Common Guinea Pig Illnesses
Guinea Pig Illnesses
There are a variety of guinea pig illnesses that can affect your pet. Most conditions can be treated with better success if they’re caught early. This article will discuss some of the most common conditions that can affect cavies.
Scurvy
Guinea pigs are unable to make their own vitamin C, so they need it in their diets. If they don’t get enough vitamin C, then they will likely develop scurvy. Some of the main signs of this condition include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and lethargy. Other common symptoms of scurvy are eye and nose discharge and difficulty walking.
Heat Stroke
Cavies can generally handle colder weather better than they can hotter temperatures. When exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period, they are susceptible to suffering a heat stroke. This is especially a problem with long-haired breeds. You need to monitor your pet when temperatures go above 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. If the increased temperature is coupled with humidity above 70 percent, the likelihood of problems developing increases.
URI
One of the next common guinea pig illnesses is a UTI, or upper respiratory infection. This condition is caused by bacteria. It causes symptoms such as difficulty breathing, eye and nose discharge, sneezing, and coughing. An upper respiratory infection needs to be treated with an antibiotic safe for use in cavies. If left untreated, your guinea pig will almost certainly die.
Ear Infection
Your pet can also develop an ear infection. Like a UTI, it is also caused by bacteria. The most noticeable symptoms are head tilting and difficulty walking. You will need to seek help from a vet so that your pig can take antibiotics to treat the condition. The antibiotics can be administered in either oral or topical form.
URI/Upper Respiratory Infection Are URI’s contagious? - Guinea Pig
It’s very important to wash your hands before handling your other pigs or you will help pass the illness to the others. Monitor your other pigs for signs and symptoms. If your other pig or pigs develope any signs and symptoms.
Examine During Grooming for Guinea Pig
Appearing sick in the wild is an invitation for early death, so guinea pigs have mastered the art of hiding their illnesses. Responsible owners need to be aware of this, so they can notice subtle signs of potential trouble in their pet
Foods That Should Never Be Fed To A Guinea Pig
However, keep in mind that if you accidentally feed your guinea pig something from the above list that is not lethal, simply just watch over your guinea pig carefully for signs of any illness. However, you will have to take your guinea pig
Things To Consider When Choosing Your Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs can contract illnesses from one another. In other words, if your guinea pig was housed with another guinea pig who was sick, there are high chances that your guinea pig will come down with the same illness too.
Malocclusion of Premolar Teeth (Slobbers): A common problem of guinea pigs (especially those over 3 years old) results when the upper and lower premolar teeth (the most forward cheek teeth) meet improperly while chewing.
Guinea pig illness? My guinea pig has a lump above its nose, its beginning to bleed, it is only a baby guinea pig have had it about a month or so, originally thought it was an insect bite, does anyone know what it is? and any treatment?
Author: Jake D These are some of the most common guinea pig illnesses. If you’re new caring for cavies, then there are many things you need to learn about proper guinea pig care. So, click here now to pick up even more tips to ensure excellent guinea pig health.
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