Conditions Weight Difference

[laylahzoemom]

I have two female guinea pigs who live in separate C&C cages because they do not get along. They are given the same amount of food a day (1/4 cup timothy pellets, fresh timothy hay, and 1-2 cups of vegetables/fruits). I am confused because their weights are so different. My one girl is 1.4 pounds while the other one is 2.8 pounds. The one that is lighter always finishes all her food while the heavier one sometimes does not! I am so puzzled. They are both rescues so I don't know anything about their parents. They are different breeds: the lighter one is an Bi-Color Crested and the heavier one is an Abyssinian. I am wondering if anyone can shed some light on this. Thanks!

 

[foggycreekcavy]

Some guinea pigs are just smaller than others. Is the smaller one a satin? Sometimes they can be runts.

Try giving your smaller pig more pellets and see what happens.

 

[Kimberly713]

My two girls are like that too. Almost exact same weights too lol. 2.5lbs and 1.4lbs, and the weird part is my what I believe to be an Abby mix is the smaller one and the crested is a biggy. My smaller pig actually looks chubby to me or at least chubbier, but she just has a smaller frame, whereas Cinnamon aka, "Mini" (Cinna'mini' is her nickname) is huge! She looks fat but she's healthy so it's not a big deal. So I wouldn't worry unless your smaller piggy doesn't look to be healthy like bones showing and such, which I doubt.

 

[laylahzoemom]

I was giving the piggies a bath last night and actually found a lump on the throat of the piggie who weighs less. I have noticed an increase in her drinking so I'm thinking maybe she has a thyroid cyst or something that would link all her symptoms together. She goes to the vet on Friday! I am praying she doesn't need surgery because I leave for a cruise next week so I would hate to leave her right after an operation

 

[kathlaaron]

Where do you live ? I could watch her for you while you are gone if you live close to me ! I really wouldn't mind that at all, I have 2 5ish month old girls. Buttercup is an American silkie crested and Cuddles is an Abyssinian. I live in Oak Creek, Wi where do you live ?

 

[Kimberly713]

Well that stinks! Now I have to go examine my littler girl! I hope it's nothing serious and she gets better, good luck to you both.

 

[foggycreekcavy]

It's most likely that the lump is an abscess, and will definitely need to be either removed and/or flushed out daily, and antibiotics given. You will need to find someone cavy experienced to do it for you while you are gone.

 

[laylahzoemom]

It's most likely that the lump is an abscess, and will definitely need to be either removed and/or flushed out daily, and antibiotics given. You will need to find someone cavy experienced to do it for you while you are gone.

Yes, the kennel she goes to is at the vets so they can take care of her. I don't want to leave her for emotional reasons but she'll be okay with them. I will update when she gets back from the vet on Friday.

 

[laylahzoemom]

Good news!!! The lump is a benign cyst. They aspirated it and it was clear fluid so there is no infection or cancer. The risk of surgery outweighs the benefits at this point, so she shouldn't get it removed unless it grows big enough to interfere with her eating. She was my normal wild child at the vet... hyper and giving everyone kisses while they poked and prodded her. I love my girl and so happy she is okay!!! They even remarked at how nice her teeth were... all even and pearly white!