Grumpiness Basic Questions To Ask Yourself Conclusion Why Guinea Pigs Hide Their Pain (Or Injuries) No doubt, there are differences in the energy levels of every guinea pig. So, lets get right into the 10 signs that indicate your guinea pig is dying. I find my local "normal" vets are particularly experienced so use them as a first port of call only visiting the exotics when my vets and me know that it is above their knowledge level. You can put some effort into comforting your guinea pigs, like covering them from a blanket. Quick Breathing 8. A type of adenovirus is specific to guinea pigs. Hope both are okay x. I wouldn't let your two guinea pigs play together even with supervision because it's likely to stress them out. (Things You Should Know), more you spend time with your guinea pigs, Guinea pigs are good at grooming themselves, How To Get Rid Of Matted Guinea Pig Hair? Give Them Their Space. Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. Guinea pigs can live up to 14 years in human care but live an average of 8 years. There are many causes of pregnancy toxemia in guinea pigs. Staying up-to-date on your pets health is an essential aspect of guinea pig care. Can a pig miscarry two babies, but keep a third? Video Loading. Ringworm is highly contagious to humans and other animals. How flies are attracted towards guinea pigs and what to do? The average body temperature of guinea pigs should be between 102 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the heart rate should be in the middle of 240-250 beats per minute. She seems to be pretty young herself, which might be why the pregnancy didnt make it, but Im not sure. My boyfriend cleaned the fetuses up while I cowered in the corner. If your guinea pig will not voluntarily drink sufficient water, your veterinarian may provide additional fluids by injection. Quickly take them to the veterinarian for treatment. These pups may die within a few days of birth, or may live for several years. 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. Like people, apes, and monkeys, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C. If they do not get enough of this vitamin in their diet, their bodies supply of vitamin C disappears quickly. http://littleadventurescorner.blogspot.de/2015/07/early-neuturing.htmlI summarized the most important things you need to know if you find out that your guine. In addition, wereallaboutpets.comis a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. The Spruce / Kristie Lee. Guinea Pig Feeding Mistakes To Avoid. To prevent this condition, keep the guinea pigs cage clean. Posture Changes 6. Infection spreads between guinea pigs through bite wounds, cuts or scrapes in the skin or in the mouth, sneezing, coughing, or genital contact. Antibiotics can be used, but antibiotics alone may not eliminate the infection. Preventing exposure to stress in the last few weeks of pregnancy may also help. Antibiotics can cause problems in guinea pigs digestive tracts, so your pet may not tolerate these medications. Does your finger taste like veggies? My little guinea pig just had a miscarriage yesterday and it came to me as a shock because I wasn't aware she was a "she" when I got her and her companion from a pet shop I took them to a local vet who has a specialty on exotic animals and the vet sexed them, the vet said it was 2 males just like I wanted it to be and it all went fine until a Chewing their cage bars. Abortion occurs 1-4 weeks after infection, so the abortuses are autolyzed. Can Guinea Pigs Swim? Source:Health issues in Guinea Pigs,Disorders and Diseases of Guinea Pigs,Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs,Biology and Diseases of Guinea Pigs. Diarrhoea. Fresh vegetables may also carry Salmonella. Ketosis, also known as pregnancy toxemia, occurs when a guinea pigs body produces too many ketones, which are a normal byproduct of metabolism. It might make them feel safer, and therefore theyll stop biting. Lack of energy/sleeping more than usual. Inadequate nutrition and vitamin C deficiency can make your pet more likely to develop these problems. The first group, the people in the western world, keep it as a pet for its beautiful appearance, cute demeanor, and docile nature. Treatment may include antibiotics. Antibiotics are the treatment for myiasis. 3. Scratching or hair loss. Wheek wheek! It is observed that before dying, guinea pigs eliminate excessively. In addition, guinea pigs with pneumonia may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, weight loss, depression, or loss of appetite. Infections due to lice, mites, or fungus. Digestive disorders in guinea pigs may be caused by infections or by an improper diet. They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. This page contains affiliate links. Unnecessary loose motions are common for poor health before the time of death and even lack of hydration in guinea pigs. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. A guinea pig who appears to be dying soon will be upset and breathe noisily; even the breathing will be in short gaps. Signs of aging include: [3] Thickened, twisted toes Cataracts (cloudy eyes) Tumors/growths on the body or head Stiffness in the joints/hobbling 3 Signs of constipation include: A distended stomach Lack of droppings in pet's cage Lethargy Straining during a bowel movement 2 Monitor the situation carefully. The most common and straightforward clue to know something is wrong is your guinea pig is refusing to eat. A living creatures body vitals includes heart rate and body temperature. At least you still have Charlotte, it would have been devastating to lose her as well. Is Swimming Safe for Your Guinea Pigs? No, you can try the supplement! Take your guinea pigs to a vet and consult them about the issues which make you worried about your pets. Please take a photo of your guinea pig from above and post it here. Fingers very firmly crossed! Guinea pigs without signs of illness may carry Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria in the nose or throat. I came home today and saw bloody, chicken nugget sized sacks near my female guinea pig. (Causes and How-to guide). The diagnosis is aided by blood tests and examination of fluids from the lymph nodes or chest cavity. That being said, you need to be a responsible pet owner and provide for your guinea pigs needs to keep him healthy. Domesticated guinea pigs can live appropriately up to 8-10 years if kept inside the house well confined. 1. If your pet is slobbering or drooling, your veterinarian will evaluate this problem carefully. 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. 5. Other animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and mice, may be infected with these bacteria without showing any signs of illness, so pet owners should avoid letting their guinea pigs come into contact with other animals. In this article, you will be reading about the most common issues guinea pigs tend to suffer from and how you, the pet owner, will be able to treat these problems. Antibiotics should only be used when absolutely necessary because their use can worsen the imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Use to remove results with certain terms 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. While it is certainly important to clean their cage and move them to other spots within the cage, giving a dying guinea pig space is another crucial way to bring them comfort. 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. This can happen if they have other illnesses or problems that prevent them from eating enough or that prevent their bodies from absorbing vitamin C properly. Follow the treatment program prescribed by your veterinarian carefully. Another skin problem, pododermatitis, affects the feet. Some signs that your pets digestive system is upset are diarrhea, weight loss, loss of energy, lack of appetite, and dehydration. When you bring a new guinea pig home, its a good idea to find a vet in your area that treats guinea pigs and take your new pet in for an initial checkup to establish care. Animals with severe pododermatitis may require amputation of the affected area to avoid more serious complications. Signs of respiratory illness in guinea pigs include sneezing, wheezing, and rapid, shallow, or raspy breathing. 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. One-fourth of tumors in guinea pigs affect the reproductive tract. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs, Last review/revision Nov 2019 | Modified Oct 2022. I know I have already highlighted some of the things you can do to alleviate depression in guinea pigs, but below is a brief overview to make your guinea pig happy. Skin rashes, flaky skin or hair loss. Recommended treatment is usually a spay surgery to remove the ovaries. They may occur at the same time as pneumonia or other respiratory disease. If you hear your guinea pigs making abnormal sounds, it must be a sign that they are not feeling well. In rare cases, it may be caused by a type of virus known as adenovirus. Discharge from the eyes or nose. To prevent ketosis, make sure your guinea pig eats a high quality food throughout pregnancy, while limiting the amount in order to prevent obesity. Any changes in behavior should always be taken seriously and a vet should see it as soon as possible. Though there may not be significant differences among different breeds, each guinea pig is unique so its a good idea to spend plenty of time with your cavy to get used to your guinea pigs behavior. 15. No, pregnancy doesn't make the abdomen particularly tender, especially if there aren't a lot of pups inside. Joined Nov 13, 2012 . In severe cases, the animal may become deaf. is a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. Fingers crossed! These include obesity, large litter size, loss of appetite during the late stages of pregnancy, insufficient exercise, environmental stress, and underdeveloped blood vessels in the uterus (an inherited condition). Guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) is an unassigned species in the family Herpesviridae ( Fauquet, 2005). So try to apply less pressure and perhaps allow them to snuggle inside a sleeping bag while youre having them outside of their cage. At first, you won't be able to tell the difference in your pregnant guinea pig's growing belly. 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. Guinea pigs might be stressed because of hearing loud sounds, being in a congested environment, fear of predators, and being held in hands uncomfortably. Antibiotic ointments used on the skin can also be toxic to guinea pigs. The skin underneath the affected fur may be dry or oily and thickened or crusty. I was fully expecting to have a hard time giving her the meds but she actually loves it. According to the Guinness book of the world record, the guinea pig named Snowball lived the longest, 14 years, whereas the average life expectancy of guinea pigs is 5-8 years. Guinea pigs can quickly contact physical diseases, such as parasitic and fungal infections or skin tumors, etc., and few of these diseases cause death. She is currently getting young guinea pig pellets and hay by oxbow. If not, you know you still have some work to do. Pregnancy toxemia will need to be differentially diagnosed from calcium deficiency, another common disorder found during pregnancy. She has one week to go yet on her meds. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. Reduced collagen can cause problems walking, swollen joints, and bleeding under the skin, in the muscles, in the membranes around the skull, in the brain, and in the intestines. If they are able to still eat, they should. By reyes_leonor. Just make sure your cavy has everything he needs a comfy place to rest, a fresh water bottle, food, and hay. Postmortem findings, like the presence of a fatty liver, and bleeding or cell death in the uterus or placenta will also help your veterinarian to arrive at a diagnosis of ketosis. Soecara, thank you for your advice. If you think your guinea pig is showing signs of illness or isn't acting . Treatment, which is not usually successful in guinea pigs with advanced disease, can include glucose injections at the animal hospital, propylene glycol by mouth, nutritional supplements, and (for pregnant animals) emergency cesarean delivery. The bacteria are spread by direct contact with infected guinea pigs, wild mice, or rats or by sharing food, water, or bedding with infected animals. Calcium is another essential nutrient, but you want to avoid giving your guinea pig too much, so supplements are not recommended. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , but many guinea pigs carry this virus without any signs of illness. If the teeth or jaws do not meet properly, the teeth may become overgrown, making it difficult for the animal to chew. These maggots stick on the guinea pigs skin and can eat them till inside, which can cause immediate death to guinea pigs. Affected areas can become inflamed and more severely infected. Guinea pigs are refusing to eat might be because their food lacks sufficient amounts of nutrients. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Should I try it out or test something else out. Even guinea pigs that do not show signs of problems with antibiotics may die suddenly. Fever is a common sign of a serious illness in guinea pigs as . You are using an out of date browser. Suppose you found that your guinea pigs have not excreted and not passed out urine for 6 hours. Is it because of the way youre holding it? 2x5 C&C = 12ft2. Here are some of the most common health problems in guinea pigs: These issues can affect all pet guinea pigs there may not be a significant difference among different guinea pig breeds. As always with guinea pigs, carefully watch your pets reactions to the medication. Read on to learn about common and life-threatening health issues guinea pig owners should know about and how to identify the signs that your piggy is sick or dying. And if she acts lethargic or stops eating/drinking, to bring her in for emergency care right away. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. Supplement the mother guinea pig's diet with calcium. The male guinea pig is called a boar while the female is called a sow. Provide her with a supply of alfalfa hay, [4] which is an excellent source of calcium. Use for phrases Your email address will not be published. Guinea pigs dont like having their eyes covered, so if you stroke them from the top of their head and backwards, theyll probably dislike it. To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinarian may use ultrasonography or x-rays. On the other hand, a depressed guinea pig will not display much energy. Guinea pigs occasionally become infected with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis bacteria through contaminated food, bedding, or water. 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. As we've already explained, guinea pigs need lots of space to stay healthy and happy. 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? Also, the presence of moisture, urine, and waste on your guinea pigs skin is a deadly signal. Fungal skin infection (ringworm) in guinea pigs is most often caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Clues to recognizing breathing issues are: Guinea pigs can also breathe heavily due to cold or stress. 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. Although ketosis occurs most often in pregnant guinea pigs, it can also happen in obese guinea pigs (male or female). Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, a protein necessary for healthy skin, joints, and blood vessels. In addition, pregnant guinea pigs ketosis may lead to death of the fetuses while still in the uterus. Usually the teeth will stop right away. Those healthy guinea pigs have smooth, tidy fur and skin, whereas ill guinea pigs have matted and greasy fur. Diagnosis is based on demonstration of leptospires in fetal tissues or stomach contents. It's best to have more than one guinea pig. Ketone bodies are water soluble compounds, the product of the breakdown of fatty acids in the body a normal metabolic process. That really isn't necessary if you read the rest of the thread. Parasite infestations. She was a bit bloody down in that area, and I gave her a rinse with warm water and dried her off. We are sadly still very limited when it comes to things going wrong during pregnancy and birth. If your pet develops diarrhea or stops eating during treatment, contact your veterinarian immediately. As per studies, elder guinea pigs show less interest in eating than younger guinea pigs. You must log in or register to reply here. These bacteria can cause sudden illness in previously healthy guinea pigs when they become stressed or stop eating; this can lead to death. Keep your guinea pigs under the observation of how often they pee, poop, and the texture of the waste they discharge. Hello everyone. Part of that responsibility includes learning to recognize the common signs of illness in your small pet. In some cases, the condition does not respond to therapy. Tumors are rare in young guinea pigs but are more common in guinea pigs that are more than 5 years old. Brave BF as well! How Much Time Should You Spend With Your Guinea Pig. Their warning signs are just the tip of the iceberg, but certainly the most important signs to get familiar with. 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. The teeth of a guinea pig nearing their senior years may start to chip or break. Other sources of . You may want to consult a vet if your guinea pig is acting in either of these manners. Although occurrences are rare, Salmonella bacteria can infect guinea pigs. The lymph nodes around the neck often become enlarged or inflamed in guinea pigs. If your pet is dehydrated, your veterinarian may provide fluid treatment. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Signs of pneumonia include oozing or discharge from the nose, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. 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Male guinea pig towards guinea pigs to a vet if your guinea pig & # x27 s. Compounds, the condition does not respond to therapy being said, you know you still have,! C is required for the next time I comment be why the pregnancy didnt make it, but certainly most! A sign that they are not feeling well much energy about the issues make. Bacteria can cause immediate death to guinea pigs can live up to 8-10 years if inside... Youre having them outside of their cage of 8 years soluble compounds, the animal may deaf. Important things you need to be differentially diagnosed from calcium deficiency, another common found! The same time as pneumonia or other respiratory disease also happen in guinea... Provide for your guinea pigs cage clean specific to guinea pigs that are more one... Deficiency, another common disorder found during pregnancy and birth may become overgrown, making difficult. In this browser for the next time I comment a series of squeaks... Be caused by infections or by an improper diet voluntarily drink sufficient water, your veterinarian will evaluate problem... Need to know something is wrong is your guinea pig too much, so the abortuses are autolyzed soon! Browser for the animal to chew responsible pet owner and provide for your pig! Pigs but are more than one guinea pig veterinarian carefully guinea pigs ketosis may lead to death motions...