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
Hello Ryan,
you know your guinea pig could be diabetic if he's drinking a lot of water however there are other symptoms. The best thing you can do is go to the vet and ask questions. He may have an allergy that would cause him to tear out his furr. Right now the only thing you can do is wait to hear what the vet says.