My Shrinking pig

Question
I went overseas for about 3 weeks and left my pig in the care of my boyfriend. When I came back, to my horror he has not changed his cage bedding in that whole period. My piggy grew very thin, to the point where if I touched him I can feel all his bones only. I've tried seeing a pet they just tell me he's just malnutritioned. My bf tells me he was eating fine until about 3 days before my return, and also told me he has always been feeding him. I don't believe he could have lost so much weight in 3 days. He wasn't eating but I've made him a mix of vitamin drops with honey water everyday for 3 days and he started moving a bit, and he's able to eat fresh fruits. The only thing that puzzles me is, he used to be able to chew fruit skin like on apples, now I have to peel them clean because it seems as if he can't chew through it anymore. He's also starting to eat a little bit of dry foods now. Do you think he's recovering? Or should I go find another pet for a second opinion?  

Answer
Hello Jing,

It sounds like he was starved, probably not intentionally. So, I'm sure he has a severe case of scurvy. Scurvy will make their teeth loose (among other things) and that is why he's having difficulty eating. Right now, some of the best things for him are Ramaine Lettuce, Oranges, Fresh Grass, and Kale. I would feed him those until he is recovered. They'll give him the Vitamin C and fiber that he desperately needs right now. You can also syringe feed him baby oatmeal cereal to help get his weight back up. Avoid the honey and vitamin drops though. Too much of certain vitamins can make your piggy sick as well and honey is really too much sugar. Switch to the oatmeal with a bit of added vitamin c instead if he stops eating again. He sounds like he is recovering and you are doing a good job. Just keep him eating and make sure he gets plenty of fiber and vitamin c. He should recover in a few weeks. Good luck and keep up the good work.

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs