Plump like a Blueberry

    Two months ago walking into the petstore in Owensboro I knew that the guinea pig I would be choosing would be a great addition to my family. The petstore had many different little piggies to choose from, but this little white one sitting behind the glass in a small green cage caught my eye. When the worker handed him to me I knew that he was the one I wanted! Perfect little round plump ball of fur. Blueberry was the name I chose, suited him perfect.

     After around a month I adopted two more guinea pigs. Pancake and Butters. Once I watched them interacting with each other, I noticed that Blueberry was different. I just passed it off as him being "laid back." Another month passed by and I keep noticing my beautiful white piggy was starting to turn yellow under his chin and on his neck. I just thought, "what a messy eater!" As time passed, it seemed to get worse. I noticed that when I would pick him up his neck would often be wet. I started to wonder if something wasn't right.

     I decided to watch Blueberry eat one of his pellets one day soon after. I seen that he was sticking his tongue out alot and drooling. I knew something wasn't right. I pryed his mouth open and was shocked to find that he had no top or bottom teeth. I couldn't believe that he could have never had any teeth, I mean how could I not have noticed before?  After consulting with several people online and on guinea pig forums I made a vet appointment.

     Monday, January 2, 2012 Blueberry had his first vet appointment. The vet seemed very good and knew alot about guinea pigs. He checked him over very well and informed me that I have what is known as a "lethal white" guinea pig. I was also surprised and saddened to learn that Blueberry not only didn't have any front teeth, he was also blind and deaf. Broke my heart. His molars are also severly overgrown. He has an appointment on the 12th of January to get put under and have them filed down.

     The vet put together a fantastic plan for me. Blueberry is very small for his age of 5 months. He only weighs 262 grams. This is about the size of a 1-4 week old guinea pig. I have been soaking his pellets in water so they are all soft and falling apart. He then licks them up like a champ. I have also been mashing up his veggies and he is also licking them. He has been gaining grams everyday.

     I hope that everyone will continue to follow Blueberry's story and be inspired. Special needs pets are the ones who touch your heart in the most special of ways. He is a very special piggy and is much loved.