Is my guinea pig ill?

Question
My guinea pig is not eating. It is very thin, and is lying on its side a lot. I am upset because I think it may be dying. Do I need to see a vet A.S.A.P.?

Answer
Anytime a pig is not eating and is getting thin it's a bad sign. You don't say how old he is. If he's over four or five he could just be getting ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge. I know that's not what you want to hear, and I'm sorry.

If he is a younger animal you might first check his teeth to be sure they aren't overgrown and he can't eat. Overgrown teeth happen as a pig gets older.  It's an easy fix because their teeth are more like fingernails in that they grow constantly and don't have the painful nerve inside that we do.  So clipping the teeth is painless for the animal.

If his teeth are okay there is obviously something very wrong. The lying down a lot is not in itself such a concern, but coupled with weight loss and lack of appetite is very concerning. As I said, if he's an older pig it just may be his time to say goodbye. Sadly a vet can't fix that either.

Please give me back a reply as to his age and that may help in ruling out what may be wrong. I'm so sorry Katie, I know this is your baby and I understand you're upset. I would be too.  

Although there are many things we can figure out as experts there are equally as many things that we cannot. My heart goes out to you.