Where People & Piggies Thrive

Newbie or Guinea Guru? Popcorn in!

Register for free to enjoy the full benefits.
Find out more about the NEW, drastically improved site and forum!

Register
  • ONE THREAD per pig please!
    We really want your pig's history all in one place to help you. Please don't start a new thread for a new issue. Just reply to your old one. We can edit the title for you if needed.

Sick We JUST moved last night...and he seems sick. Should I be worried?

Gigabyte

Well-known Member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Nov 29, 2011
Messages
248
So I just moved with my pig to an apartment last night. It was very cold out but I made sure the car the was warm, quiet, and fairly free of stimulation. My hamster came with us as well. The hamster is completely fine (I was worried about him) and obnoxious as usual (I love him anyway).

But Gigabyte (male, 2yrs) had little crusty bits around his eyes, not much though. He's not moving much, wheeking, or being as outgoing. He did cuddle me last night and make a bit of noise. He ate some lettuce and spinach last night too. But now he's all puffed up (it's 75 in here) and he's drooling a little.

Do you think it's just the change in environment? Yesterday he was popcorning and having a good time. Today he's just sulking and not doing much. I will try to use a dropper to give him some water and offer some mashed pellets or critical care, the vet isn't open till tomorrow.
 
I would get him to the vet asap. It does sound like there is something wrong with him. Hope the little guy is ok.
 
The vet is closed until tomorrow, it's the only vet we can afford. I think he's just upset about the sudden move.

I don't know if this is related, but he had a dry little bit of poop stuck on his butt. I removed it, and he seems suddenly interested in food.
We'll see how long it lasts, today is cage cleaning day so I'll have a clean cage to see how his poop is goin'.
 
I have heard of some pigs having adjustment problems when moving, and I would imagine this would be more likely with a single pig. That said, the crusties around the eyes and the puffiness are not good signs. I would get him to the vet, it sounds like he has had a fairly drastic change in demeanor that warrants a vet visit. Have you noticed a change in his poops?
 
Well, they are kind of having trouble coming out. He has a history of motility issues. He had gas today and I gave him meds and he felt better and started grooming himself. I am going to watch him. I've been through the GI Stasis deal and I won't let it happen again.
He's going to the vet tomorrow.
 
UPDATE: We found a vet in Denver that is low cost and has experience with guinea pigs. Gigabyte is not eating much and having trouble pooping. We see the vet in 3.5 hours so I will keep him hydrated and encourage him to eat.
 
Good, glad to hear you're getting him to the vet. Keep us updated on his progress. Poor little fellow....
 
We leave in 1.5 hours! Good news here in unemployment ville is that GB's daddy got a high paying job as a process server. And I am gonna go back to dog grooming. It was a real good job I took for granted. :)
 
Well, congrats! And yes, please keep us updated.
 
That's excellent news about the job situation! I hope you get good news about your little piggie, too! Keep us updated and good luck at the vet!
 
GB is suddenly eating out of nowhere. Maybe he had gas or something? Either way, we are seeing his regular vet tomorrow instead. I've been through many of his recovery from GI stasis scares and he's being picky right now! Pigs...I am so relieved. Gonna go to the store and get him a bag of carrots tonight.
 
The drooling is usually a sign of dental problems. The crusty eyes could be from basically anything that causes a pig not to feel good so he doesn't groom away his grooming fluid. It's usually associated with upper respiratory infections, though.

See if the vet will give him subcue fluids tomorrow.
 
"Big bag of carrots" makes me wonder what his regular diet is like, and if that might contribute to some of his problems. What do you usually feed him?

Also, drooling usually indicates teeth problems, or perhaps a piece of hay or food stuck in his gums somewhere. I'd have him checked by a good exotic vet. Even if you're short on funds, don't go to a dog-and-cat vet -- it'll just cost you more in the long run. And for God's sake, don't let a dog-and-cat vet do anything to his teeth -- it's hard enough for an exotic vet to do teeth properly.
 
"Big bag of carrots" makes me wonder what his regular diet is like, and if that might contribute to some of his problems. What do you usually feed him?

Also, drooling usually indicates teeth problems, or perhaps a piece of hay or food stuck in his gums somewhere. I'd have him checked by a good exotic vet. Even if you're short on funds, don't go to a dog-and-cat vet -- it'll just cost you more in the long run. And for God's sake, don't let a dog-and-cat vet do anything to his teeth -- it's hard enough for an exotic vet to do teeth properly.
"Big bag of carrots" because carrots last forever. He eats one tiny baby carrot a day.

I have a GREAT exotic vet about 30mins away from me. She's going to check out his teeth today.

His stools did get dark and small last night even when I fed him and made him drink. I even added a little mineral oil around him anal area to make pooping a bit easier.
 
UPDATE!
Gigabyte is eating and feeling well. He went to a nice exotics vet that loves GPs. She said he was very handsome, as a matter of fact. Gigabyte was good for them. He got subq fluids, his temp taken (normal temp!), and sent home with Reglan, Metacam, Critical Care (but he's eating his normal food pretty well. He even ate hay for the vet.
He only weighed in a 1.14 pounds. :(
 
Plump him up! Glad that you got him looked at, hopefully the reglan will help get things moving through him a bit better. Do you have a scale at home that you can monitor his weight with?
 
No, SP, but I am going to ask my mother since she is a nurse and has a homecare company. Maybe she will donate or loan me one. If not, I can always save up for one or ask GB's daddy for one. Man, the bill was insane, like $84...but the staff was SO nice and I talked to them about schools for vet techs (I'm applying soon!) and they helped me choose a school.
So, I guess even though it was pricey, it was SO worth it.
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.
Top