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Guinea Pig Ailments & Symptoms​

 

Guinea Pigs are prey animals so they will hide illness. This is why it's so important to monitor their weight weekly and spend time with them every day so you can recognize anything out of the ordinary. A guinea pig's health can deteriorate very quickly and by the time problems become apparent, illnesses may be life-threatening. Guinea pigs very seldom get over an illness without help.

 

Choose a consistent day and time if possible to weigh your guinea pig, for example a Saturday or Sunday morning or when you are deep cleaning the cage. Set your digital kitchen scale to grams. We like to use a bowl or a shallow dish so the piggies are secure and they can't jump off the scale. Download and print out our weight tracker to record your guinea pigs weight. Fluctuation in weight is going to be your first sign that something is wrong. A plus or minus of 30 grams in a 2 week period is cause for concern.

 

Prompt, competent veterinary care is crucial. Find a guinea pig-knowledgeable exotics vet soon after adopting so you know whom to contact in an emergency.

 

Visit our Guinea Pig Vet List  to find a qualified exotic veterinarian near you.

 

Bladder Stones / UTI: Blood in Urine, Unable to Urinate, Weight Loss, Straining and Crying While PoopingBloat: Swollen Abdomen, Not Pooping

 

Ear Infection: Head Tilt, Loss of Balance

 

Giardia / GI Stasis: Soft or Runny Poop - Stop All Veggies for 24 hours, Seek Vet Care

 

Mites / Mange Mites / Fungal Infection: Hair loss, Red Flaky Skin, Excessive ScratchingRefusal to Eat or Drink (Contact Vet Immediately Begin Hand Feeding):

 

URI, Teeth Issues, PainUpper Respiratory infection:

Lethargy, Hunched Posture, Refusal to Eat or Drink, Crusty Eyes, Sneezing, Wheezing, Rough or Puffed Up Coat, Labored Breathing, Dull Eyes

 

Ovarian Cysts and Reproductive Issues in Females: Changes in Behavior Such as Constant Chasing and Mounting Cage Mates, Crusty Nipples, Hair Loss Along Sides, Bleeding from Vaginal Area​

 

When to See a Vet

​Weight Loss: a change in weight of 50 grams gained or lost at weekly weigh-in indicates an underlying health concern

 

Not Eating: Guinea Pigs must eat constantly to keep their GI tract moving. If pig has stopped eating you must syringe feed with critical care every 2-4 hours

 

Wheezing or labored breathing - Crusty eyes or noseSitting hunched in a cornerBleeding from any opening -

 

Blood in urine, squeaking while or difficulty urinating

 

Severe diarrhea or Bloated: Tummy should be soft & pliable, not inflated or hard

Head Tilt or Drooling, any other sever injury

 

Problems Defecating: If your pig isn’t pooping, see a vet asap

 

Hair Loss: more than just shedding can be serious

 

Any behavior unusual for your pig, such as facing a corner, turning down their favorite veggies, refusing any food can be an indication your guinea pig is seriously ill. Seek veterinary care immediately(SOURCE: GUINEALYNX)

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