Guinea Pig Ailments You Should to Be Aware Of

There are certain guinea pig ailments you need to be aware of for the health of your pet.

Pneumonia

Cavies (guinea pigs) are susceptible to respiratory infections including pneumonia brought on by bacteria. Signs are difficulty breathing, wheezing, tiredness, and discharge from the nose or eyes.

Rabbits carry the pneumonia causing bacteria as part of their normal bacteria and it will spread to the cavy making him sick if they are in close proximity so need to be separated. When the animal of one species gets germs from another species the illness is far worse then it is for the host species. Like when humans get bird flu or swine flu. If you suspect pneumonia bring him to the vet for treatment with antibiotics.

A Sluggish Cavy

If your cavy is sluggish or has stiff or swollen joints with a resulting reluctance to moving around he could have a vitamin C deficiency. There gums can bleed easily without cause. Humans and cavies, unlike most mammals, are unable to produce their own vitamin C so must rely on outside sources for it like foods high in vitamin C content. If we don't get enough scurvy will develop in which case we just eat some oranges or take some vitamin C. It is supposed to be in any pellets you feed your cavy but you should also feed him foods high in vitamin C. Scurvy can be lethal to a cavy but it is easily reversible and should you suspect it you need to take him to your vet for treatment.

Vitamin C can deteriorate if exposed to the elements like being left in the direct sunlight or prolonged heat. If you feed your cavy pellets containing vitamin C you store them in a dark and cool place to prevent deterioration.

Lice

If your cavy is excessively scratching or he's very sensitive to your touch and even aggressive about it cause it hurts him this could be signs of lice. You can comb through the hair. Lice can be spotted by looking for small flat brown bugs that attach to the hair. The eggs are also attached to the hair. Running lice on the other hand can be seen moving through the hair. It's difficult for your pet to get this unless he is in contact with another cavy that has lice. And don't worry they aren't transferrable to humans so you can handle your pet. Treatment us usually bathing him with a medicated shampoo which you get from the vet.

Intestinal Infections

This can bring on a fast death without warning or be a lengthy process with tiredness, weight loss and maybe diarrhea. Antibiotics are usually used. The infection can be brought on by bacteria being introduced to the intestinal tract by way of contaminated water or greens and vegetables.

Mange

Mange is a parasite that will cause hair loss in large clumps on his back along with skin irritation. With hair loss of course you bring it to the vet.

Sneezing

Guinea pigs can have allergies and sneezing could indicate an allergy to something. What's usually recommended is to change his bedding to a complete brand new set. Or if that doesn't work you can experiment with moving the cage to a different location. Hay or straw dust can also cause sneezing. Cavies do sneeze occasionally which is normal and kind of cute actually. Straw dust can also get in their eyes causing excessive blinking or watery eyes and even a corneal ulcer. Find out from your vet how to wash out their eyes.

As you can see above most guinea pig ailments can be successfully treated.