, 05:51 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrytop108

what do i do?

Find a vet. Open the phone book and call around and see who would recommend a vet for a guinea pig.

**cherrytop108** · #6 10-22-09, 06:03 pm

Ill try--but if i cant find one???--=(

**Peggysu** · #7 10-22-09, 06:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrytop108

Ill try--but if i cant find one???--=(

You need to see a vet, there isn't anything you can do. If he starts to become lethargic thats a bad sign.

I'm not kidding around you need to find a vet that is knowledgeable with cavies.

**akstrohm** · #8 10-22-09, 06:11 pm

Weighing: It is important to weigh your pigs weekly as weight loss is often the first (and sometimes the only) symptom of illness. How much your pig weighs isn't that important, but changes in weight can be significant. You can get a kitchen scale at places like target relatively cheaply. Look for one that weighs objects up to about 5lb. Digital ones are best but not necessary.

Vet: Call vets and ask who they would recommend for guinea pigs. Or if you have a rescue in your area, ask them for recommendations. Read all you can on Guinea Lynx about evaluating potential vets. Also look at information that fits your pig's symptoms. If you get a vet not that experienced, make sure you bring along a list of dangerous medications (there is one on Guinea Lynx). Make sure you also read about handfeeding if your guinea pig stops eating or isn't eating enough.

Keep in mind that guinea pigs go downhill very quickly after they start showing signs of illness (this is one reason to weigh often). If your pig is truly sick, he needs vet care immediately.

Did you get your pig from a pet store? Pet store pigs are very often sick, which is one of the reasons it is best to adopt in the future.

**cherrytop108** · #9 10-22-09, 06:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by akstrohm

Did you get your pig from a pet store? Pet store pigs are very often sick, which is one of the reasons it is best to adopt in the future.

yea sadly i did but there arent any recues around me and i know its not good to get them from pet stores--but it was the only way i ould get one.=(

**Peggysu** · #10 10-22-09, 06:38 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrytop108

yea sadly i did but there arent any recues around me and i know its not good to get them from pet stores--but it was the only way i ould get one.=(

There are places to rescue it's just a matter of taking the time to find them.

At this moment the most important thing is to get your piggie to a cavy savy vet.

**akstrohm** · #11 10-22-09, 07:01 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrytop108

yea sadly i did but there arent any recues around me and i know its not good to get them from pet stores--but it was the only way i ould get one.=(

In that case, I definitely recommend a vet visit for all of your pigs, even if your pig seems to get better. Pet store pigs have a lot of health problems.

(There is plenty of information on how to adopt even if there aren't any rescues in your area on other parts of this site, so if you get any more pigs, please check it out.)

**cherrytop108** · #12 10-23-09, 09:49 am

Thank you guys so much! I'll try all your advice. Thanks again!!!=)

"Thank you, Peggysu, for this useful post," says:
Beahbeah (10-22-09)

"Thank you, akstrohm, for this useful post," says:
Beahbeah (10-22-09)