Why is my guinea pig skinny, feeling bones, and losing hair?

Thanks for reaching out about Milo. There are many possible causes of weight loss in guinea pigs including dental disease, metabolic disorders (liver, renal), urinary disease (urinary tract infections, bladder stones), nutritional deficiencies (vitamin C is common) and others. Many of these can also cause gastrointestinal upset, therefore treating the GI disorder is not the primary problem. It is recommended you seek a veterinary visit with one with experience in small exotic companion mammals. You can try the website for the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV.org). Try offering softer food for now. Good luck.

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!

Hello, When I see guinea pigs with hair loss (usually over their backs) and weight loss, I often think of reproductive tract problems. Guinea pigs commonly get ovarian cysts and the extra estrogen production causes hormonal hair loss. Four ounces is significant weight loss for a guinea pig, and I would recommend having her checked to be sure of what is going on. I hope this is helpful.

Weight loss, this can be caused by many things. Visit your veterinarian as soon as possible so Donald can have an examination. Causes of weight loss include dental problems, liver or kidney diseases, intestinal disease, endocrine disease, infection and toxins — just to name a few. Your veterinarian, using his or her skills of examination and possibly some tests, can best tell what is wrong with your guinea pig.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Issues with teeth are very common in guinea pigs, and do frequently result in issues eating. Dyba may have an issue with his facial nerves or muscles, making it difficult to bite/chew food. Loss of appetite can be caused by many intestinal conditions, but less specific conditions as well, such as cancer or infections. I recommend having Dyba seen by another vet, you may want to look into having him seen by someone who specializes in small mammals or pocket pets. In the meantime, you can try moistening his pellets to make them easier to eat. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Weight loss can be caused by overgrown teeth, and thus difficulty eating/chewing. However, other, nonspecific signs such as pain, can also cause reluctance to eat. Bandit may have an eye infection or corneal ulcer, which is causing him some discomfort. I recommend having him seen by a vet, who can file his teeth if necessary, and determine exactly what is going on with his eye. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Hello. Hair loss in an older female guinea pig is often related to cystic ovaries. The abnormal ovary produced hormones that cause the hair to fall out, usually on the trunk, back or belly. Sometimes, hairliss can be from over grooming, parasites, a thyroid condition, or if the Guinge is rubbing on somethin in the cage. Since she doesn’t sound itchy or inflamed, and she’s an older female, i would be suspicious of cystic ovaries. I would recommend taking Guinge to see a veterinarian who can do a physical exam, feel her belly for possibly cystic ovaries, and if needed do an ultrasound to identify and assess the ovaries. If they are indeed cystic, they can either be treated surgically with removal of the ovaries, or with injections of hormones to reduced the cyst size and activity (though these injections need to be given every 4 weeks or so). Hopefully it’s something simple! Good luck!