Anorexia (Refusal to eat or drink)

 A guinea pig's health can deteriorate very fast. By the time the illness or any problems are noticed, these illnesses may be life-threatening. Fast, competent veterinary care is crucial to saving a life of a sick Guinea Pig. When an illness is found early, they (in some situations) may be able to be cured with a course of antibiotics which are safe for guinea pigs.

Anorexia

Anorexia occurs when a Guinea Pig refuses to eat or drink. This can be extremely serious, as your pet's organs will shut down because of the lack of food and drink. After as few as 16 to 20 hours of Anorexia, liver cells being to break down. Onwards from that point your Guinea Pig's state will only worsen.

If you suspect or know your Guinea Pig is not eating or drinking, visit a vet immediately to determine the cause, thus bringing the possibility of treating this.

Anorexia can also be seen as eating very little. If no faeces or urine are being passed, and your Guinea Pig is not eating, you must seek veterinary care immediately! In addition, a pet which is loosing weight (or if young, failing to gain) is also at a great risk of Anorexia. Guinea Pigs are very vulnerable because of their need for Vitamin C and a tendency to develop ketosis.

There is a large variety of causes for anorexia, some of which may include

• Wide temperature swings
• Water Deprivation
• Changes in their diet
• Poisoning
• Loss of a cage mate
• Mechanical problems with feeders or sipper tubes
• Dental malocclusion
• Pain
• Obesity
• Loss of smell
• Oral lacerations
• An aggressive cage mate pre venting another's eating.
• Food changes (too hard or unpalatable food, or even a poorly designed diet)
• Infectious diseases (such as pneumonia)
• Metabolic disorders such as Vitamin C deficiency or renal failure

Some guinea pigs prescribed antibiotics (especially baytril) will and can stop eating. If this does happen, the vet should be notified and consideration given to switching to a different antibiotic which is suitable for Guinea Pigs.

The most common causes Guinea Pig owners usually encounter for Anorexia are illnesses such as a bacterial respiratory infection, malocclusion, antibiotic intolerance, pain and sometimes the loss of a cage mate.

Diagnosing Anorexia

A Guinea Pig may seem hungry and would like to eat or may be "truly anorexic". A Diagnosis will be based upon information about their diet, environment, recent changes, character of urine and faeces.

DISCLAIMER

I am not a vet. The purpose of this posts and similar ones is to spread awareness, but not to give medical advice. If you are not sure about your pets health, always consult a qualified vet first.