tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736086379726452708.post129145925321796942..comments2024-03-28T21:57:26.701-04:00Comments on Crafts, Cavies and Cooking: Guinea Pig PainPaintedThreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07430500003121265452noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736086379726452708.post-42338855839516413822015-09-21T10:10:48.990-04:002015-09-21T10:10:48.990-04:00Hey, I just want to add a few things as a long-tim...Hey, I just want to add a few things as a long-time piggie owner and animal behaviorist (not a vet!). Puffing, change in water intake, begging, and chewing/destructing can all also be absolutely normal guinea pig behaviors.<br /><br />1. Pigs puff when they're a little chilly, when they're exhibiting dominance language, and sometimes when they're enjoying a good meal.<br />2. Just like people, pigs will drink more when it's hot out and as they get bigger (and pigs grow constantly!). Also, just like us, they need more fluids if they're recovering from something. So yes, while it may indicate that your piggie is trying to intake more fluids to feel better, it doesn't have to mean they're in pain. It's a far bigger issue if your pig is drinking LESS water.<br />3. Who's never had a pig who hasn't begged constantly and then been like, "um actually mom I'm not really feeling spinach today"?<br />4. Destructive behaviors, as well as dominance behaviors, can increase under a lot of different circumstances. Cage changes, new humans/pets, new enrichment - pigs won't lose any time making sure they reestablish the status quo.<br /><br />These are are some scenarios in which these behaviors may NOT indicate pain. As an owner it was a little alarming to see these relatively normal behaviors labeled as reasons to take your pet to vet. I think your blog is full of great resources, but if your readers are looking for some good indicators for pain I would encourage them to visit Guinea Lynx @ http://www.guinealynx.info/pain.html . This information more closely mirrors the kind of thing your vet is going to tell you.<br /><br />I also want to add that ONLY YOU know your piggie's baseline and abnormal behaviors and if you think it's time to go to the vet then it probably is. As Sally indicated, weight loss combined with really any other symptoms is a bad sign. These may be very helpful indicators for Sally to tell when her pigs are uncomfortable, but they may not necessarily work for you. Just keep an eye on them, do body checks and weigh them every week and trust your gut and the cumulative research you do. Again though - not a vet. Keep up the good work Sally. <br /><br />- Bryn KelleyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13701321189463396770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736086379726452708.post-43396244447373903482015-03-06T13:48:51.329-05:002015-03-06T13:48:51.329-05:00Most of these cases, we were treating an ongoing i...Most of these cases, we were treating an ongoing illness, such as stones or tumors. We knew it could be painful and adjusted their pain meds as their vet instructed. In some cases, it indicated a new illness, at which point we hauled them to our vet. <br /><br />Generally speaking, if your guinea pig is suddenly showing any of these signs, it indicates they're in acute pain. You should bring them to the vet ASAP. PaintedThreadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07430500003121265452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736086379726452708.post-40911067610765060972015-03-06T13:27:05.723-05:002015-03-06T13:27:05.723-05:00Did you need to bring them to the vet or could you...Did you need to bring them to the vet or could you tell they were ok just a little off? Hope all your little ones are doing good these days! ~ Sherri HAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736086379726452708.post-88096461157079870432014-04-27T17:49:10.310-04:002014-04-27T17:49:10.310-04:00I've seen all of these behaviors too, particul...I've seen all of these behaviors too, particularly the last one. Peaches' preferred method of demonstrating frustration at being unable to eat involves pawing the air and stomping angrily on vegetables. Alicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01136777117715712592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5736086379726452708.post-36438187050736485012014-04-24T20:59:35.751-04:002014-04-24T20:59:35.751-04:00It is sad to hear about Pinni, but thank you for y...It is sad to hear about Pinni, but thank you for your diligence in keeping and sharing these observations for all curious n concerned guinea pig owners. I sincerely hope Pinni will be up 100g soon. Get well Pinni!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01619552389247356784noreply@blogger.com