Bloat? Constipation?
I noticed my guinea pig Weasley's belly looked a tad swollen yesterday, but he was still eating, drinking, and pooping just fine so I just thought I was being paranoid.
Today, his stomach is VERY swollen. His poops are tiny and it's clear he is having trouble pooping. I pushed around a bit back there and helped him push out a very large round stool so I'm hoping that will provide him with some relief tonight.
We are seeing the vet tomorrow (she was unfortunately off today!), but I was wondering if there is anything I should be doing now at home to help him. He is still eating like a champ, but is there anything in particular that I should or shouldn't be giving him?
He's an older boar (around 6 1/2-7 years) and I've really noticed his age the last few months as his hearing seems to going and his coat gets a bit shabbier. I'm terrified about what the vet will say tomorrow. I'm so mad at myself for not catching it earlier. I love this little guy so much.
Today, his stomach is VERY swollen. His poops are tiny and it's clear he is having trouble pooping. I pushed around a bit back there and helped him push out a very large round stool so I'm hoping that will provide him with some relief tonight.
We are seeing the vet tomorrow (she was unfortunately off today!), but I was wondering if there is anything I should be doing now at home to help him. He is still eating like a champ, but is there anything in particular that I should or shouldn't be giving him?
He's an older boar (around 6 1/2-7 years) and I've really noticed his age the last few months as his hearing seems to going and his coat gets a bit shabbier. I'm terrified about what the vet will say tomorrow. I'm so mad at myself for not catching it earlier. I love this little guy so much.
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- And got the T-shirt
I'd get some infant simethicone and give him 1/4 of a infant's dose. And if you've got a something that vibrates (vibrator, pillow, toothbrush, etc), then put small pad on it and put him on the pad.
Are you checking his anal sac regularly and cleaning it when necessary?
Are you checking his anal sac regularly and cleaning it when necessary?
Yes, I've been checking his anal sack about every hour or so to make sure it's clear. I'll try and find some simethicone at the store. Not sure I have anything that vibrates, but I'll look around and see what I can find. I'll take a look at that thread too.
Thank you both for your advice.
Thank you both for your advice.
Unfortunately, his bloating turned out to be worst case scenario. They did an x-ray and found no mass, but the vet suspected fluid from something that ruptured. They did an ultrasound and took a sample and found it was blood. Cytology revealed it was more than likely some form of cancer. The best would be able to do was make him comfortable for a few days, but he would undoubtedly swell again with blood. I made the difficult decision to have him humanely euthanized. I was with him the entire time and held his paw. I'm sorry if this message is a bit incoherent. I'm in shock and I can't stop crying. I knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it hurt any less.