Guinea Pig Eating Problems?

Question
Hi Lynne,

We have a boar ~18 months old (have had him for 9 months). On April 18, we had to switch to a new food (larger pellet). We had the impression that he didn't like this new pellet but that he ate it anyway. His diet also included timothy hay, carrots, romaine and vitamin-enriched water. Sticks (aspen and maple) were provided but he never chewed them. When the weather got warm in May, he went outside and ate grass, dandelion and clover about 3 or 4 times for about 10 minutes each time. After about a week of going outside, he started having soft droppings. This continued for a few days so we cut out fresh food for a few days, but water was always available. His droppings became solid again but were darker, smaller and drier than usual. He looked like he was losing weight. We thought it had to do with his dislike for the larger pellets. We searched for the previous brand of pellet, found it and let him have that (June 7). He seemed to eat it with gusto, so we thought everything was back to normal.

We tried to re-introduce fresh foods. However, he will no longer eat carrots (even shredded) or lettuce. He will eat his hay but not with the same gusto as he used to nor in the same amounts. He has also taken to chewing his pellets until they are mush. Sometimes he drools this mush into his bowl and then eats it again. He also drinks alot of water, with most of it dripping under his chin and onto his chest so that he is soaked. His bedding is soaked too.

He is slowly gaining his weight back but we are concerned at this change in eating behaviour and diet.

We checked his incisors, found them to be very long and clipped them on June 12. We left them on the long side. We checked them again this week - his top right incisor was longer than his left and his bottom right incisor was shorter than his left, but all four fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. All four looked very long. We clipped them straight, but not short. We checked his molars as best we could - they did not seem to be cutting into his cheeks or tongue. He still does not chew the sticks we provide him.

How do we get him back to eating as he was before? Does he need to chew sticks or does eating pellets keep his teeth short enough on its own?

Many thanks for any help.

P.S. If you live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, or know anyone who does, we would appreciate a vet recommendation.

Answer
HI Dave,

It sounds as though your guinea pig should see a Vet.  He may have elongated roots or malocclusion and this is something that only a Vet can deal with.  It's imperative he sees a Vet as this condition is notorious for killing guinea pigs if they don't get professional help and it's a very unpleasant way for them to go.

I have one Vet I was recommended by a fellow guinea pig owner who lives where you are.

Dr. Samantha Munn
Danforth Veterinary Clinic
966 Pape Avenue
416-696-7000

I really can't stress how important it is to get him to a Vet.  You are clearly a very conscientious owner and have done well in trying all you have with him so far but the next step now has to be by a professional.

Good luck and please let me know how you get on.  I'm also more than happy to help if you have further questions or queries.

Take care & kind regards,
Lynne.