Tumor Hard belly?

[sarahbawesome]

Hi! I am down to just one male Guinea pig now. His name is Doc and he is about 6 years old. He has never had any health issues and he will be my last Guinea pig . He is running around and eating like normal, but I noticed he looks like he is getting cataracts, he is old, and his fur isn’t looking as healthy and he is hunched up a lot. He isn’t acting in pain, but when I picked him up the other day his stomach was hard on both sides. I don’t have enough money for a vet visit right now. Any ideas?

 

[spy9doc]

You sound like an experienced cavy parent, so you must know that getting him the care he needs is an obligation as a gp owner? It doesn't sound urgent yet, so I have a couple of thoughts.
Adequate Vit. C is essential for cavies, especially older ones. One way to ensure that he has a good supply is to include sweet peppers in his diet. They are a part of my boy's every meal. You can also purchase Vit. C drops in most pet stores. I have used Oasis Vit C Drops. Just don't put them in his water......dispense them via syringe or spoon.

The hard belly could be gas.......or not. A standard part of my gp medical kit is simethecone drops which are usually marketed as children's gas drops. One other thing to try is to place him on some sort of vibrating object to help reduce the discomfort that he may be feeling. You may even try an electric toothbrush (wrapped in a small towel) if you have nothing else to use.

Keep us posted.

 

[bpatters]

What she said.

Is he eating and pooping normally?

 

[Anawilliam850]

It's great to hear that your guinea pig is still active and eating normally, but the symptoms you mentioned, such as cataracts, dull fur, hunching, and a hard stomach, could indicate health problems that would benefit from a veterinary exam. While it's understandable that you may not have the funds for a vet visit at the moment, there are a few things you can do to help maintain your guinea pig's health:

• Keep their living area clean and free of excess waste
• Provide a balanced diet of hay, vegetables, and a small amount of pellets
• Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times
• Provide plenty of hiding places and toys for mental stimulation

If your guinea pig's condition worsens or you notice any other concerning symptoms, it's best to consult with a vet as soon as possible. Your local animal shelter or SPCA may offer low-cost veterinary services, or you can check with local pet stores to see if they offer discounts or have a list of affordable vets.

 

[barbaramudge]

You sound like an experienced cavy parent, so you must know that getting him the care he needs is an obligation as a gp owner? It doesn't sound urgent yet, so I have a couple of thoughts.
Adequate Vit. C is essential for cavies, especially older ones. One way to ensure that he has a good supply is to include sweet peppers in his diet. They are a part of my boy's every meal. You can also purchase Vit. C drops in most pet stores. I have used Oasis Vit C Drops. Just don't put them in his water......dispense them via syringe or spoon.

The hard belly could be gas.......or not. A standard part of my gp medical kit is simethecone drops which are usually marketed as children's gas drops. One other thing to try is to place him on some sort of vibrating object to help reduce the discomfort that he may be feeling. You may even try an electric toothbrush (wrapped in a small towel) if you have nothing else to use.

Keep us posted.

We always use a vibrating neck pillow that also has a very low heat setting. Gets rid of gas so quickly along with the gas drops!