Guinea Pig Health Problems
Signs That Your Piggie is Unwell
Signs of Guinea Pig IllnessesWhile guinea pigs suffer from very few health issues, the diseases and problems affecting guinea pigs can be surprisingly diverse. Some of the more common symptoms of illness in guinea pigs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Audible breathing problems
- Lack of urination/defecation
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
- Persistent scratching
Bladder Stones
Bladder Stones in Guinea Pigs
Generally speaking guinea pigs are very healthy and can go through life with little problems. But one problem they can suffer from is painful bladder stones which are life-threatening. Bladder stones are normally detected by the owner when they hear the guinea pig squeaking/crying when passing urine/poo and/or there may be signs of blood in their urine.
Sometimes the colour of their urine is pink if they have been eating beetroot and this is nothing to be concerned about. When a bladder stone is detected always seek veterinary advice. There is not much an owner can do to encourage these to pass through the system. Sometimes they can be flushed through but very often they have to be surgically removed by a vet. Please note: this can be expensive and always seek an experienced small animal vet who has carried out the procedure before.
Bladder stones are generally related to a diet which is too high in calcium oxalates, and once a guinea pig has had a stone it is a good idea to eliminate certain calcium-rich foods. However, it is still important that some calcium foods are given to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Foods to be fed with caution are basil, spinach, high calcium pellets and any product containing alfalfa. And also restrict parsley and kale to around once or twice a week. It is important to note that sometimes despite the calcium restrictions, bladder stones can be a genetic problem and there is very little an owner can do to prevent them. It is vital that if a guinea pig does not drink regularly, watery veggies should be fed regularly for example, cucumber, romain lettuce, and fresh grass along with a permanent supply of good quality hay.
Generally speaking guinea pigs are very healthy and can go through life with little problems. But one problem they can suffer from is painful bladder stones which are life-threatening. Bladder stones are normally detected by the owner when they hear the guinea pig squeaking/crying when passing urine/poo and/or there may be signs of blood in their urine.
Sometimes the colour of their urine is pink if they have been eating beetroot and this is nothing to be concerned about. When a bladder stone is detected always seek veterinary advice. There is not much an owner can do to encourage these to pass through the system. Sometimes they can be flushed through but very often they have to be surgically removed by a vet. Please note: this can be expensive and always seek an experienced small animal vet who has carried out the procedure before.
Bladder stones are generally related to a diet which is too high in calcium oxalates, and once a guinea pig has had a stone it is a good idea to eliminate certain calcium-rich foods. However, it is still important that some calcium foods are given to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Foods to be fed with caution are basil, spinach, high calcium pellets and any product containing alfalfa. And also restrict parsley and kale to around once or twice a week. It is important to note that sometimes despite the calcium restrictions, bladder stones can be a genetic problem and there is very little an owner can do to prevent them. It is vital that if a guinea pig does not drink regularly, watery veggies should be fed regularly for example, cucumber, romain lettuce, and fresh grass along with a permanent supply of good quality hay.
Respiatory Problems
Pneumonia is one of the most significant diseases of pet guinea pigs and can be caused by a number of bacteria, including Bordetella and Streptococcus. Guinea pigs can naturally harbor these bacteria and may be asymptomatic (apparently healthy) carriers. These bacteria tend to be "opportunistic", meaning that they infect susceptible animals, multiply and cause disease if the opportunity presents itself. Stresses increase the chance that disease will develop, and young animals are most often affected. The bacteria are spread by direct contact, aerosolized (airborne) particles, and on contaminated hands or other objects. Infected guinea pigs may be off food, have discharge from the eyes or nose, sneeze or have troubles breathing. Cultures can be taken to confirm the causative organism so that the appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed. Some guinea pigs may need to be hospitalized for additional supportive care.
Diarrhoea
Guinea pigs have a sensitive gastrointestinal tract (as do rabbits). They have a very specific natural population of "good" bacteria (flora) critical to normal bowel function. If this normal bacterial flora becomes upset or unbalanced, then the "bad" bacteria can overgrow, damage the intestinal tissues, release toxins and cause severe diarrhea; in severe cases, death may occur. In addition to bacterial infections, some intestinal parasites like cryptosporidia and coccidia can cause diarrhea.
Other clinical signs that may occur with diarrhea include anorexia (not eating), depression, dehydration, and a low body temperature. These sick guinea pigs need immediate veterinary attention and supportive care.
Certain antibiotics should never be used in guinea pigs. Only use antibiotics on the advice of a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs. Never use antibiotics that you can purchase over the counter in a pet store, since they are often inappropriate.
Other clinical signs that may occur with diarrhea include anorexia (not eating), depression, dehydration, and a low body temperature. These sick guinea pigs need immediate veterinary attention and supportive care.
Certain antibiotics should never be used in guinea pigs. Only use antibiotics on the advice of a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs. Never use antibiotics that you can purchase over the counter in a pet store, since they are often inappropriate.
Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)
Every animal has certain nutritional requirements, some of which are "essential" nutrients and some of which are "non-essential" nutrients. Animals need a regular dietary supply of essential ingredients, while they can produce their own supply of the non-essential nutrients. These essential elements differ between species. In guinea pigs and primates, including man, one key essential nutrient is vitamin C. The vast majority of other animals can produce their own vitamin C through their intestinal bacterial flora but guinea pigs and primates are unable to do this. (This is why sailors historically developed scurvy when not able to eat fresh fruit.) Vitamin C is vital in the normal development and maintenance of skin, joints and mucosal surfaces like gums. It is also important in the healing of wounds. As well as predisposing to skin problems, a lack of vitamin C seems to make the body more prone to other diseases, infections and conditions. A guinea pig that has a rough hair coat, is off food, has diarrhea, is reluctant to walk, perhaps 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. "In guinea pigs and primates, including man, one key essential nutrient is vitamin C." Guinea pigs need 10 - 50 mg of vitamin C per day, depending on the condition of the animal (young, old, stressed, normal, pregnant). Vitamin C is readily available from fresh fruit and green or colored vegetables, but it is a relatively unstable compound. Ensure your fresh guinea pig pellets contain added vitamin C; however, because this vitamin breaks down or oxidizes so fast, the pellets should be used up or must be replaced within 90 days of the date of manufacture. If your guinea pig develops a deficiency, it is much better to give a crushed vitamin C tablet or liquid by mouth rather than in the drinking water, since the vitamin also breaks down rapidly in water and loses its potency. However, mixing about 100 mg of ascorbic acid twice daily in fresh water will meet the vitamin C requirement.
Tumours
Guinea pigs can get various tumors but skin tumors and mammary tumors are the most common. They are often benign. Any mass should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. In most cases surgical removal is curative.
Abscesses
Abscesses (an infected swelling within a body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus) can affect lymph nodes, the skin, the muscles, the teeth, the jaws, or other areas of the face. They may be treated medically and/or surgically, depending on veterinary assessment. Some (like those involving the jaw and teeth) are more challenging to treat.
Parasites & Skin Problems
Guinea pigs (especially young ones) are prone to ringworm, which is a fungal infection, not an actual worm. Certain animals may be carriers of the fungus without showing any signs of illness. They can spread the disease to susceptible animals or develop disease themselves if stressed by overcrowding, poor nutrition, inadequate husbandry or other environmental stresses. The areas affected by ringworm can be itchy, usually lose hair, and may have crusty scabs on them. Ringworm lesions are found most commonly around the face, head and ears, but will spread to the back and legs. After proper diagnosis by your veterinarian, they are treated topically and/or orally with anti-fungal medications. 
Guinea pigs can get fleas and lice; fleas usually diagnosed by finding the adults or their feces on the skin or in the fur; lice are often diagnosed microscopically by observing either the adults or eggs (nits) on a sample of hair and skin debris. Lice eggs are laid on the shafts of the hairs, often around the face, behind the ears or over the shoulders. A mite that can cause itching (pruritus) so intense as to occasionally cause seizures can infest guinea pigs. With a mite infestation, the skin is crusty, often is scraped or raw from scratching so much, has visible hair loss and may have secondary infections. These parasites are best treated with very effective anti-parasite medications available from your veterinarian.
Primary or secondary skin infections due to bacteria will be treated with antibiotics as indicated.
Guinea pigs can get fleas and lice; fleas usually diagnosed by finding the adults or their feces on the skin or in the fur; lice are often diagnosed microscopically by observing either the adults or eggs (nits) on a sample of hair and skin debris. Lice eggs are laid on the shafts of the hairs, often around the face, behind the ears or over the shoulders. A mite that can cause itching (pruritus) so intense as to occasionally cause seizures can infest guinea pigs. With a mite infestation, the skin is crusty, often is scraped or raw from scratching so much, has visible hair loss and may have secondary infections. These parasites are best treated with very effective anti-parasite medications available from your veterinarian.
Primary or secondary skin infections due to bacteria will be treated with antibiotics as indicated.
Bumblefoot
Ulcerative pododermatitis, also known as bumblefoot, is an extremely painful infection of the footpad. The footpad is swollen and may be crusted and/or bleeding. In severe cases, the guinea pig may be reluctant to move, depressed, and anorexic. If the bone becomes infected, the leg may need to be surgically removed. NOTESLeft untreated, pododermatitis can result in death. Photo courtesy of Teresa Murphy
Cause: Pododermatitis is often attributed to abrasions caused by wire floors or rough bedding which allow infections (typically Staphylococcus aureus, a common environmental bacteria) to become established. Poor sanitation, wet bedding, lack of activity and obesity may be factors. Prevention focuses on avoiding these causes. NOTES
It has been suggested by one pet owner that guinea pigs with heart problems (and perhaps poorer circulation) may be prone to pododermatitis. Adequate exercise and treatment of heart problems may help these pigs.
Guinea pigs are one of many animals that can suffer from this disease. In chickens, wet bedding is often blamed; in captive raptors, lack of activity and standing on a perch; rats and rabbits can also develop bumblefoot.
Treatment: Pododermatitis can be difficult to cure. The advice and experience of several pet owners appears on this page in hopes that one treatment will work for you. Examine your pet regularly to catch problems early. A vet can aid diagnosis and treatment.
Barbering
Hair loss due to barbering is typically identifiable by the appearance of bite marks and skin inflammation along with the hair loss. However, because there are many possible causes for this condition, a differential diagnosis may be the best method for diagnosis. This process is guided by deeper inspection of the apparent outward symptoms, ruling out each of the more common causes until the correct disorder is settled upon and can be treated appropriately. You will need to provide your veterinarian with your guinea pig's dietary history and a description of the onset of symptoms so that your veterinarian can identify the underlying cause of the hair loss.
Besides self-barbering or barbering by other guinea pigs in the group, hair loss can also be caused by genetic problems, problems in metabolism, or due to dietary deficiencies. The hair loss may even be a natural progression of aging. Young guinea pigs that are weaning from their mothers will have a normal hair thinning as their coat changes from light infant fur to coarser adult fur. It is not necessary to treat this, but your veterinarian will want to make sure that the young are receiving sufficient amounts of protein in their diets.
Barbering often occurs in relation to conflicts between adult males or between adults and juveniles. It can also occur if you pigisbored and isn't getting the right amount of stimulation in there life.
If your pet guinea pig is suffering from barbering, you will need to separate the fighting animals. Keep the submissive guinea pig separate from the dominant ones. You can also provide submissive guinea pigs with hiding holes, typically in the form of plastic tubes, to keep them safe from dominating guinea pigs. For self-barbering, removing reasons for stress will help minimize the behavior.
Otherwise, feed your pet guinea pig the diet that has been formulated by your veterinarian and administer the dietary supplements that have been recommended by the doctor. Also, to avoid possible infections of the skin, make sure that you regularly dress any open wounds to prevent secondary bacterial infections from arising.
Feeding your pet guinea pig a nutritious and well-balanced diet can prevent hair loss due to dietary deficiencies. For true barbering, separating the affected animals, minimizing stress, weaning baby guinea pigs from their mothers early, and feeding guinea pigs long-stemmed hay may prevent barbering behaviors.
Besides self-barbering or barbering by other guinea pigs in the group, hair loss can also be caused by genetic problems, problems in metabolism, or due to dietary deficiencies. The hair loss may even be a natural progression of aging. Young guinea pigs that are weaning from their mothers will have a normal hair thinning as their coat changes from light infant fur to coarser adult fur. It is not necessary to treat this, but your veterinarian will want to make sure that the young are receiving sufficient amounts of protein in their diets.
Barbering often occurs in relation to conflicts between adult males or between adults and juveniles. It can also occur if you pigisbored and isn't getting the right amount of stimulation in there life.
If your pet guinea pig is suffering from barbering, you will need to separate the fighting animals. Keep the submissive guinea pig separate from the dominant ones. You can also provide submissive guinea pigs with hiding holes, typically in the form of plastic tubes, to keep them safe from dominating guinea pigs. For self-barbering, removing reasons for stress will help minimize the behavior.
Otherwise, feed your pet guinea pig the diet that has been formulated by your veterinarian and administer the dietary supplements that have been recommended by the doctor. Also, to avoid possible infections of the skin, make sure that you regularly dress any open wounds to prevent secondary bacterial infections from arising.
Feeding your pet guinea pig a nutritious and well-balanced diet can prevent hair loss due to dietary deficiencies. For true barbering, separating the affected animals, minimizing stress, weaning baby guinea pigs from their mothers early, and feeding guinea pigs long-stemmed hay may prevent barbering behaviors.
