Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can be as minor or as major a problem as it can
be in human beings
The number one rule is that if the diarrhoea is fluid and
has the added symptoms of the guinea pig's coat being fluffed
up and it is sitting in a corner looking thoroughly miserable
then it is a major problem. It must be taken to a vet P.D.Q.,
for it will be in need of an antibiotic, and quickly!. There
are several diseases that guinea pigs can suffer from which
can prove rapidly fatal and the symptoms I have just described
are indicative of them.
If the diarrhoea is fluid but the guinea pig is alert and
though not eating as well, at least interested, the first
thing to do is give it half a tablet of Diocalm, powdered
down and given mixed with a small amount of water. This is
a product formulated for human beings who have diarrhoea which
is very safe and effective for use upon guinea pigs. The next
thing to give, and this is very important, is a tablet of
Buscopan, powdered down in the same way as the Diocalm. This
is also a human medicine, which is a gut relaxant and analgesic.
This eases the griping pains as it relaxes the gut spasms,
which makes the animal feel better, which is half the battle.
Repeat the Diocalm every ten to twelve hours but as soon
as there is a sign of things beginning to firm up, stop the
treatment. Usually two to three half tablets are sufficient.
If there is a general softness of the pellets then just one
half tablet of Dioclam will usually clear things up and the
Buscopan will not be necessary.
In cases where this kind of diarrhoea lingers or is spasmodic,
the powered astringent and delmucent herbs such as Slippery
elm, Carob, and Shepherds purse can be used more long term.
If the latter is available to be picked fresh then feed it
to the guinea pig direct.
In all serious cases of diarrhoea it is essential to keep
up the body salts with rehydration preparations. A quick comparison
between those formulated for human beings and those licensed
for animals quickly shows that they are almost identical,
for we are, after all, both mammals!. The big difference of
course is in the price, the veterinary products, as usual
being far more expensive. There are several on the market,
Rehydrate and Dioralyte being just two. Give little and often.
There can often be a flushing out of the gut flora which
is vital for the guinea pig to be able to digest it's food
so it is always wise to give some form of probiotic to help
reseed the gut. Avipro is the one I use, available from most
large pet shops. Just a pinch in a small syringe of water
once a day for two to three days.
DON'T TAKE CHANCES WITH DIARRHOEA. IF YOU CAN'T NIP IT
IN THE BUD WITHIN THE FIRST TWENTY FOUR HOURS OR THE GUINEA
PIG APPEARS TO GET LISTLESS IT NEEDS DEEPER INVESTIGATION.
