Help! My skinny pig is lost in the vents and I can't hear him.

Hi there. It sounds like she may have eaten something she shouldn’t have or may have been exposed to a toxin. I would have her checked by a veterinarian and also feed her some pedialyte to hydrate her. Best of luck and thanks for using Pet Coach!

Hello there! I'm sorry to hear that Mickey isn't looking well. I'm glad to hear that he is eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating normally, as changes in any of these habits can indicate a disease process. It sounds like he has a great, healthy diet of hay, pellets, and vitamin C tablets - my only suggestion here would be to make sure that the fresh fruits and veggies offered to him are high in vitamin C (such as kale, parsley, guava, broccoli, and sweet peppers), as the tablets are usually only meant to supplement the fresh portion of the diet. It does not sound like Mickey is lacking in vitamin C, however (as you didn't mention any of the typical signs of scurvy), and the muscle loss you are describing is likely not due to anything missing in his diet. Without knowing his other potential symptoms and a full physical exam, the only other thing I can think of is age-related changes (you did not mention his age, but as you seem to has a great grasp of his usual body condition and his daily routine, so I assume that he is at least an adult). As guinea pigs age, they may develop conditions like arthritis, which could result in decreased activity, and therefore decreased muscle mass. These changes usually occur in older guinea pigs (5-7 years), but can start as early as 3 years old, depending on the individual guinea pig's weight and habits. I highly recommend that you get Mickey to the vet when you can - preferably a vet that is comfortable with guinea pigs, or an exotics specialist. It sounds like you are doing right by Mickey at home, but the only way to get to the bottom of his muscle loss is through a thorough veterinary exam. The vet will weigh him, listen to his heart and lungs, and make recommendations for other potential issues that can be checked and ruled out as causes. This may include x-rays or bloodwork. In the meantime, keeping Mickey active with mild to moderate exercise regularly can help keep those joints lubricated and prevent further muscle loss. If Mickey appears at all painful, or if any of his habits change, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. Good luck!

Thanks for reaching out about Otis. As a middle aged guinea pig, there could be multiple causes for weight loss. Heart disease, kidney problems, gastrointestinal concerns, dietary deficiencies, dental disease, are all possible. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Oh no! I hope you get him soon! Continue to try to tempt him with food and leave him just a handful of kibble to eat close to his hiding space. You may also place his litter box outside so he can follow the scent home. Continue to try to call him to you and always be patient. Best of luck!

Good morning! Yes, that sounds like a worry for sure, although I'm glad he did eat some food overnight. The wet patch could be drool; perhaps he is having trouble with his teeth? It was a smart idea to weigh him, and this proves that he is likely dehydrated, having lost a fair bit of weight overnight. Would you be able to find a vet that is comfortable working with guinea pigs today? It sounds like Buzz needs an exam, to sort out what is going on. Good luck!

If Noah is fairly thin, he likely has a decrease in his muscle mass. This may contribute to his falling behavior that you are describing. Alternatively, there may be something that has affected his nervous system that is causing the imbalance. When animals appear to be eating well (either adequate amounts or even excessive amounts) and are thin or losing weight, we worry about underlying diseases. These may affect their organs, or could also result from an anatomical abnormality (such as tooth malalignment). I would recommend taking Noah in for a check up - at the visit your vet will ask questions about husbandry and diet to see if any adjustments may be needed due to Noah’s current state. They then can perform a thorough examination and see if they can find any obvious reason for him being thin. Depending on what they find, they may recommend diagnostic testing such as radiographs (x-rays) to look at the body as a whole and to examine the teeth, and blood work to evaluate his systemic health and organs. I hope that gives you a place to start!

If your guinea pig isn't eating at all then this is concerning as they can get GI stasisand become very ill. I would offer your guinea pig hay, pellets, and perhaps some small pieces of carrot or apple and then try to observe from an area he cannot see you- could he be eating when you aren't in the room because he is nervous in his new home? You can often look in a guinea pig's mouth and see leftover food in the mouth of he has been eating. If you don't see this or feel sure he isn't eating, I would bring him in for an examination.