Tips about GP's with Malocclusion

[Merley]

My guinea pig's name is Dudley. He is a white crested un-neutered boar, and I think he's probably 4-6 years old. I think he might be blind, but that's for another day. He takes lots of naps, but is all around a healthy and mentally sound pig.

So I recently had my guinea pig at his first cavy show. The judge told me that my pig had some simple malocclusion going on, and that I would need to trim his teeth manually. I'm afraid to do it, but I don't want to do anything wrong. I live in a small town, and we don't have a cavy vet in the area. Does anyone have any tips on how to trim teeth? and the best way to do it.

Thank you!

[bpatters]

First, I'm assuming that the judge meant the front teeth. They VERY rarely need trimming, and then usually only because something is going wrong with the molars -- it's the grinding action of the molars that keep the front teeth worn down from hitting each other.

Second, even if his front teeth do need trimming, you need to find a vet that knows something about guinea pigs to show you how to do it. It's possible to split the teeth long-wise if you're not careful, and you don't want to do that.

Third, where are you? City/state, not your actual address. We might be able to help you find a vet.

Fourth, what kind of cavy show was this? Are you sure the judge actually knows what s/he's talking about? We've run into bad information from show judges before.

Fifth, can you post a picture of the teeth that supposedly need to be trimmed?

[Merley]

I'm from the U.P. of Michigan, I live about an hour away from Green Bay Wisconsin.

I was at just the UP state fair, and the judge was a cavy/rabbit judge. I trust the judge but this was my first show ever so *shrugs*.

I can get a picture on the website, but right now I'm not home, so I can later tonight.

[bpatters]

There are exotic vets in Green Bay -- I'd have one of them look him over.

And just as an FYI, my exotic vet is 45-50 minutes from my house, and we're both inside the Houston city limits. So an hour doesn't sound too bad to me!

[Merley]

So the thing with Green Bay is I don't ever go to green bay. Do you know if there are any exotic vets in Escanaba Michigan?

[spy9doc]

So the thing with Green Bay is I don't ever go to green bay.

I don't get it. So what if you don't go to Green Bay?? Your cavy obviously needs the best care possible, and if that's in Green Bay, I'd go there in a heartbeat! If your cavy has dental issues, then this isn't a problem that you have to see this Vet every week. When it comes to dental work, you really need to see someone who is very experienced. Get Dudley evaluated and treated by a specialist, and then have any other issues treated by his regular Vet.

This is 2019 and one has unlimited resources as to navigation. I would bet that you have a smart phone with GPS capabilities that will guide you just about anywhere.

[Merley]

I don't get it. So what if you don't go to Green Bay?? Your cavy obviously needs the best care possible, and if that's in Green Bay, I'd go there in a heartbeat! If your cavy has dental issues, then this isn't a problem that you have to see this Vet every week. When it comes to dental work, you really need to see someone who is very experienced. Get Dudley evaluated and treated by a specialist, and then have any other issues treated by his regular Vet.

This is 2019 and one has unlimited resources as to navigation. I would bet that you have a smart phone with GPS capabilities that will guide you just about anywhere.

Yeah I understand I'm just thinking schedule wise. I'll definitely look into the Green Bay vet and getting Mr. Dudley there. Dental problems will be fixed.
Thank you!