I'm no expert either but I used to be owned by a Gpig and bunny when I was a kid.

Lucky the Gpig, never liked being picked up either.

I remember reading that Gpig should never be lifted off the ground. It causes too much stress, as naturally they would live at ground level.

But this was 20 years ago, when it was recommended that bunnies & Gpigs should be housed together in outside hutches. So that advice may be very outdated.

What about ringing your vets for advice over the phone ?

Good Luck