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Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Small pets

worried about GP

17 replies

alemci · 07/06/2013 08:25

Our GP is an old boy. We think he is about 4/5 as we were given him by a friend. A few months ago he had problems with impaction but my DH dealt with it fine.

Wednesday evening he was put in his outdoor cage for the first time as it is so warm now and it is more spacious. Then in his run all day. Didn't really see much of him til evening but he seemed lethargic and didn't want lettuce which he loves - not squeaking.

We left him in overnight and my DS has put food right next to him in his bed bit. he hasn't come out of the sleeping bit. Should I take him to the vet. I think he is just old but I don't want to neglect him and be uncaring.

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guineapiglet · 07/06/2013 08:36

Hi it might be all the hot weather has got to him , cooler today so see how he is doing. Has he eaten and drank anything at all? Try a cuddle with some grass or cucumber, something to tempt him. Guineas do need to eat constantly so prolonged loss of appetite is a worry. A check up at the vets will put your mind at risk, he is a good age and has been in good health so this might just be a blip. Hope he perks up a bit today :)

guineapiglet · 07/06/2013 08:38

Mind at rest
hate this darn phone

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 07/06/2013 08:45

I would take him to the vets. It might just be he's stiff or sore from the exertion and some anti inflammatory medicine might help. Or he needs a vitamin shot or something.

alemci · 07/06/2013 09:40

vet booked. will keep you posted. thanks - feel really upset. He is very much loved and cared for.

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Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 07/06/2013 09:43

Hey al :( x sadly with animals this day always comes. You don't know anything yet so don't run off with it. Just remember he was loved and had a good life with you all and if he goes today then he goes happy xx

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 07/06/2013 12:01

He might have overdone the grass and be a bit bloated.
We've had temperatures of 22-24 C here, my boys have been out with shades /boxes in their run. But they do feel the heat and as they get older it's more difficult for them to deal with

Good Luck alemci-pig

alemci · 07/06/2013 12:18

he has been to vet, had anti biotic injection etc and has that powdered food stuff if he doesn't eat. I have to give him medicine. He has a cat and dog formula but he only takes a few drops.

His bad leg was collapsing on him but he did perk up at vet.

i have put him in the garden as he loves it and he did take a piece of lettuce.

He is old but at least by taking him to the vet we have tried and given him a chance

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Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 07/06/2013 14:01

I hope he gets better al x

fortifiedwithtea · 07/06/2013 14:34

Sorry to hear your piggy is not well . Lets hope its just the extreme change to hot weather.

Piggies don't adjust well to heat because they can not sweat. Keep him in the shade with plenty of water and cucumber to tempt him

Sounds like you've been given Critical Care powdered food.

Best of luck. Keep us posted.

alemci · 08/06/2013 10:26

he did perk up a bit last night and started to move about. I am waiting to give him medicine but want someone else to help. I have to give him food in his bed bit and he snatches the odd bit from me.

may put him out later in the evening. don't want him to get too hot.

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Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 08/06/2013 10:28

Big squish to alpig

Spoil him rotten xx

alemci · 08/06/2013 17:33

he ended up staying in as I thought it was best. He had some medicine but I'm not sure how much he got syringing it in.

have mixed up some kids viatmin C tablet in a syringe and I think he took some. He seems to eating some lettuce.

has anyone made any purees e.g raw carrot the lady at Boots suggested some baby food

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70isaLimitNotaTarget · 08/06/2013 19:10

Aww poor piggie.
The vets will be able to assess how much he eats (they are much better at strong-arm wrestling tactics when it comes to Getting Things Down Animals Throats - as I can testify when trying to get our Moggie to eat her tablets)

WRT puree- I used to mash up the GP pellets with hot water years back , let it cool and give that, and grated veg went down well when they lost teeth.
Baby Food is already cooked ,guineas need raw.
What's his favourite? You could try cucumber,carrot,pepper to give enough moisture, then feed on a small spoon.
Our GP1 would sell his granny for parsley, GP2 loves watermelon and strawberries.

noyouhavehadawee · 11/06/2013 21:12

How is he now? I have been posting about my old girl, she too has been just laying in the sun or in the shade but jus sitting - not like a munching grass machine more like a lazy dog!

alemci · 11/06/2013 22:22

sorry, just a busy few days. he has improved but still not eating dried food etc but my DH feeds him the rescue food each day. He is squeaking and is more interactive. Off to vet tomorrow.

still eating bits of lettuce, parsley etc.

thanks for your help. will keep you in the loop :)-

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guineapiglet · 11/06/2013 22:40

Good luck tomorrow he has made such an improvement bless him.

noyouhavehadawee · 11/06/2013 23:06

Aw good luck

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