In guinea pigs, conjunctivitis is usually caused by infection by bacteria, such as Bordetella or Streptococcus species, that cause general upper respiratory disease ( see Lung and Airway Disorders Lung and Airway Disorders Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. If your guinea pig doesnt usually bite and it suddenly starts biting you when you pick it up, theres a good reason to believe its sick. 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. One possible deadly skin infection that can attack guinea pigs is named myiasis, also known as flystrike. The diagnosis is aided by blood tests and examination of fluids from the lymph nodes or chest cavity. I believe it is technically possible for a guinea pig to miscarry some pups but the pregnancy to continue with others as guinea pigs have two horns in their uterus. Even if your guinea pig seems healthy, its your responsibility as a pet owner to keep up with annual checkups. 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. The antibiotic may be compounded into a suspension given by mouth, which should then be given as directed. Guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) is an unassigned species in the family Herpesviridae ( Fauquet, 2005). Carriers can suddenly become sick as a result of stress or anesthesia. Their warning signs are just the tip of the iceberg, but certainly the most important signs to get familiar with. Many antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, lincomycin, clindamycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tylosin, tetracycline, and chlortetracycline, can cause this problem. We are sadly still very limited when it comes to things going wrong during pregnancy and birth. This condition usually occurs in male guinea pigs that are more than 1 year old. Guinea pigs may carry Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria without seeming sick. Infection spreads between guinea pigs through bite wounds, cuts or scrapes in the skin or in the mouth, sneezing, coughing, or genital contact. Guinea pigs need at least 10 mg of vitamin C per kilogram of body weight daily (pregnant females need 30 mg/kg daily). A living creatures body vitals includes heart rate and body temperature. Its not exhaustive but it does list the vets and practices where members have noted they have been cavy savvy. Charlotte is doing fine right now! Source:Health issues in Guinea Pigs,Disorders and Diseases of Guinea Pigs,Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs,Biology and Diseases of Guinea Pigs. You should take your guinea pig to see a veterinarian if you notice any signs of constipation because constipation is rare in guinea pigs. o [pig guinea] If left untreated, the cysts may continue to grow and could potentially burst. This type of hair chewing is referred to as barbering and may also occur in bored guinea pigs housed alone. 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. Prevention of health problems in guinea pigs is key. Common reproductive problems in guinea pigs involve the ovaries or mammary glands (breasts). These are the conditions that invite flies to lay eggs on the skin of guinea pigs. 3 Do not wait to seek help. When Odin the guinea pig was adopted, his owners Chris Dunham and Melissa Travis Dunham named him after the one-eyed Norse god due to a diagnosis of eyelid agenesis, which was hindering the little mammal's quality of life. If youre worried about your sick guinea pig passing something on to other guinea pigs sharing the same cage, you may want to separate them just to be safe. 3. Cavy Slave. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Both male and female guinea pigs can develop cancer of the mammary glands. Ringworm usually goes away on its own in healthy guinea pigs. Unexpected laziness in your pets maybe the hint of distress. Neori theme, designed by litMotion Templates. They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. Interesting fact - The largest numbers of pups a sow has given birth to was 14! Other sounds to hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and wheezing. Abscesses can be surgically drained. 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. 1. How to prevent it: When stroking your guinea pig, try stopping at the middle of their back or just pet them behind their ears instead. A guinea pig who appears to be dying soon will be upset and breathe noisily; even the breathing will be in short gaps. Drinking too much or playing with the water bottle. Please don't have them together under any circumstances.. it only takes a second and your little girl may not be lucky enough to survive another pregnancy. Factors that increase the risk of infection include obesity, wire or abrasive cage flooring, poor sanitation, and injury. Find out more about the NEW, drastically improved site and forum! Digestive disorders in guinea pigs may be caused by infections or by an improper diet. It is observed that before dying, guinea pigs eliminate excessively. Sickness causes guinea pigs to be stressed; if your pet is sick, hold it as little as possible. Changing their feeding or toileting habits. Use for phrases (Reasons & What To Do). All rights reserved. Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea pigs. Chewing their cage bars. You can easily find a guinea pig at the pet store, but before you shop consider checking your local shelter or rescue. He said there were four of them and he could see some preformed legs, although they definitely weren't formed enough to live. Im so sorry I hope you are ok and your piggie. Theres really no other way to gain an understanding for your guinea pigs, than to observe them carefully and take note of their behavior. Ketone bodies are water soluble compounds, the product of the breakdown of fatty acids in the body a normal metabolic process. MeSH terms Abortion, Veterinary / microbiology* Animals Female Guinea pigs that are infested with lice do not usually have signs, but in severe cases lice can cause itching, hair loss, and inflammation of the skin around the neck and ears. Inadequate nutrition and vitamin C deficiency can make your pet more likely to develop these problems. about 24-48 hours before birth the pelvic bones will separate to about 3.5 cm. The female guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old. Over-grooming. Affected areas can become inflamed and more severely infected. A guinea pig that has a rough hair coat, is off his food, has diarrhea, is reluctant to walk, seems painful, has swollen feet or joints, or has hemorrhages and ulcers on its gums or skin, is likely to be deficient in vitamin C. "Guinea pigs and primates cannot manufacture their own vitamin C; therefore, they must take in vitamin C in their diets." Is it because of the way youre holding it? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2. ANSWER. Because an animal that is treated may still continue to infect other animals even when it does not seem sick, treatment may not be recommended. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Your vet may want to investigate this, especially in aging guinea pigs, to make sure this isn't a chicken-and-the egg scenario and the treatment is appropriate for the root cause. Symptoms of LCMV infection include fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and stiffness in the neck -- an illness not unlike the flu. Scurvy. Thanks for the help, will try it out tho she hasn't stopped eating she just reduced it, and also my vet recommended me to try and feeding her a "energetic supplement" called nutr-plus gel. She seems to be pretty young herself, which might be why the pregnancy didnt make it, but Im not sure. 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. Dental disease can cause weight loss, bleeding from the mouth, or abscesses in the tooth roots that may lead to sinus infections. Sudden death can occur when outbreaks occur among groups of guinea pigs. How to prevent it: Its not always easy to understand why guinea pigs are chattering their teeth, but if youre holding it, try putting it back into its cage. These diseases have their characteristics like bald spots on the skin, dandruff, or formation of scales and peeling of skin in thin pieces. Vitamin C added to fortified guinea pig diets is not very stable and breaks down with exposure to moisture, heat, and light. Any thoughts on that gel? Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. The duller the teeth are, the closer they likely are to 5 years of age. Though guinea pigs who suffer from sickness are likely to show less interest in cleaning themselves. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , but many guinea pigs carry this virus without any signs of illness. Some teeth may need to be clipped or filed to help your pets jaw close properly. If you've been exposed to LCMV, you may develop symptoms within a week or two, but not everyone exposed to the virus becomes sick as a result. I've been feeding her with a syringe mushy pellets however the link you sent me doesn't talk about mushing any type of fruit or veggie. Fingers very firmly crossed! JavaScript is disabled. Guinea pigs without signs of illness may carry Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria in the nose or throat. Additionally, it is not always easy to detect the symptoms which indicate an imminent birth, since there are little changes in their visible behavior. Consult your veterinarian about any special dietary requirements your guinea pig may have during the recovery period, as well as any other recommendations that may be helpful in helping your guinea pig to recover quickly from the pregnancy toxemia. 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. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues. Still, if your guinea pigs do not feel hungry for food, this might be the hint of experiencing illness or facing death. Pets. The safest option is to prevent pregnancy altogether by housing male and female guinea pigs separately or by spaying and neutering them. Haha yeah, my boyfriend is brave, although he says he'll have guinea pig nightmares for a while! In most cases, the small forms are a sign of guinea pig pregnancy. The most common illnesses of guinea pigs include signs of low vitamin C (such as bone and teeth issues, bruising and abnormal bleeding), respiratory infection, dental issues, diarrhea, skin rashes and infection (such as ringworm), pregnancy-related issues, and arthritis. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); wereallaboutpets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Think it would be all right to mush up a veggie or fruit like a cucumber for example to help her out to stay healthy until tomorrow when I'll take her to the vet? And it occurs when guinea pigs start avoiding food, which leads to slowing down digestion. This latter type of mite usually infects the inner thighs, shoulders, and neck. I believe its been confirmed by a vet that she isn't pregnant. 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. Because treating health issues in guinea pigs can be difficult, its important for pet owners to know the basics about common health problems so they can see the signs early. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. In general, you should avoid giving your guinea pig any antibiotics unless specifically directed by a veterinarian familiar with these animals. Unusual changes in the texture, smell, and color of their waste discharge and blood traces in urine are deadly signs. Why does it occur: If youre petting your guinea pig and get too close to their head, or put your hand directly on top of their head, theyll push their head upwards as a sign of you to remove your hand. Skin rashes, flaky skin or hair loss. Ketosis may cause fetal guinea pigs to die in the uterus. Does your finger taste like veggies? Water is vital for life. Your veterinarian will be able to determine a diagnosis of ketosis by the results of the blood tests, which will show the number of ketone bodies that are present in the blood. Lethal guinea pigs are white in colour (not albino) are born blind, usually in both eyes, have crooked or deformed teeth, are often also deaf and often suffer from internal deformities particularly to the digestive organs. Just make sure your cavy has everything he needs a comfy place to rest, a fresh water bottle, food, and hay. Sneezing and some drainage from her nose. The only supplement your guinea pig is likely to need is vitamin C, but even that can be provided through leafy green vegetable and small amounts of certain fruits. Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition by examination and laboratory tests. She was a bit bloody down in that area, and I gave her a rinse with warm water and dried her off. The primary sign of ringworm is the presence of bald, scaly patches, usually starting on the face (nose, around the eyes, and ears) and head. If a guinea pig becomes infected, the illness may take several courses: 1) infection may spread to the bloodstream and cause sudden death; 2) infected guinea pigs may lose weight, develop diarrhea, and die over the course of 3 to 4 weeks; 3) lymph nodes in the neck or shoulder may enlarge; or 4) your pet may be infected without seeming sick. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. is a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. Some types of mites cause no signs. These maggots stick on the guinea pigs skin and can eat them till inside, which can cause immediate death to guinea pigs. Although they can be toxic in guinea pigs ( see Antibiotics Antibiotics Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. 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 do not usually die from this virus, but those that do die often die suddenly without seeming sick. Keep a same-sex pair to ensure you don't have any unwanted litters. They may have a rough hair coat, lose their appetite, lose weight, have diarrhea, become ill, or die suddenly. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 . Use to remove results with certain terms Take your guinea pigs to a vet and consult them about the issues which make you worried about your pets. 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. A proper diet that does not change from day to day, clean water, bedding materials that are gentle on your pets skin, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of the cage, a low-stress environment, and sufficient exercise all help prevent illness. Make sure your guinea pigs are comfortable, and youll no longer have to worry about warning signals. Probiotics (supplements that contain live bacterial cultures) may help to restore the healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. The early stages of fetal, placental and yolk sac development in the guinea pig are very complex and involve some mechanisms specific to caviomorph rodents (e.g. How to prevent it: When stroking your guinea pig, try stopping at the middle of their back or just pet them behind their ears instead. Treatment is usually with topical medication. The signs of arthritis in guinea pigs include: Increase in-ear wax buildup Doesn't enjoy being handled or touched Difficulty moving around Difficulty in eating cecotropes Strange, wobbly walk Losing the balance on their back legs Difficulty jumping over small objects or onto high surfaces Reduced grooming, especially around their bottom The genital form of the infection can also be transmitted by sexual contact. How Much Time Should You Spend With Your Guinea Pig. Sorry for your loss of the pups. How is your piggy doing? Ok, I thought we'd be able to tell if the piggy had the pregnant "pear" shape. Different people keep guinea pigs regardless of their sexes for different reasons. Usually the teeth will stop right away. Although we know that a guinea pig's pregnancy will last about two months, it is impossible to know the exact day of delivery. 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. Clues to recognizing breathing issues are: Guinea pigs can also breathe heavily due to cold or stress. 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. Treatment consists of housing the guinea pig in a smooth-floored cage with soft bedding, improving sanitation, and administering medical treatment depending on the severity of the condition. The estrous cycle length is 16 days.