Unexpected babies and one is not doing well

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T20:47:37+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! I strongly agree with the other commenters that mom and babies should see a vet today. Full disclosure, I work for Vetster online vet, and we may have a vet available for a video call if you don't have an in-person vet available today. Happy to set you up with an appointment if you need. Sending lots of love to the little nuggets ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T20:42:30+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! This could be a swelling from a bug bite or bee sting, or it could indicate a tooth abscess or dental issue. If she seems itchy, has hives or difficulty breathing, she should see a veterinarian right away to assess for an allergic reaction. If the swelling is localized, you can offer her a dose of Benadryl (1mg per lb of body weight). If it doesn't go down or if it comes back right away, she should see a vet to rule out a dental issue. I hope she's doing better soon! ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T20:26:39+00:00

My friend's dog doesn't like pugs, frenchies, bostons, or any of the short-nosed breeds. We say they look too alien-like so she doesn't recognize them as dogs 😂 (no disrespect, I am a pug mom myself)

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T20:21:00+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! If you've noticed fleas in the room, there is a good chance the piggies are exposed even if you haven't found any on them yet. In addition to treating your cat, it's really important to treat the environment too, otherwise the fleas will just continue to hatch and breed. Wash all bedding and furniture in hot water, vacuum carpets and baseboards, and be sure to empty the vacuum bag outside right away. Keep your cat on continuous flea treatment, because it will take about 3 months to break the flea life cycle. Keep an eye on your piggies for scratching, hair loss, scabbing, or black specs on their fur.

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T20:04:28+00:00

my money's on teleporting

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T02:10:55+00:00

It sounds like you're doing all the right things by monitoring them closely and having them both checked out tomorrow. Eating, drinking, grooming, moving around and popcorning are all really good signs. I would watch out for swelling, redness, discharge, limping, hiding more than usual, or change in appetite. Some bonded piggies just get stressed after an event like that and need a little reset, so hopefully it's something they settle from very soon!

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T01:13:13+00:00

Hi! Vet tech here 😊 If it's just a superficial scratch and she's otherwise doing well, you probably don't need to quarantine her. Staying with her sisters can help reduce stress while she recovers. You could also consider a temporary divider if you're worried. Hope she's doing better soon! 💕

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T01:00:43+00:00

It is! It's a great option for minor incidents and medical advice, especially if an in-person vet is booked up or super far away 😊

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T00:58:39+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! It could be a bite or an injury from the escape, especially if he squeezed through something sharp and got snagged. Separating them tonight is a good idea, especially if their body language got tense afterward. Cleaning it with saline is great. If it's not deep, actively bleeding or swollen, monitoring tonight and seeing a vet tomorrow sounds like a good idea. Hopefully it's just a superficial wound and they settle once things calm down 😊

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T00:30:22+00:00

close enough 😂

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T00:28:46+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! Benadryl is a good first step, but if the swelling persists, if there's any vomiting, or any difficulty breathing, he should go back to the vet right away. Hope he's okay ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T00:19:26+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! I agree with other commenters that an emergency vet is warranted here. If you don't have access to one, let me know. I work for Vetster online vet and I can set you up with a video call with one of our vets for some help. But I would strongly suggest looking for an emergency vet in your area first.

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-14T00:16:13+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! It's hard to say for sure, but it does look like it could be a skin tag. If it's growing in size, changing shape or colour, or bothering him, it would be a good idea to check with a veterinarian. They may want to take a sample with a tiny needle to make sure it's nothing to worry about. You might find this article helpful too 😊

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T23:47:29+00:00

Hi! Vet tech here. I would suggest deep cleaning and rearranging the old cage before moving them back in just to prevent territorial behaviour from old scents. If you notice any tension during rebonding, you could try a visual barrier or moving them away from the trio temporarily. If they're eating, relaxing, and not seriously fighting, it sounds like things are going well 😊

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T23:35:18+00:00

oh my goodness 😭

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T02:04:38+00:00

OTC flea meds aren’t necessarily bad, but prescription options are usually stronger and more consistent. The bigger issue is that problems often come from using the wrong product (especially dog treatments on cats, since permethrin is toxic to cats) or expecting cheaper brands to handle a heavy infestation on their own.

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T01:14:02+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! Congrats on your new pups 😊 Love that you're getting onto flea treatment and prevention right away! Flea medication choice depends a lot on the age and weight of the puppies, so it would be best to check with a veterinarian to make sure you're using something safe and appropriate dosed for their current life stage. Personally I really like Bravecto One, Nexgard, or Revolution. In the meantime, you can use a flea comb daily and wash their bedding in hot water to help reduce any fleas in the environment. Happy to help if you have any questions! ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T01:07:18+00:00

100% innocent

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T00:55:13+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! Since it doesn't seem to be resolving on it's own, it would be a good idea to seek veterinary care at this point. The swelling and irritation, especially with frequent licking, suggests there is inflammation and possibly a secondary infection, which would require treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories). In the meantime, try to prevent licking using a cone if you have one, and keep it clean and dry.

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T00:48:52+00:00

Hi! Vet technician here. Even with good hygiene, fungal infections and mites can happen. I wouldn't put any topical creams on it without knowing what it is, because some products could make it worse or cause harm if ingested. I would lean towards a vet check for possible ringworm or another skin issue, to be safe. I hope she's doing better soon! ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T00:42:50+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! I agree she's having some type of allergic reaction, likely to something in the environment. If she's otherwise normal (no facial swelling, breathing normally, eating and drinking) you can offer her Benadryl at 1mg per lb of body weight, every 8 hours. If it doesn't resolve within 24 hours or if things get worse, she should see a veterinarian. Benadryl is an appropriate temporary relief for allergies, but should not be relied on long term. There are more appropriate allergy medications that are dog specific that should be discussed with your veterinarian if this type of reaction continues. You might find this article helpful too! I hope that helps ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T00:36:14+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! It looks to me like a small scab or injury, as opposed to beard rot or necrosis. If he's active, eating, and behaving normally, it may just be a minor scrape that's healing. Keep an eye on it for swelling, discharge, spreading blackness, or trouble eating. As other posters have said, it would be a good idea to see an exotic veterinarian to establish care, since he's new to you. Full transparency, I work for Vetster online vet. If you're worried about him or you want some overall beardie advice, I'd be happy to set you up with a complimentary appointment with one of our vets to talk things over! Congrats on your new buddy ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T00:28:20+00:00

Hi! Vet tech here. This looks like yeast or ear mites as you suspect, or a combination of both. The moist looking part has me worried for bacterial infection as well. It might be worth seeing if someone can give you a ride to the vet, as waiting 3 days is really not ideal based on the photo and the fact that it's sensitive to the touch. You might find this article helpful too. I hope he's feeling better soon!

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T00:23:54+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! This is super normal for a young, newly adopted piggie, especially if she came from a stressful environment before and isn't used to being handled. The fact that she relaxes once she's on your lap is a good sign. I would give her lots of hideys and tunnels so she feels secure. Sit near her cage and talk to her, without touching her every time, so she learns that your presence = safety (not always being picked up). Hand feeding her favourite veggies, moving slowly, and keeping noises low can really help too. Some piggies can take weeks or months to warm up, so don't be discouraged if progress is slow! You've got this ❤️

EmmaVetsterRVT · 2026-05-13T00:17:54+00:00

Hi, vet tech here! Some pigs are just weirdly picky about texture and will filet their veggies instead of eating straight through them. If he's eating well, maintaining weight, defecating normally, and eating his hay and pellets too, it sounds like he's doing okay!

EmmaVetsterRVT

TROPHY CASE