Micah Feeding

Vet Speak

In this section, Dr. Micah Kohles, Oxbow’s Director of Technical Services, answers all of your animal health related questions.  If you have a question for Micah regarding the health or behavior of your small animal, send it to web@oxbowanimalhealth.com.

Dear Dr. Kohles,

My guinea pig is on Critical Care at the moment after teeth surgery and he has not been eating. The vet said he has air in his stomach. He is on day 2, and is starting to nibble on some lettuce now. What is the recommended time to stop feeding him the formula?

Sincerely,
Nadine P.

Dear Nadine,

There is no specific time to stop supplemental feeding with Critical Care, as it really needs to be determined by how your pet is responding. Critical Care is nutritionally-balanced and can be fed for weeks and even months if needed. That being said, the goal is always to get your pig back on his normal diet as soon as possible. I recommend continuing to offer increasing amounts of greens, as well as pellets and hay. If the animal is not willing or able to eat anything outside of Critical Care and greens for more than 2-3 days, I recommend you contact your veterinarian to update him/her and seek additional guidance. Small herbivores, like guinea pigs, have very sensitive GI tracts, so we want to be sure all of their needs are being met. Good luck and let us know if we can be of any more help!

Sincerely,

Dr. Micah Kohles, DVM
Director of Technical Services
Oxbow Animal Health