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Our Guinea Pig is three years old. He was doing fine until ...


Sent to Pet Experts July 30, 2006 3:00 p.m.
Our Guinea Pig is three years old. He was doing fine until we experienced some very warm days (99 degrees) for about four straight days. Since then, he won't eat or drink. We have been feeding him water with a syringe the past couple of days and started to feed him peas (baby food). He is also seems to be holding his head to one side while the other side just kinda falls down. We are wondering if he had heatstroke and we weren't aware that it had happened or a stroke of some kind.   Today, he was actually moving his head and mouth to receive the water and food. So, it seems that he is better. Since my budget is limited I can't afford to take him to the vet until Tuesday or Wednesday. Is there anything that I can do for him before then that might help him? Thank you for your help!

Optional Information:
Age: 3; Female; Breed: Guinea Pig

Already Tried:
Water, baby food peas, tried offereing hay... won't take it
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
July 30, 2006 3:17 p.m. (16 minutes and 51 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark

Hello and thanks for researching this important question!

Guinea pigs can have neurologic signs (including a "head tilt" that is accompanied by vertigo) from a variety of conditions such as Mange Mite infestation and inner ear infection.

I am including a number of links that you can use to try to narrow down some of these symptoms, and find a veterinarian who is qualified to help you:

http://www.guinealynx.com/hairloss.html

http://www.cavyinfo.com/html/vet.htm

http://www.aracnet.com/cgi-usr/seagull/vetfinder.cgi

http://cavyspirit.com/vets.htm

In the meantime, please make sure to continue offering baby foods (fruits and veggies--the fruit types may be more enticing)...find a pediatric vitamin C supplement and give 25 mg daily to increase the immune health of this dear pet. You can melt her regular pellet food in water or fruit juice (no-sugar-added types) to make it easier to feed using a dropper.

Feed very small amount throughout the day...the dizziness that can accompany this type of problem makes it hard to swallow and feel comfortable while eating.

If you need additional support at this time, please click "Reply".



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Dog, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Gerbil breeder / Reptile Keeper / Bunny-Ferret-Exotic Specialist

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