If you are the proud owner of a guinea pig then you have probably already realized how fragile your guinea pig can be. Guinea pigs are also more prone to illnesses. Below you will find a small list of the common symptoms that your guinea pig could show.
Watery Discharge from the Nose and Sneezing
It is not uncommon for guinea pigs to become allergic to their own bedding. It this were to happen it would be best to change out their bedding to see if this makes a difference in their symptoms. Better still it would be best to remove your guinea pig from this area altogether.
If your guinea pig shows signs of a watery discharge from his/her nose or around their nose and if they are rubbing on it, then it would be a good idea to have your vet check them out.
Coughing
If your pet is coughing this could very well be a sign of them having acquired a respiratory infection of one kind or another. If they are coughing continuously or it is accompanied by wheezing or labored breathing you need to make sure and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. In all likelihood at that time the vet will probably recommend that you bring your pet in for an exam to be performed.
Wheezing & Labored Breathing
If your pet is experiencing any sign of a respiratory infection they need prompt medical attention. It would be best to take them to your veterinarian quickly if this is the case. Wheezing could be a sign of congestion in their lungs and this could turn easily into pneumonia if it were left untreated.
Scratching
If your guinea pig starts to scratch excessively this is a sign of a fungal infection or could also be parasites.
You will be able to tell is it is a parasite when you brush your guinea pig. While brushing notice if their skin shows any signs of lice. Lice are brown in color and very tiny. If by chance your pet does have lice you will need to get a medicated shampoo for DE-lousing from your veterinarian. Also remember that if it is parasites their cage and any bedding will need to be treated as well.
White or Milky Urine
Guinea pigs urine is slightly milky in color and that is completely normal. However if their urine becomes extremely clear, white or cloudy this could be a sign that he/she has a high content of calcium in their diet.
Red or Pink Urine Color
If you notice your guinea pigs urine is pink or red in color this could be very serious. This is an indication of blood being in their urine. If this is the case that is a large sign of bladder stones.
Extremely Soft Stool or Diarrhea
If your guinea pig is suffering from diarrhea this is very serious. If this is the case your pet could die within a short time. Again, your pet requires prompt attention from your veterinarian.
Hair Loss
Hair loss can be caused from several reasons including mites. If your pet has been bit or gotten a cut somehow this can cause their hair to fall out in that area. If this is the case then it's quite normal for hair loss to happen.
If your pet has a huge loss of hair over their body this could be caused from ring worms. It could also be caused from ovarian cysts.
If the hair loss they are experiencing is not from a bite or cut, then you need to contact your veterinarian and see what they recommend you do.
These are just some of the symptoms that guinea pigs can display. By weighing and keeping track of your pets weight on a weekly basis can also be beneficial to your guinea pigs health.
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