How Much? Ate a chive

[wetherill]

Hi, I need asap advice. I’m away and my father informed me that he fed my guinea pigs chive, despite that not being on the list I left him. They each had 3 pieces probably a little longer than my middle finger each. I’m having a total breakdown. Will they be ok?

 

[bpatters]

I hope so. Chives aren't as strong as onions, and the green stems aren't as strong as the bulb ends.

But they can cause damage to the red blood cells, and a small amount of onion can be fatal.

The best thing would be for your dad to call an exotic vet and ask what to do.

Do keep us updated on what happens.

 

[wetherill]

I hope so. Chives aren't as strong as onions, and the green stems aren't as strong as the bulb ends.

But they can cause damage to the red blood cells, and a small amount of onion can be fatal.

The best thing would be for your dad to call an exotic vet and ask what to do.

Do keep us updated on what happens.

It was only the stems, no bulbs, thankfully. It’s 11 pm and we have no overnight vets that see exotics. Thank you for replying! I’m just worried because obviously if it were daytime, I’d have called many vets by now or even been at one’s office. I’m just very very afraid. As of right now he’s drinking, eating and playing and it’s been around an hour since he ate them. I’m just terrified

 

[wetherill]

It was only the stems, no bulbs, thankfully. It’s 11 pm and we have no overnight vets that see exotics. Thank you for replying! I’m just worried because obviously if it were daytime, I’d have called many vets by now or even been at one’s office. I’m just very very afraid. As of right now he’s drinking, eating and playing and it’s been around an hour since he ate them. I’m just terrified

One more thing— I have bene bac probiotic. Do you think that’d be of any use to him until the vets open?

 

[bpatters]

I doubt it. BeneBac replaces the good bacteria in the gut which get destroyed when taking antibiotics. The disulfides in the onion family attack the red blood cells and the respiratory system.

Is there a 24-hour emergency vet near your pig that you could call? They should have access to VIN (Veterinary Information Network), and it would have information on how toxic chives are to pigs. It might even be monitored 24x7, so there could be someone who could answer questions.

 

[Extraterrestrial]

If you are US-based it may also be worth calling the ASPCA poison control hotline at: 888-426-4435. They are 24/7, but it is a service that comes with a cost and I am uncertain as to how cavy savvy they are. I have them in my phone for when I'm dogsitting. I'd try a vet first, but if you have no other options, it could be something to look into.

 

[wetherill]

If you are US-based it may also be worth calling the ASPCA poison control hotline at: 888-426-4435. They are 24/7, but it is a service that comes with a cost and I am uncertain as to how cavy savvy they are. I have them in my phone for when I'm dogsitting. I'd try a vet first, but if you have no other options, it could be something to look into.

I tried calling two 24/7 vets that see dogs/cats, neither knew anything of what I could do. The exotic vets dont open until tomorrow and as embarrassing as it sounds, I do not have money in my bank account for the poison control (i called them as well) consult as I am a college student between jobs and my father does not see this as important enough to call himself. I am sitting with my boy making sure he is acting ok. As of right now he is fine. Are there any specific things I should look out for? I’m so afraid that I’m about to stay up all night and stare at him lol

 

[Extraterrestrial]

I tried calling two 24/7 vets that see dogs/cats, neither knew anything of what I could do. The exotic vets dont open until tomorrow and as embarrassing as it sounds, I do not have money in my bank account for the poison control (i called them as well) consult as I am a college student between jobs and my father does not see this as important enough to call himself. I am sitting with my boy making sure he is acting ok. As of right now he is fine. Are there any specific things I should look out for? I’m so afraid that I’m about to stay up all night and stare at him lol

Financial trouble is nothing to be embarrassed about. It happens to all of us! I think it sounds like you are doing exactly what I would be doing, which is making sure he is behaving as normal. Even though I wouldn't feed any part of chives, a user in this thread seemed to have piggies that enjoyed it, and another suggested very moderate amounts of the green part could be safe.

Again, I definitely would not feed a piggy any part of chives myself, but I hope this helps calm your worries! It is awful to feel like you are powerless to help your pets. How is your boy doing today?