Guinea pigs / Health
This is a quick-reference overview of the health issues Indian guinea pig owners are most likely to encounter, alongside the specific articles in this series that go into more depth on several of them
This is a quick-reference overview of the health issues Indian guinea pig owners are most likely to encounter, alongside the specific articles in this series that go into more depth on several of them.
Caused mainly by bacteria such as Bordetella and Streptococcus, respiratory infections can progress to pneumonia quickly and are one of the most urgent conditions in this species. Watch for sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, laboured breathing, and lethargy. Treatment involves antibiotics chosen carefully, since many common antibiotics are dangerous for guinea pigs, alongside supportive care.
Guinea pig teeth grow continuously throughout life. Without enough hay and fibre to wear them down evenly, teeth can overgrow or develop sharp spurs that cut the mouth. Signs include drooling, a wet chin, dropping food, weight loss, and reluctance to eat. Treatment usually means trimming or filing the teeth under sedation by an experienced vet.
A slowdown of the gut, often triggered by dental pain, stress, or a sudden diet change, is an emergency in guinea pigs. A guinea pig that has stopped eating and stopped producing droppings for twelve hours or more needs same-day veterinary care.
Covered in detail elsewhere in this series, this remains one of the most preventable conditions and shows up as a rough coat, joint pain, poor wound healing, and lowered resistance to other illness.
Usually diet-related, but can also signal infection or parasites. Treated seriously in this species since guinea pigs cannot vomit and can deteriorate quickly. See the dedicated article in this series for more detail.
Often bacterial, sometimes linked to respiratory disease or vitamin C deficiency. See the dedicated article in this series.
Hair loss, itching, and scabbing can point to parasites, fungal infection, or stress. Sarcoptic mange mites in particular can cause severe, seizure-like itching and need prompt ivermectin treatment. See the dedicated article on lice in this series.
Bladder stones and urinary tract infections are common, particularly in a diet too high in calcium. See the dedicated article on bladder stones in this series.
Ovarian cysts are common in unspayed females over a year old. Breeding is also generally discouraged due to the risks involved, covered in a separate article in this series.
Infected swellings that can affect the skin, jaw, or teeth. Guinea pig pus is thick and does not drain easily, so most abscesses need surgical treatment rather than at-home management.
Because guinea pigs hide illness so effectively, a short daily check of appetite, droppings, breathing, and general alertness catches most of these problems earlier than owners expect. Combined with a vet who is genuinely comfortable treating guinea pigs, this habit does more for a guinea pig's long-term health than almost anything else on this list.
Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.
Guinea pigs / Getting Started
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Guinea pigs / Behaviour
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Guinea pigs / Behaviour
Some hair loss is completely normal for a guinea pig, but a lot of it points to something worth investigating. Working out whether the hair loss is itchy or non-itchy is usually the fastest way to nar
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