Fuzzbutt's Medical

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GrannyJu1
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Post   » Tue Aug 18, 2015 6:39 pm


I've cut her back to only lettuce and a few pieces of bell pepper (less than the 1/8th I keep seeing in threads) It's leaf lettuce. I was giving her a little parsley which she used to love. Last time, she turned her nose up to every bit of it. She does get some carrot occasionally, also. This morning I decided to see if she really is having trouble eating. The carrot disappeared in no time, so I guess that question is answered. She also devours the lettuce and pepper lickity split. I cut out the pepper for a while to see if there was any change in her poos, but didn't notice any, and when she refused the parsley, I added it back in. It's been about 3 days now since she did that. Should I switch the pepper out for something else? Suggestions... She absolutely loves KMS pellets, BTW. She hates having to eat away from the others, though. Usually she's at the front of the cage with VeBee, climbing the grids. This morning I had to chase her down. :o(

bpatters
And got the T-shirt

Post   » Tue Aug 18, 2015 7:14 pm


I'd cut ALL the vegetables out for 24 hours, then add them back one at time, 48 hours between each new addition. That's the only way you're going to be able to figure out if veggies are the problem.

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GrannyJu1
Supporter in '21

Post   » Wed Aug 19, 2015 12:35 am


Ahhh. Thanks! I didn't know that. Dang, I already feel guilty that the others get all the good stuff. :o} So, 24 hours clean, 48 hours between new veggies. Got it.

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Thu Aug 20, 2015 7:54 am


And reintroduce one at a time. That way you will be able to see if there is one particular culprit, with the rest being okay for her.

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GrannyJu1
Supporter in '21

Post   » Fri Aug 21, 2015 10:45 am


Thanks, Talishan. I really appreciate the help!

Reading back over this thread, I realized I hadn't posted Fuzz's "personal" info!

Female
DOB 12/3/2013 (first dibs months before birth; chosen at age 3 days; brought home at 6 weeks not-a-day-later!)

To date (knock on wood) more-or-less healthy, except for the ear mites noted prior.

Treated for lice and/or mites several times since she was old/big enough and in just-in-case situations. Since she's a fuzz ball on legs (Abyssinian?) and her hair is short and curly, it's hard to tell if she has ever had any. Most timid guinea pig I've ever met, and since I've known a total of 5 over a little over 2 years time span, I have the experience to know one, hahaha.

More on diet diary later.

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Sat Aug 22, 2015 1:47 pm


Seeing her droppings on a full computer -- I don't think I'd be too concerned. We've had a number of pigs for whom what you've pictured has been normal. After worrying about it for a while we just gave up.

I've come to the conclusion that within a certain range, their droppings don't have to be perfect.

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GrannyJu1
Supporter in '21

Post   » Sun Aug 23, 2015 2:16 am


Thanks, Talishan. I'll relax a little bit. :o) I have to admit, the vet didn't seem to be worried either. I'm just so scared I'm going to do something wrong with these little guys and they will be the ones to pay the price. Dogs and cats I know tons more about. Anything else is a definite novelty to me. Except bears. ;o)

I'll continue observations and food diary, especially when introducing new stuff.

The really smelly ones that show up now and then... Are they something I should be concerned about?

Talishan
You can quote me

Post   » Mon Aug 24, 2015 12:39 pm


Probably not. Are they a lighter green than the others?

Bears??

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GrannyJu1
Supporter in '21

Post   » Tue Aug 25, 2015 4:03 am


Thanks, again, Talishan. You do know we'd be pretty lost without you, right? ;o)

Her stinkies are the usual color, just extremely smelly. Usually on the soft side, I think.

Yup, bears. I grew up on a 160 acre homestead in Alaska, wayyyy in the middle of nowhere. We had black and brown bears around all the time. Lots of stories there.

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:42 am


I kind of wish I didn't have a little movie on my camera of a local bear pushing over my birdfeeder!

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GrannyJu1
Supporter in '21

Post   » Tue Aug 25, 2015 9:23 pm


Back in Juneau, we had bears in our backyard every summer, & I'm talking about a 5 ft chain link fenced space in the middle of the densest residential area in the "city". One bear leaned on a cast iron shepard hook to reach a birdfeeder. That iron hook bent!! I had to make sure we brought THAT conversation piece with us when we moved south. 😀

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LS in AK
Upside-down & Backwards

Post   » Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:09 pm


Only thought I would add about misshapen piggy poops (that are not soft or runny) is to figure out - as you are doing with the food diary - and limit whatever is causing the problem, because that food may be a bloat trigger.

In other words, I've noticed that when piggy poops are teardrop shaped like that, and piggy is eating normally, it may signal some gassiness. A little on occasion is alright. Just be careful not to overdo it.

As for bears... I have some stories, too, but probably nothing like yours, GrannyJu.

The way I see it, this part of the planet is more their home than ours, and we are guests sharing the space. (Good thing there is still a lot of space!)

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