Guinea Pig Health

Overview

Guinea pigs are susceptible to many different health problems. Some common issues are treatable at home and vet visits aren't always necessary. They are considered "exotic pets" and cost far more to bring to the vet than a normal pet would. Although if you think there may be a serious health issue, don't hesitate to bring your guinea pig to the vet. When they get a serious health problem, they can go downhill fast and some conditions could quickly become life-threatening. Most health problems are preventable with proper care. The best way to diagnose a health problem is by knowing your pig while it is well and recognizing when it starts acting strangely.

Quick List of Potentially Serious Symptoms

• refusal to eat or drink
• trouble breathing, constant wheezing
• swollen abdomen
• hair loss, lots of scratching
• limping
• balance issues
• puffed-up coat
• crusty eyes/sneezing
• weight loss
• blood in urine or feces
• no urine/feces
• lethargy/hunched up
• receding eyes
• diarrhea
• acting out of the ordinary
• bleeding
• lumps or sores
• tilting head
• very snotty nose that persists for days

These aren't all the possible symptoms but are the more common ones that show something may be wrong. Check out www.merckvetmanual.com for a detailed list of guinea pig illnesses.

Tips for Treating Certain Illnesses

Mites

Mites can cause your guinea pig a lot of discomfort and can be life threatening if not dealt with. If your guinea pig is scratching excessively and is starting to lose patches of fur, chances are it has mange mites. Mange mites are easily treated at home by applying small amounts of ivermectin to the affected areas once or twice a week.

Scurvy/vitamin C deficiency

Some symptoms of a deficiency of vitamin C include lameness, lethargy, poor appitite, poor hair coat quality and pain. The very best way to get your guinea pig more vitamin C is through fresh foods. You can buy vitamin c supplements and drops, but they aren't as effective as simply giving them fresh food containing the vitamin. If it is too severe immediately go to the vet, generally with this you can handle it yourself at home.

Any Illness

If your guinea pig is sick with anything at all, it is a good idea to give a little extra food, keep everything even cleaner than usual, and give some extra vitamin Care to try and give them the best shot at a good recovery.

Breeding

Breeding guinea pigs yourself is never recommended. Guinea pigs are sexually mature by 4 weeks old and after 8 months of age it can be fatal to let a female become pregnant if she hadn't been already. There is a huge number of possible complications and a female that has given birth usually has her life span reduced by quite a bit. Breeders are used to their pigs dying after birth because it is so common. Baby guinea pigs are born large, with full coat of fur, and already ready to get up and run around which causes a number of issues for the mother. There is roughly a 20% chance that the mother won't survive a pregnancy.