Guinea pig health and Common Health Problems
Guinea pig health needs to be taken seriously. This is because these critters have more delicate constitutions than other pets. Here are some of the common illnesses that they may experience.
Sneezing, Discharge of the Nose
Guinea pigs have a tendency to have allergic reactions to their bedding’s. When your pet starts sneezing, change the type of bedding you use and see if his sneezing stops. Or you can try relocating him around your home.
Your pet may also experience having discharges around the nose that he will be rubbing. Have it checked out.
Coughing
Guinea pigs may also have coughing fits. If your pet is also wheezing or is experiencing labored breathing, it may have acquired a respiratory infection. You will need to have your vet treat it.
Labored Breathing or Wheezing of Any Sort
Labored breathing and wheezing signals an infection in the respiratory system. This happens when the lungs become congested. Before it develops into pneumonia, have it treated as soon as you can.
Scratching
When your pet is scratching excessively, it may mean two things. Either it has a fungal infection or lice. Check out the skin for small brown parasites. If it does, there are medicated shampoos available for it. Clean out and disinfect the cage to prevent any infestation.
Milky-White Urine or Sludge-y Bladder
A guinea pig’s urine is normally slightly milky in appearance. If it turns clear or white, or becomes sludgy, he may be having too much calcium in his diet.
Pink or Red Urine
Urine that have pink or red discoloration, brought about by the presence of blood, indicates bladder stones. This is a serious condition that should not be disregarded.
The presence of blood in the urine should tell you to bring you pet to the vet right away.
Diarrhea or Extremely Soft Stool
Diarrhea is deadly for a guinea pig if it persists for hours.
This may be an indication that he has too much wet food in his diet. Increase his hay consumption to promote a balance in his digestion.
Get your pet lactobacillus acidophilus capsules to treat the diarrhea. This is available in any health food store.
Hair Loss
Hair loss in your guinea pig may be caused by a number of reasons. The presence of mites may cause this.
Normally, when a guinea pig is cut or bitten, that area of the skin will experience hair loss.
If your pet is experiencing considerable hair loss, it may be time to seek veterinary care. It may be caused by ringworm’s or even ovarian cysts.
Watery Eyes
Watery eyes can be caused by allergies or irritants that may have gotten into the eyes. Ask your vet what to do to flush them out.
Cysts in the eyelids may also cause eye irritation. Have your vet remove them as they are painful for your pet.
Stiff Joints
When you guinea pig does not get enough vitamin C, it may develop stiff joints due to scurvy. Have your vet treat it right away.
Your guinea pig needs at least 10 mg of calcium daily.
Tilting Head
When your pet is walking with a tilted head, it may be an indication that he is suffering from a middle-ear infection.
Such an infection may become more serious and can damage his hearing if not treated right away.
Seizures
If your guinea pig has a seizure attack and is tilting his head up, it may be caused by mites that affects the nervous system once they burrow themselves under the skin. Don’t be alarmed, just have him treated by your vet right away.
There are many other causes of a seizure, particularly when it is indicated by a curling of the body or when his head is tilted to one side.
Get a blood test right away and have him treated as soon as you can.
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