[Gingerred]

Hi Guys, I'm not sure if Winston isn't feeling well, but I thought I'd post here, and keep an eye on him. He didn't drink any water last night, or at least had very little. He usually drinks about half a bowl full every night. He did eat most of his kibble, 2 mealies and some cantalope, so he at least got some water in him last night. He also just peed on the kitchen floor, so I don't think he's dehydrated, but his poops are darker and hard. I actually thought I had missed them last night, cos they look like the ones I clean out of his litter box after his night or running. Anyway, they were in the pee puddle, so they were obviously new. He's still running, and he annointed tonight. Any thoughts?? I'll keep an eye on him, and check his wheel before I go to bed, but he's still newer to me, and I'm just wanting to be cautious. Thanks guys

Kendra

 

[Hedgiepets]

He could be dehydrated, since the poo was small and hard. I would syringe him some water.

 

[AprilD]

Was cantaloupe a new addition? It may have bothered his tummy or it may have been juicy enough that he drank less. Let us know how tonight goes. If he still does not drink, you can try adding a bit of honey to an alternate dish of water (so provide his normal water as well).

 

[Gingerred]

The cantalope wasn't brand new, but newer. He's had it once or twice before, a few weeks ago. He ran all night, and drank a bit more water last night than the night before, but still not as much as usual. I cleaned his wheel twice last night, and it was a mess again this morning, and his poops were a lot more normal than the first few. He was up running until just before I got up, so he seems normal still. I'll try the 2 bowls of water. Thanks April

Kendra

 

[Gingerred]

He's still not drinking much, and last night he barely ate either. His wheel was quite clean this morning, though the poops he did last night looked good. I've got an appt. with the vet, but she can't get me in till Monday. I was told that if he gets worse, take him to the emergency clinic, but what defines worse?? I'm going to try syringing him tonight. April, I'll PM you with a coupole other questions. Thanks

Kendra

 

[Gingerred]

Okay, another update. He was wheeling all last night, and seemed quite normal. I think he drank a little water with pedialyte, though he refuses to be syringe fed, actually pushes it away with his feet. He did eat all of April's Delight Hedgie Food (Hills AD, chicken broth and sweet potatoe baby food) which I put into his bowl, since he wouldn't take it in syringe, and some of his kibble, so I'm feeling better this morning. He also left a big puddle on the kitchen floor.
Here's my question. He can't be dehydrated if he's still peeing like that, can he?? Nancy, I tried your skin dehydration test, but I"m not sure if I've done it right. I was pinching the skin with his quills, and it didn't seem to stay - moved back to it's normal position. Is that where I"m supposed to pinch?? Maybe he's just learning to control his intake/outtake better now that he's getting older (5 months)?? He is using his litter box a lot more regularly lately. I'm still going to take him in on Monday

Kendra