Strokes

Question
Recently my guinea pig,Penelope, who is about 5 yrs. old has been losing weight, so I called my vet on Friday and gave the girls who work for him Penelope's symptoms, one of the girls called me back later on in the day and told me the doctor suggested dandelion greens and carrot tops so I did just that and she's eating and drinking and grooming a little but she still isn't the same pig, this evening I was checking on her and found her on her side and she  couldn't get up! Panicking I picked her up and held her, talking to her and giving her little drops of water and not to long after that she was back on her feet running around, not to fast, eating on her own and grooming her face a little, does anyone know if maybe she took a stroke.

Answer
Hi,

    My advice to you is to find a reliable veterinarian who is experienced in the area of guinea pigs.  Most of them out there are not, and frequently misdiagnose guinea pigs and provide unhelpful treatment.  After a visit, your guinea pig may be diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection (URI).  Symptoms of URI include weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, eye discharge, and labored breathing.  A vet will take an x-ray to check for fluids, and also check the heart and hydration and culture the bacteria.  URI cases can be treated with antibiotics, but are fatal when they are not treated right away.

    It does not sound likely that a stroke is to blame, as strokes more often than not leave the affected piggie with some form of paralysis or severe movement troubles.  
    
    As for now, keep doing what you are doing and ensure daily attention, mental and physical stimulation, and nutrients - including daily vegetables and addition of vitamin supplements to her food and water.

    Thank you for your question, I hope I have been of some help to you.  If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  Good luck with your guinea pig.

                                                  - Nicole