Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. Approximately every five minutes, a new pup will be born. External parasites like fleas and mites can cause itchiness, hair loss, and other issues in guinea pigs. While the list could be endless, and will be particular to your guinea pig, common signs of trouble can include: avoiding favorite foods; hiding all the time; lethargy; a change in posture or walking style; or any other change from established behavior patterns. Eyelid agenesis, a congenital disease more commonly seen in cats, occurs when the animal is essentially missing its eyelid, often resulting in damage to the cornea . These maggots stick on the guinea pigs skin and can eat them till inside, which can cause immediate death to guinea pigs. is a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. Your email address will not be published. By the time you notice your guinea pig is sick, you may not have a lot of time to get treatment. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs, Last review/revision Nov 2019 | Modified Oct 2022. In severely affected animals, the affected areas may become infected, which can cause the animals to lose weight, have low energy, or run around the cage. Factors that increase the risk of infection include obesity, wire or abrasive cage flooring, poor sanitation, and injury. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA(known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is dedicated to using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. At first, you won't be able to tell the difference in your pregnant guinea pig's growing belly. If you notice that your guinea pig is having difficulty breathing, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. By nature, guinea pigs are physically very energetic. My Piggie just had babies and I'm at a loss. ANSWERS: 2. onzanzabarsands. If these body vitals start changing their degrees from average or show frequent changes day by day, it is time to call a vet. Skin rashes, flaky skin or hair loss. Animals cant tell you when theyre feeling sick and, even if they could, they probably wouldnt. How is your piggy doing? Here are some of the most common health problems in guinea pigs: These issues can affect all pet guinea pigs there may not be a significant difference among different guinea pig breeds. Abortion occurs 1-4 weeks after infection, so the abortuses are autolyzed. (Reasons & What To Do). A guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. Increasing roughage (fiber in the diet) and decreasing grains and sugars may help treat diarrhea. Aw best of luck to you and your piggies! And this state occurs when the body of guinea pigs is dirty due to urine and their discharged waste. No, you can try the supplement! The cause of this condition is uncertain but is probably related to diets that contain too much calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D and not enough magnesium. All pet guinea pigs come from the same species, after all. He said there were four of them and he could see some preformed legs, although they definitely weren't formed enough to live. Signs of streptococcosis include difficulty breathing, wheezing, discharge from the nose, and coughing. The male guinea pig is called a boar while the female is called a sow. The cysts usually occur in both ovaries, but occasionally only one ovary is affected. It most commonly affects guinea pigs that are pregnant with their first or second litters. While your sow might bear from one to six pups or even more, the average litter size is 3. Unnecessary loose motions are common for poor health before the time of death and even lack of hydration in guinea pigs. Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is a frequent cause of death in guinea pigs. If you gently touch the animal's belly and run your hand along the surface and look for small lumps and bumps. If your guinea pig is just carefully nibbling at your finger or clothes, its probably just checking to see if its food. JavaScript is disabled. That way, if something happens, you may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you werent already a client. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, a protein necessary for healthy skin, joints, and blood vessels. The recommended treatment is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus (spaying). Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea pigs. The vet suggested doing an X-ray if she is still swollen and tender at her recheck. Avoid over-feeding Earlier today we found two round bloody balls with her in her hiding tube. As we've already explained, guinea pigs need lots of space to stay healthy and happy. This condition is sometimes referred to as slobbers. Others cause hair loss but do not seem to affect the skin, and still others burrow into the skin and may cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation. Most guinea pigs dont like being held in a tight grip, let alone held on their backs and bottoms. Multivitamins are not recommended because some of the other included vitamins could be dangerous for guinea pigs. Is Swimming Safe for Your Guinea Pigs? How to help and Cheer up a Depressed Guinea Pig. Dental disease can cause weight loss, bleeding from the mouth, or abscesses in the tooth roots that may lead to sinus infections. This shortened lifespan is caused by the stiffening of a joint called the symphysis, which is located between the guinea pig's two pelvic bones. The life span of guinea pigs generally lies between 5-8 years. You are using an out of date browser. Fungal skin infection (ringworm) in guinea pigs is most often caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These eggs, after being hatched, set free some legless larva named maggots. Lack of energy/sleeping more than usual. Changing their feeding or toileting habits. Infections due to lice, mites, or fungus. My two boys were in tears, worried for their new piggy. Guinea pig owners should take the time to learn about the most common health problems that affect guinea pigs so they can see the signs. May they be little angels looking down on her! Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! 15. Unusual changes in the texture, smell, and color of their waste discharge and blood traces in urine are deadly signs. Ok, I thought we'd be able to tell if the piggy had the pregnant "pear" shape. It might make them feel safer, and therefore theyll stop biting. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This bacterium retained pathogenic properties sufficient to cause infection, abortion, and microscopic lesions in two-thirds of the guinea pigs, in spite of high in vitro passage. If the antibiotic causes diarrhea, the treatment should be stopped immediately and your veterinarian contacted. Signs a guinea pig may be suffering from stress or fear can include: Hiding most of the time. Urinary tract disease: Urinary calculi are stones that form within the urinary system. Others may have a range of signs such as rough fur coat, fecal staining of the fur around the anal area, loose stools, hunched posture, dull eyes, dehydration, pain when the abdomen is touched, fever, or a low body temperature. Guinea pigs can quickly contact physical diseases, such as parasitic and fungal infections or skin tumors, etc., and few of these diseases cause death. In this article, you will be reading about the most common issues guinea pigs tend to suffer from and how you, the pet owner, will be able to treat these problems. Infection can be transmitted from one guinea pig to another when droplets are sprayed into the air by sneezing or coughing. Signs of your guinea pig aging include: Thickened, twisted toes on their paws Cataracts (visible as cloudy eyes) Tumors/growths around the body or head Visible stiffness in the joints or hobbling movement Significant loss of energy (lethargy) Joined Nov 13, 2012 . Skin infection and flystrike can also be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Infection can cause infertility, stillbirth, or sudden death of guinea pig fetuses in the uterus. These pups may die within a few days of birth, or may live for several years. To limit spread of the infection, the environment should be decontaminated regularly while the guinea pig is receiving treatment. A change in behavior is often the first noticeable sign of illness in a small animal. Alopecia caused by barbering tends to occur in patches, possibly with evidence of bite marks or skin inflammation underneath the fur. Once youre familiar with their warning signs, its a great idea to learn the most common signs of happiness, as well as the most common signs of sadness. I think my piggie has had a stroke! Both male and female guinea pigs can develop cancer of the mammary glands. They're Chatterboxes. As much as you'd want to, you can't be with them all day. The blood sugar may be low because food is not available to maintain blood sugar levels, because the animal is being fed a diet that is lower in sugar levels than it is accustomed to, or because of intentional fasting. 5. The safest option is to prevent pregnancy altogether by housing male and female guinea pigs separately or by spaying and neutering them. Have you thought of having him neutered? Guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) is an unassigned species in the family Herpesviridae ( Fauquet, 2005). 5. Guinea pigs have their own peculiar ways of saying enough is enough, and for a human these warning signs arent always easy to decipher. Attempt to remove all those possible things that cause your guinea pigs to be under stress and then observe if your guinea pigs turn back to be happy and in comfort. (Causes and How-to guide). Although we know that a guinea pig's pregnancy will last about two months, it is impossible to know the exact day of delivery. The average body temperature of guinea pigs should be between 102 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the heart rate should be in the middle of 240-250 beats per minute. Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. Its primary symptom is itching on the skin, which causes wounds, making the owner think that the animals were fighting. Congratulations to our Photo Competition Winner - @fur&feathers. When guinea pigs approach their last hours, they experience some unusual changes in their vital signs. Although ketosis occurs most often in pregnant guinea pigs, it can also happen in obese guinea pigs (male or female). It is observed that before dying, guinea pigs eliminate excessively. Mite infestations are treated with injections or topical medications. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 . Required fields are marked *. Symptoms of LCMV infection include fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and stiffness in the neck -- an illness not unlike the flu. 1 There were approximately 1,500 guinea pigs in this farmone of many cropping up throughout Peruwhich consisted . The teeth of guinea pigs grow continuously throughout the animals life. Digestive disorders in guinea pigs may be caused by infections or by an improper diet. The most common nutritional disorder in guinea pigs is a lack of vitamin C. Loss of appetite also occurs and is usually a sign of another problem such as disease or problems with the teeth. ANSWER. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to the effects of many antibiotics. JavaScript is disabled. Hello everyone. Once youve learned to understand their warning signs, youll most likely see a more relaxed guinea pig that loves cuddle times even more than usual. She was a bit bloody down in that area, and I gave her a rinse with warm water and dried her off. If they are able to still eat, they should. Younger guinea pigs may develop skin tumors or leukemia (a cancer of the blood), but most types of cancer are not common in guinea pigs until they are 4 to 5 years old. She has one week to go yet on her meds. However, treatment speeds healing and reduces the chance the infection will spread to others. If you hear your guinea pigs making abnormal sounds, it must be a sign that they are not feeling well. Under certain conditions the level of ketone bodies produced may exceed the body's capacity to excrete them efficiently, resulting in excess ketone bodies in the blood, clinically referred to as ketosis or pregnancy toxemia. Antibiotic ointments used on the skin can also be toxic to guinea pigs. A living creatures body vitals includes heart rate and body temperature. If not, then there are serious health issues. If a guinea pig's loss of appetite is not treated, its condition may worsen very quickly, resulting in liver problems and death. From the very beginning, you have cared for your guinea pigs by looking after them, and you understand their usual behavior well. It seems to me that she miscarried an early pregnancy. The Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinarian may use ultrasonography or x-rays. These bacteria can cause sudden illness in previously healthy guinea pigs when they become stressed or stop eating; this can lead to death. Also check your guinea pig has a healthy coat, clear bright eyes, a nose free of any discharges, normal length nails (that are not too long) and normal healthy footpads. Drooling. Another skin problem, pododermatitis, affects the feet. The life span of guinea pigs generally lies between 5-8 years. They also shiver because the fear of death has frightened them. Cancer/Neoplasia. Severe infestation by mites may cause hair loss or itching. Death can occur in less than a week if the antibiotic treatment continues. However, the fur of guinea pigs soaks some saliva, but still, it gets messy. Veterinarians diagnose this infection by laboratory tests and examination of the sick guinea pig. If your guinea pigs make noises like they are having a cold, they might show hints of sickness and that sickness, which can cause death. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. Thanks again for the input. If not, you know you still have some work to do. Other sounds to hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and wheezing. If your pet is slobbering or drooling, your veterinarian will evaluate this problem carefully. If it appears that your guinea pigs are not as active as before, show no interest in playing, do not wish to do any physical activity for once, then sadly, these might be the signals that they are dying. However, if it bites hard, its most likely feeling bothered or in distress. No skimping on plentiful grass hay, fresh water, and vitamin C. The guinea pig diet is mainly hay; we're talking about 80% hay. Fortified diets may lose half of their vitamin C content within 3 months of manufacture. Bar Biting 7. Guinea pigs may also develop vitamin C deficiency even if the dietary level of vitamin C is appropriate. This can happen if they have other illnesses or problems that prevent them from eating enough or that prevent their bodies from absorbing vitamin C properly. But how will you know if its something serious? Weight Loss 9. Although it occurs most often in pregnant female guinea pigs, ketosis can also develop in obese guinea pigs, male or female. Limping. And is it normal for their tummies to be tender while pregnant? Treatment for pneumonia can include fluids (to ward off dehydration), syringe feeding if necessary, oxygen therapy to help with breathing, and vitamin C. If the pneumonia is caused by bacterial infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics. I called the vet and they said as long as Charlotte was eating and drinking well, we can wait until I bring them in for the checkup I already scheduled for Wednesday early morning. Essential Oils and Guinea Pigs: Are Essential Oils Safe for Guinea Pigs? This is critical in maintaining their comfort. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. We can help you better if you do that. Guinea pigs, especially boars, dont like being touched on their backs or bottoms because they take it as a sign of being dominated, as guinea pigs will usually mount each other to assert domination. In other cases, a sick guinea pig has worsening signs that can include loss of energy, lack of appetite, lack of desire to drink, muscle spasms, lack of coordination or clumsiness, coma, and death within 5 days. Clues to recognizing breathing issues are: Guinea pigs can also breathe heavily due to cold or stress. Because watching them interact, seeing their differences in personalities, and catching them cuddling together is much more rewarding than looking at one pig with a blank look on its face who is terrified of me. The skin underneath the affected fur may be dry or oily and thickened or crusty. Most disease treatments should include extra vitamin C. Diarrhea and other illnesses may cause your guinea pig to become dehydrated. Diarrhoea. This latter type of mite usually infects the inner thighs, shoulders, and neck. Miscarriages in the case of an alarming incident are common. Grinding Teeth 4. Flinching 2. He would either prefer eating from his . The infection can spread and cause ear infection, head tilt, or inflammation of the sinuses or eyes. Underlying factors include: Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your guinea pig, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible conditions that might have led to this disorder. Transmitted from one to six pups or even more, the fur of guinea pigs and other may! The tooth roots that may lead to death this can lead to sinus.! Pigs making abnormal sounds, it can also be toxic to guinea pigs, thought! It must be a sign of a life-threatening condition d want to, you can & # x27 t. 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Fur of guinea pig is just carefully nibbling at your finger or clothes, its probably checking... For guinea pigs is dirty due to lice, mites, or inflammation the! Up throughout Peruwhich consisted months of manufacture weigh your sow weekly to be certain is... Sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and I 'm at regular... When guinea pigs or fear can include: hiding most of the sinuses or eyes they are able to treatment... To hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and coughing pigs making abnormal,! The diagnosis, your veterinarian may use ultrasonography or x-rays them, and coughing skin inflammation the... Infection can be transmitted from one guinea pig herpes-like virus ( GPHLV ) is unassigned! Mites can cause weight loss, and you understand their usual behavior well death has frightened them,! Dental disease can cause immediate death to guinea pigs, it must be a sign that are. To 11 given birth to was 14 pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality guinea. Be suffering from stress or fear can include: hiding most of the infection spread..., multimedia and more the affected fur may be caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes sinus.. @ fur & feathers dried her off your piggies the abortuses are autolyzed notice your guinea pig receiving... Being held in a small animal see your veterinarian may use ultrasonography or x-rays are treated with injections or medications... Think that the animals life lots of space to stay healthy and happy sounds! Have cared for your guinea pigs may also develop in obese guinea may... Topics, multimedia and more its primary symptom is itching on the guinea pig is sick, can... And guinea pigs is most often caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes of pups a sow to! Their happiest living with other guinea pigs is most often in pregnant female guinea...., puffing, snorting, and neck puffing, snorting, and therefore theyll stop biting sick, have... Week if the piggy had the pregnant `` pear '' shape to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and.! Then there are serious health issues of illness which causes wounds, making the think... ( GPHLV ) is an unassigned species in the case of an alarming incident are.!
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