Diarrhea Loose Stool

[rachrachrach]

I've noticed that my newly adopted piggy, Sushi, generally has looser stool than the pig I've had forever. I wouldn't call it diarrhea, just slightly smooshier - aka messier. Any suggestions? I usually feed them romaine, carrots, parsley (not too often) & cilantro (not too often).

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Has this guinea pig been fed veggies before? If not, the fresh food may be upsetting her digestive tract. Otherwise a fecal culture may be helpful.

 

[rachrachrach]

Has this guinea pig been fed veggies before? If not, the fresh food may be upsetting her digestive tract. Otherwise a fecal culture may be helpful.

Well, I got her about 2 months ago & her stool is on and off loose. It's never has hard as my other guinea pigs.

 

[Toadies]

Having the vet check her stools is a good idea. Does she have unlimited hay? Do you give her probiotics? She may need some help re-estabishing the normal balance of things in her gut. Carrots are high in sugar and may cause issues if given in large quanties. Hope that you find an answer soon.

 

[rachrachrach]

Having the vet check her stools is a good idea. Does she have unlimited hay? Do you give her probiotics? She may need some help re-estabishing the normal balance of things in her gut. Carrots are high in sugar and may cause issues if given in large quanties. Hope that you find an answer soon.

What are probiotics?

 

[Toadies]

It's like acidophilus, microorganisms that help regulate the gut. I use Probiocin but I know others here use other kinds as well. You can get some from your vet or online, which is cheaper. I got mine online from Revival Pet for less than half of what the vet charged. You can check valleyvet.com (Bene-Bac) as well.

 

[rachrachrach]

It's like acidophilus, microorganisms that help regulate the gut. I use Probiocin but I know others here use other kinds as well. You can get some from your vet or online, which is cheaper. I got mine online from Revival Pet for less than half of what the vet charged. You can check valleyvet.com (Bene-Bac) as well.

Thanks! I found it online, as well. What's the dosage you use for guinea pigs?

 

[Toadies]

Probiocin goes by body weight, 1g/up to 10 lbs of body weight and it comes in a metered syringe, which is why I prefer it. My guys get 1g (the newborn dose) once a week unless there are problems or are on ABs. I don't know about Bene-Bac but the directions are on the container. Just don't give it too often. You might want to start out with once a week and see if there is any improvement. If not, then try twice a week but probably not more than that. A vet check on the stool is still a good idea. I think one of our members lost a piggie to worms. Better safe than sorry.

 

[rachrachrach]

Probiocin goes by body weight, 1g/up to 10 lbs of body weight and it comes in a metered syringe, which is why I prefer it. My guys get 1g (the newborn dose) once a week unless there are problems or are on ABs. I don't know about Bene-Bac but the directions are on the container. Just don't give it too often. You might want to start out with once a week and see if there is any improvement. If not, then try twice a week but probably not more than that. A vet check on the stool is still a good idea. I think one of our members lost a piggie to worms. Better safe than sorry.

Yikes. Can worms be passed piggie to piggie?

 

[Peggysu]

I'm not sure that the assessment of worms in the said individuals guinea pig is accurate. I question if this vet who claimed worms is a cavy savy vet.

 

[rachrachrach]

You know, she actually seems to be doing ok last night & today. (Of course right after I post, aye?) She's kind of an odd guinea pig. She's my rescued pig & I'm not positive of the conditions she came from.

 

[Toadies]

Peggysu, thank you for the clarification. I had only a vague recollection and did not search for the post. My apologies.