Poorly guinea pig

[louise]

Hi, i was wondering if anyone can help me please. I have posted this in another thread so i'm sorry if you have to read it twice

We've had our two male piggies for nearly a year now and they've lived together quite happily. One of our guinea pigs has never really liked being held but the other one seems to love it.

In the last two weeks i've noticed that Genga (the one that doesn't like being held) has not been letting Snuggles into the bedroom area.

Last night i heard a lot of squeeking but couldn't see much as my son was asleep so i had a look this morning.

Snuggles has a big chunk of fur missing and quite a bit of blood on his back although i can't see a wound and seems quite nervous and i've noticed he seems to have developed two scabby areas on his tummy.

Can someone please give me some advice as i don't want him to be suffering.

[Kayleigh]

Hi there it sounds like the boars had a fairly intense scuffle. I must advise seperating the two for now as blood has been drawn. Have you checked snuggles ears. mouth (his lips) and his feet for possible wounds? Also give Genga a check over for wounds.

With Genga being the obvious dominant male he will try and assert himself and by the sounds of things snuggles hasnt really agreed with this.

How big is the cage the two live in? Is there two of everything, bowls, water bottles and hideys?

As your boys have had a fight (blood drawn) it may be that they wont live togeather any longer. Do you know their age, have they been togeather since they were young pups?

I would advise getting both piggies checked out by the vets just to ensure theres no wounds/injuries you may have missed.

Kayleigh

[louise]

Thanks Kayleigh, we bought them both together when they were 8 weeks old so they've lived together most of their lives. I'll set up a temporary home for one of them to stay in for the time being.

I've had a look at snuggles and it seems to just be the one wound. I shall check Genga in a sec. There's only one bowl etc in the cage and it's 1 metre long. I was advised by pets at home when we were deciding whether to have them outdoors or in that this would be more than enough room for them but i'm not so convinced now

Will they be ok living on their own after being together for so long?

[Kayleigh]

Im not a huge fan of "pets at home" staff advice, but they are there to try and help us. Unfortunately they usually give out inaccurate information. As the boys have been togeather since they were young its awful to think of them living alone. Sadly this may be your only option as once blood is drawn and they fight it can be very difficult if not impossible to rebond them.

If you want to try and rebond them I must advise getting a larger cage, (many pet store cages arent suitable for more than a single pig in my opinion) You could even try a c&c cage if you are able too, put two pigloos in this and two food bowls one in each corner so they can have their own feeding area.

This may or may not work, its depends on the piggies. The only other things you could do is allow them to live side by side, that way they can see, smell and touch eachother but not fight. The only other suggestion is to get them neutered (can be quite a risky op) and get them each a sow to live with.

Let us know what you decide to do. I hope the piggies are ok

[louise]

It looks like i may have to rehome one as while i was setting up the new home for snuggles there was another scuffle

Luckily one of my friends has been wanting another piggie as hers died of old age about a month ago so hopefully she'll take him.

[Kayleigh]

Rehoming is another solution, although not the easiest decision. let us know what you decide to do. I hope both piggies are ok.

Kayleigh

[louise]

If i had more room i would happily set him up in another hutch but we're limited on space At least i'll know he's going to a good home as my friend absolutely loved her piggie.

[twistedsymphony]

sounds like the best thing to do in the circumstances, will you try and get the one you are keeping a new friend? perhaps a sow if you are going for the neutering option?

[louise]

I was thinking about it but my mum has just said it's very risky for them, is that right?

[Kayleigh]

Yes the operation can be risky. But it can also be the best thing for a boar who cant be paired. I have two neutered boars who are living very happily with their sow partners. If you do decide to get him neutered ask the vet alot of questions. How many neutering operations has he/she performed on guinea pigs? Do they provide the after care? the cost? etc etc.

[louise]

Thanks Kayleigh, i'll definately look into it

[louise]

Hi again, i just thought i'd give you an update on Snuggles. I took him to Vedra on Thursday and she's been treating him. Apparently he has a fungal infection and as the weather has been so humid it's spread so quickly it covered pretty much his whole body

She's had to strip all of his fur out and he's on antibiotics and an anti fungal medicine. She said i should be able to pick him up on Friday but he'll need further medication over the next 4-5 weeks

At least he's in the best place at the mo and getting better though

[Kayleigh]

Aww poor snuggles. I hope he recovers soon. Keep us posted.

[louise]

Thank you and i will