sick piggy!

Question
We rescued a Guinea Pig 4 days ago froma family who had taken it off of another person who did not care for it well at all!  Since we have had him I noticed that he wasn't eating or hardly drinking so I took him to the vet who gave him an antibiotic shot and sent us home with meds.  Since then, he has only gotten worse.  I read that you should never give antibi's to pigs because they can kill them?  So today I won't give them to him, but he is terribly lathargic.  He hardly moves, and he doesn't eat.  No poops for the 4 days that we have owned him.  I have tried to force feed him cucumbers, but the only thing that he will take from me is the antibiotics and water.  This morning, his eyes are all matted up, and he is cold.  I set up a lamp to warm half of his cage, but this little guy is just too cute to give up! Please help!  I've tried apples and carrots too, but there isn't any interest.

Answer
Hello Chris and thanks for the question,

You should take your new little friend to a GP EXPERT vet if you can. They will be able to help more. It is true that pennicilyn based antibiotocs will kill a GP. Make sure that your vet does not give your pet those.

The weight lose, appetite and drinking issues are a big concern. Make a mash (search the net for guinea pig mash) and force feed the sick pig. Water is harder to "force" on a sick pig. Dehydration is a big scare too so add a teaspoon of Pedialyte (for children) to his water bottle and a squeeze of orange for flavor. Keeping his cage warm and dry and clean is important to promote good health.

I hope this helps you and that all turns out good. GPs are hearty but when they get seriously ill it is tough to heal them.

Thanks and prayers,
Ryan
PS: Sorry so late on reply. Holidays and all.