My Cavy and his problem...

Question
My Guinea pig (chuckles) was fully happy and healthy and his ears,eyes,and coat  were in perfect condition for the first 2 years I had him. Now, on his 4th year he has some big bald spots on his back on both sides he has a swollen foot and he's been drinking a whole water bottle every day (it's usually every other day that he'll finish one) and his behavior has changed since yesterday night. Now he doesn't purr as much as he did before. Only his eyes and ears remain looking healthy. I have tried getting my mom to take him to the vet since he started biting his hair (and he grows it back in the winter and then in spring he bites his hair again) but she waited until yesterday night. Today is the Fourth of July so the vet's office was closed and I want to get him as much help as possible. I was wondering if you know what this is or what I can do to help it until my mom get's a vet appointment.

Answer
Hi Ryan

Chuckles' problem could be a few different things.

From what you tell me there are 3 issues, his coat, his thirst and his foot. The 3 things might be linked, but they might not too, it depends on what the 3 problems are.

The foot problem is probably an infection called pododermatitis, or bumblefoot. The coat problem is probably either mites or barbering, which is where the pig chews his fur out of boredom. The thirst could be either natural, i.e hot weather or indicate a bladder problem.

The problem is there are a number of possibilities as you can see from my answer. Please take chcukles to a vet asap for a proper examination and anti-biotics if required.

I would be happy to know of the result of that so feel free to keep me posted.

andy