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Post by josiejo on Jun 30, 2011 12:44:56 GMT
Hi all,
I'm worried about my Sanchez! He has stopped eating his nuggets and only nibbles at his hay.
He is still eating cucumber and drinking a little bit of water... but nothing like he used to.
He has also stopped eeeeking when the fridge door opens... and that is sooo unlike him!
I'm thinking he might have an issue with his mouth/teeth - but how can I tell?
Should I just play it safe and take him to the vet?
I've read on a few of the posts, that he might need his teeth done... what does the involve? Will it hurt him???
thanks.. worried Josie Jo xx
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Post by Kayleigh on Jun 30, 2011 14:23:00 GMT
Its very rare for guinea pigs too need their teeth trimmed/clipped if they have hay available. You can have a little look at his four front teeth but tooth problems are usually the back teeth. Is he passing faeces ok? Have you changed his pellets lately? If you are unsure a vet trip is always best as when pigs stop eating they can rapidly go downhill.
Kayleigh
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Post by josiejo on Jul 5, 2011 12:04:07 GMT
Yes, we had kind of changed his nuggets... we got some new ones but mixed them into his old ones.. rather than give him all new....
We decided that as it had been really quite warm, we wondered if it was the heat that was bothering him?
So we opened the windows and let the room coll down... we also gave him all fresh bedding, fresh food, all fresh cold water, all fresh hay, a chewy stick (which he loves) and more cucumber/beans.... and he seems to be back to normal! PHEW.
We do give him fresh food and water everyday anyway and he just wasnt eating it?? So maybe it was the heat???
We are keeping a close eye on the little ginger-one now!!!
Thanks for your help Kayleigh. xx
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Post by Kayleigh on Jul 5, 2011 15:36:05 GMT
The heat will make him eat a little less pellets, mine are much the same, in the warmer weather they prefer to eat hay and veggies. Glad hes back to his old self.
Kayleigh
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Post by josiejo on Sept 14, 2011 7:57:25 GMT
Hi all,
I just wanted to update you.... Sanchez seemed to get better and then took a complete nose dive. Not eating at all, not drinking and even turned down veggies.
So, after several trips to the vet, then give him an anesthetic (to my horror.... I was nearly in tears until I knew he woke up) and checked his teeth - all absolutely fine. They also gave him an x-ray to check if anything was stuck in his belly, etc.. nothing - all fine again.
The vet explained that 'something' happens to gp's and if they are in pain, etc and don't eat for an amount of time, this is bad for the digestive system and they can kind of forget how to eat!
So... our job was to 'help' Sanchez to eat again... so we've been syringe feeding him (yes, I've finally got the hang of it) for 3 weeks - the recovery food, nuggets mixed with water and lots of water. I've also been giving him different veggies at each sitting (never using the same veggies as last time) and (this is the bit I'm really writing) - the vet gave us something called Fibreplex - he explained this would stimulate his digestive system into working, help get rid of gas and hopefully encourage Sanchez to eat.
Guess what... ITS WORKED! For the past few days Sanchez has been eating his nuggets on his own and drinking water... wohooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
We are still giving him little bits of different veggies to keep him stimulated - but (touch wood), he does seem to be on the mend!!!
So, thank you everyone for you help - I think I've read all the posts from start to finish, trying to get info on what to do with Sanchez.
Fingers crossed he continues to eat/drink... Have a lovely day.
Josie xxx
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