People associate these animals with children, but they are actually highly stressful pets , making them vulnerable to a host of illnesses.
They are herbivorous animals and they are also prey animals , two totally different characteristics from what we are used to with the best-known pets such as dogs and cats, which are carnivores and predators.
This means that neither the diet, nor the digestive system, nor the communication, nor the housing requirements are anything like what we previously knew.
That is why we want you to know today what serious diseases you can find so that you go to your specialized veterinarian as soon as possible.
The first symptoms that we are going to find in our guinea pigs and that can indicate a sign of any disease are going to be:
- Anorexia : means that the animal does not want to eat and has lost its appetite.
- Constipation : that the animal does not want to defecate.
These 2 symptoms are why 90% of guinea pigs come to the clinic. In any case, if your animal shows any of these other signs of illness , it is recommended that you see your veterinarian soon:
- Blood in the urine
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- sneezing and snot
- stooped posture and tiredness
- Hives and itches
- Swelling
- rough hair
- dull eyes
- Limp
However, we explain what the 10 most serious diseases of guinea pigs are, so that you know the importance of taking good care of our small rodents.
1# Disbiosis intestinal
As mentioned above, these animals are folivorous herbivores . That means that they feed on plants and leaves. This is very important, since sometimes we introduce other totally harmful components into the diet that will alter the intestinal flora, leading to dysbiosis.
Herbivorous animals, in order to digest the cellulose they eat, have associated bacteria in the intestine (normally Lactobacillus spp). When carbohydrates (bread, cereals, fruit, seeds) are incorporated into the diet, the levels of yeast (Cyniclomyces guttulatus previously called Saccharomycopsis guttulata) begin to grow, which will produce air in their fermentation.
Our pets are going to have a lot of air in the intestinal tract, causing a lot of pain, even death.
This can be a primary process caused by the diet or by misused medications or secondary due to another pathology that the veterinarian will have to diagnose.
2 # Abscesses and dental malocclusion
Abscesses are an inflammation of body tissue characterized by swelling and accumulation of pus .
These can appear anywhere on the body as long as there is an infection. But in the mandibular area it is usually the favorite .
One of the reasons why they can appear is the misalignment of the teeth, genetically or caused by a blow. That is, your teeth, which are getting bigger and bigger, are not used in the correct way because they are not aligned.
We must remember that the teeth of these animals never stop growing and that they themselves wear down with the collision between them with the intake of hay. If they are misaligned, wear will not occur, so your veterinarian will have to file away the excessive growth of the tooth.
3# Urinary problems
Since rodents excrete calcium in their urine, these animals can develop urinary stones in the bladder or kidney. These calculi or stones can lodge in the ureter or urethra, forming an obstruction that could endanger the life of the animal.
The most noticeable signs when your guinea pig has this problem are: blood in the urine, anorexia, stooped posture and straining to urinate.
This type of problem is diagnosed with a complete analysis in the clinic and depending on the case, many should be treated with antibiotics and some are even convenient to intervene surgically.
4 # Pododermatitis
It is another common disease in guinea pigs. Overweight animals that are in cages with wire bottoms or dirty cages that wear out their feet tend to suffer from it.
This could develop into a chronic infection that can cause lameness and severe discomfort.
5 # Cold and pneumonia
The lack of vitamin C makes these guinea pigs more prone to colds and may even suffer from pneumonia.
Some signs of respiratory infections are sneezing, eye discharge and nasal discharge.
6 # Diarrhea and constipation
As we have mentioned, these pets are the closest thing to miniature cows. Your digestive system is a large community of different bacteria and yeasts living in symbiosis.
Diarrhea can be caused by a bacterial imbalance in your intestinal flora, but it can also be caused by viruses or internal parasites . The most obvious symptom is liquid stools.
7# Internal parasites
The coccidia Eimeria caviae, the protozoan Balantidium and intestinal worms such as Paraspidodera uncinata are the most common internal parasites in guinea pigs.
The symptoms of these diseases are reflected in their belly swelling , worms in their stool or a rough appearance in their coat.
Only a specialist veterinarian can diagnose the parasite and treat it.
8# External parasites
Among the external parasites that we find in guinea pigs are fleas, lice, mites or flies.
- Fleas : These leave brown and black residue.
- Lice : They cause itching.
- Mites : They produce flaking and cause scabs.
- Fungus : Like ringworm.
- Flies : They can lay their eggs on its butt, causing larvae, which can enter the animal’s skin, and worms.
9# Obesity
It is recommended that your guinea pig weigh between a kilo and a kilo and a half.
If it exceeds this weight, you should avoid some foods and follow the instructions of a specialist so that your pet is not overweight and is completely healthy.
10 # Lack of vitamin C
Guinea pigs, bats and apes are the only animals that do not synthesize vitamin C. That means they have to get it in their diet .
This is where science meets popular legend. “Since the guinea pig does not synthesize vitamin C, I stuff it with peppers and fruit.” This is completely wrong and counterproductive.
Guinea pigs get vitamin C from the leaves they eat , such as watercress, (high in vitamin C) and, in addition, from good feed that already has it incorporated.
A lack of this vitamin can lead to bleeding gums, joint pain, and poor appetite.
Although these are the most typical diseases, there may be many more. But the important thing is that you detect any signs and take your guinea pig to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up.
5 # Cold and pneumonia
The lack of vitamin C makes these guinea pigs more prone to colds and may even suffer from pneumonia.
Some signs of respiratory infections are sneezing, eye discharge and nasal discharge.
6 # Diarrhea and constipation
As we have mentioned, these pets are the closest thing to miniature cows. Your digestive system is a large community of different bacteria and yeasts living in symbiosis.
Diarrhea can be caused by a bacterial imbalance in your intestinal flora, but it can also be caused by viruses or internal parasites . The most obvious symptom is liquid stools.
7# Internal parasites
The coccidia Eimeria caviae, the protozoan Balantidium and intestinal worms such as Paraspidodera uncinata are the most common internal parasites in guinea pigs.
The symptoms of these diseases are reflected in their belly swelling , worms in their stool or a rough appearance in their coat.
Only a specialist veterinarian can diagnose the parasite and treat it.
8# External parasites
Among the external parasites that we find in guinea pigs are fleas, lice, mites or flies.
- Fleas : These leave behind brown and black residue.
- Lice : They cause itching.
- Mites : They produce flaking and cause scabs.
- Fungus : Like ringworm.
- Flies : They can lay their eggs on its butt, causing larvae, which can enter the skin of the animal, and worms.
9# Obesity
It is recommended that your guinea pig weigh between a kilo and a kilo and a half.
If it exceeds this weight, you should avoid some foods and follow the instructions of a specialist so that your pet does not become overweight and is completely healthy.
10 # Lack of vitamin C
Guinea pigs, bats and apes are the only animals that do not synthesize vitamin C. That means they have to get it in their diet .
This is where science meets popular legend. “Since the guinea pig does not synthesize vitamin C, I stuff it with peppers and fruit.” This is completely wrong and counterproductive.
Guinea pigs get vitamin C from the leaves they eat , such as watercress, (high in vitamin C) and, in addition, from good feed that already has it incorporated.
A lack of this vitamin can lead to bleeding gums, joint pain, and poor appetite.
Although these are the most typical diseases, there may be many more. But the important thing is that you detect any signs and take your guinea pig to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up.
