About Lorena Kerr Expertise I can answer all questions regarding guinea pig selection, breeding, care, housing, showing, and minor medical needs. I am especially knowledgeable in the teddy and teddy satin breeds, although I have experience with all other breeds as well.
Experience I have kept guinea pigs as pets for over twelve years. As well, I have been a breeder and taken guinea pigs/cavies to shows. I have had several guinea pigs become ARCBA (American Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association) grand champions.
Question It has been a couple days since I noticed a change in our pig. It started this weekend. I don't think he was eating as many pellets as he usually does but, I just thought my daughter was feeding him too. He was staying in his house more than usual so I didn't get a good look at him right away. Let me say we just got him in May. He had a little eye discharge a few days after we got him but, that cleared up in no time. Since then, no problems. Until that is, this weekend. When he did come out of his house, I noticed he seemed to be limping or leaning to one side. He had some crust on one eye. I cleaned it off with warm water and decided to monitor him. By nighttime he kept falling over and was having a hard time getting up. (Let me also say he was a replacement pig for a 6 year friend) I didn't have high hopes when I saw this behavior. I called the pet store, since they were open, and they asked me if I thought he had wet tail. He didn't seem to have any wetness by his bottom. His stool seems normal too. He did however, seem sticky on his sides. I thought perhaps he laid down on his orange. Very fearful of what I would find in the A.M. I was pleasantly surprised to see him sitting and not laying down. I decided to keep checking on him, give him lots of fresh fruit & veggies and let him rest. He is eating and drinking. He isn't falling over anymore and is only favoring his side slightly. His checks seem puffed out some and today I noticed he is sticky in more places like his stomach and under his mouth. I also notice a green color to these areas. I decided to give him a warm bath. It was then that I noticed a sore on his side. It seems very irritated. I put a little neosporin on it. He does seem to have lost some weight so, I also gave him a little milk/water in an eye dropper. I do plan on calling the vet in the A.M. Just wondering what you think it could be. Does any of this sound familiar? My 8 year old is very worried and so am I. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Answer Lisa --
I'm going to be honest with you, I have never heard of a sticky, sick guinea pig. However, I will say that it sounds like perhaps he has some kind of open sores that are weeping? I'm going to put in a few calls to some friends of mine and see if I can find an answer for you.
