Anorexia is a condition where the cavy refuses to eat. It's a rather common and quite often heart breaking condition, because a cavy who doesn't eat very quickly loses the will to live and dies within a few days.
Several diseases cause discomfort and make the cavy stop eating. As a rule the cavy starts eating again when It feels better, but occasionally the appetite isn't restored. And sometimes the cavy stops eating without any obvious reason.
Anorexia must be distinguished from the tooth fault of maloc-clusion. In the case of anorexia the cavy doesn't pay attention to the food at all, whilst in the case of tooth fault the cavy seems ever hungry and tries to chew the food.
If the cavy doesn't eat for 24 hours or more, a life threatening condition develops. Body fat in large amounts is released and fatty liver and ketosis is the result. The condition is similar to pregnancy Toxaemia, but doesn't develop as fast and as dramatically as In the pregnant sow. As with toxaemla fat animals are more likely to develop the disease. The condition Is quite often irreversible, and in this case the cavy will die from ketosis and liver failure if not euthanized.
So, if a cavy stops eating it doesn't help to wait and see if it's better tomorrow. Quick action Is needed, if you want to save the pig. First of all you must find out if there is an underlying cause. If there is. this must be corrected and the disease must be treated. If it still doesn't eat or if there Is no obvious reason, you must try to Persuade the cavy to eat.

Titbits. Offer favourite food. Pet cavies enjoy being hand fed. Company: Another cavy may cheer up the sick one. Yoghurt or a similar preparation containing a healthy intestinal bacterial flora. Helps to restore normal intestinal function. Vitamin supplement: Vitamin B has an appetite stimulating effect. Booze: 1/2 ml of whisky, brandy, gin or whatever available in this category. Has often a spectacular effect on appetite. Gjucose: Given orally or as an injection under the skin. A source of energy, which may help stop release of body fat. Non-stenoid pain killers: E.g. paracetamol mixture. Relieves Dam. Cortisone. Relieves pain and itching. Gives a feeling of well-being and increases appetite. Counteracts ketosis and develop-ment of fatly liver.
If the cavy begins to eat a little again, half the battle is won, Out it is necessary to watch it very carefully for the next couple of weeks and to avoid any stress. The cavy may stop eating again if not treated or handled with care. If the cavy after 24 hours of treatment still refuses to eat, the chances of saving the pig are minimal, and euthanasia is the only reasonable solution.
Because anorexia is so difficult to treat, it is very important to start treatment as soon as possible, preferably before the anorexia is complete. A cavy which still eats a little is much easier to treat than a cavy which must be forced fed, as this is stressful to the cavy,but necessary if they persist to not eat..
The most important thing is to get the cavy eating again..

MITES
To prevent theses little hanger oners...Dip your cavy regulary in a mite rinse..We use "FIDO'S FREE ITCH or MALATROY alternately...I don't know but I feel if you use them alternately the critters can't build up a resistance to the products :)

INTERNAL PARASITES
1 drop of IVOMECTIN on the tongue every month does a wonderful job..it also helps with the dreaded Selnic Mite

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