MY GUINEA PIG DON’T LOOK SO GOOD…
Guinea pigs are good at hiding illness and pain. If they are behaving abnormally this may be a sign that something is wrong.
Guinea pigs are good at hiding illness and pain. If they are behaving abnormally, this may be a sign that something is wrong.
Guinea pigs are hardy family pets, and if they are handled gently and, accorded with care and affection can live an average of five to seven years. This lifespan is considerably longer than other small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice or rats.
As with all healthy animals they are susceptible to certain health problems and issues.
By knowing what the most common illnesses are, you can monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick.
Look for any change in behaviour, appetite, elimination (urination and defecation), and any other daily habits. Also keep an eye out on physical changes like hair loss, skin redness, or swelling. Monitor any changes and speak with
your veterinarian if you suspect there might be something off with your cavy.
The following is a brief description of some of the more common problems associated with these little wonders. The excerpt is reprinted with permission from Deborah Monks,
BVSc, FANZCVS, ECZM and the Veterinary Information Network.
Bacterial Enteritis
A number of bacteria are capable of causing infections of the gastrointestinal tract in guinea pigs. Some of these bacteria are introduced through contaminated greens or vegetables or in contaminated water.
One of the most common bacteria that causes intestinal disease in guinea pigs is Salmonella spp. In addition to diarrhoea, other common symptoms associated with intestinal disease are lethargy and weight loss.
A veterinarian may elect to use aggressive antibiotic therapy and supportive care to treat this condition. A bacterial culture of the patient’s stool with antibiotic sensitivity will greatly assist the veterinarian in choosing an appropriate antibiotic.
Bacterial Pododermatitis (Bumblefoot)
Severe footpad infections are common among guinea pigs housed on poor substrate, especially cages with wire flooring. Poor hygiene, including faecal soiling, makes the problem bigger.
Symptoms of this condition include swelling of the affected feet, lameness, and reluctance to move. Improved sanitation and better substrate are the initial steps in correcting the problem.
In addition, the feet themselves should be treated by a veterinarian. Topical dressing with an and periodic bandaging is often required.
Fur Loss
Fur loss is a common problem in guinea pigs.
Hair loss or hair thinning can occur for a number of reasons. It is common among sows with cystic ovarian disease, or those that are repeatedly bred.
Weakened, newly weaned juvenile guinea pigs can also be affected. Fur loss problems are also seen with certain fungal diseases and external parasite infestations. In some groups, barbering (removing hair) of subordinate pigs by dominant ones can happen.
Lice and mites are the most common external parasites of guinea pigs. Mite infestations are usually more severe than lice.
A specific mite, Trixacarus cavie, causes serious infestations in pet guinea pigs. This sarcoptic mite lives in the outer layers of skin causing an intense itching and scratching with considerable hair loss. In some cases, they don’t itch or scratch but only have hair loss and crusting of the skin.
A veterinarian can diagnose this mite infestation by performing skin scrapings of affected areas and viewing them under the microscope. There are several treatment options, ranging from pills to injectable to topical medication.
In the meantime, if wood shavings are used as bedding or litter, it should be replaced with paper toweling to reduce handling of your pig and make the enclosure soft and comfortable. Ensure adequate vitamin C levels in the diet.
Lice are tiny, wingless, flattened insects that live within the hair coats of infested animals. Heavy infestations are usually accompanied with excessive itching, scratching, and some hair loss. Scabbing on or around the ears may also be evident.
Guinea pigs are parasitised by two types of biting lice. Both irritate and abrade the skin’s surface and feed off the bodily fluids that exude through the superficial wounds they create.
A veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis of lice infestation through microscopic examination of hairs from affected animals. Treatment is usually in the form of an insecticidal shampoo that is prescribed by the veterinarian.