Guinea Pig Diaries

As George is at the good, old age of six now, I have expected more problems with his health. The most recent concern was his teeth. He keeps chattering them a lot more than he used to and, for once, it’s not because he’s near his arch enemy that is Arch. On top of the chattering, I realised Mr George couldn’t bite into his carrot, merely scrapping it as it rested against a solid something.

So, as is always the way, I took him down to the vets – I really should set up a standing order with them. I asked for them to cut his teeth down a bit. They had done this only five months ago and I, and most likely he, noticed the difference immediately.

The vet also explained that Mr George’s teeth could be overgrown at the back, causing his teeth to dig into his tongue and consequently he wouldn’t be able to grip or bite into solids properly. I understood this to mean that the four teeth might not necessarily grow directly above or below each other. This could mean that some sides do not get worn down as much as others and can result in a sharp edge, which can cut into the tongue, and cause difficulties with eating.

The vet told me that in order to file down the edges, Georgey would need to go under anaesthetic. But the vet also informed me that we didn’t even know if that was causing the problem. As I am fully aware of the risks of anaesthetic, I decided to just opt to have his teeth clipped.

A week on and he’s got a healthy appetite, but he just takes his time eating – unlucky when he lives with Fred! He’s still underweight, but I think he always will be. I’ll just have to make sure I keep cutting up his carrots, other fruit and veg into tiny pieces, and check that Fredster doesn’t get it all first.