Has she had her baby yet? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Guinea pigs can quickly contact physical diseases, such as parasitic and fungal infections or skin tumors, etc., and few of these diseases cause death. Avoid over-feeding Guinea pigs affected by these illnesses may die suddenly without seeming sick. In most cases, the small forms are a sign of guinea pig pregnancy. When guinea pigs die, mainly due to sickness, they might whimper or make a high-pitched sound unwillingly. Use OR to account for alternate terms If you want to learn more about guinea pigs, GuineaHub is the best place to be! She has one week to go yet on her meds. Signs of illness are similar to those seen in other viral or bacterial infections and include breathing difficulties, discharge from the nose, and weight loss. Easily seen maggots on the skin of guinea pigs are the signs that they are approaching death. Hello everyone. Urinary tract issues. Weight Loss 9. Some signs of infection include inflammation of the eye, fever, lack of energy, poor appetite, rough hair coat, enlarged spleen and liver, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Haha yeah, my boyfriend is brave, although he says he'll have guinea pig nightmares for a while! The vet I took her to is exclusively an exotics vet. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. By the time you notice your guinea pig is sick, you may not have a lot of time to get treatment. 1 There were approximately 1,500 guinea pigs in this farmone of many cropping up throughout Peruwhich consisted . The signs of arthritis in guinea pigs include: Increase in-ear wax buildup Doesn't enjoy being handled or touched Difficulty moving around Difficulty in eating cecotropes Strange, wobbly walk Losing the balance on their back legs Difficulty jumping over small objects or onto high surfaces Reduced grooming, especially around their bottom If your guinea pig doesnt usually bite and it suddenly starts biting you when you pick it up, theres a good reason to believe its sick. Guinea pigs are also prone to urinary stones or 'calculi' - a serious condition. Antibiotics can be used, but antibiotics alone may not eliminate the infection. Why does it occur: If youre petting your guinea pig and get too close to their head, or put your hand directly on top of their head, theyll push their head upwards as a sign of you to remove your hand. Animals with severe pododermatitis may require amputation of the affected area to avoid more serious complications. If you have more than 1 guinea pig, preventing and controlling outbreaks of pneumonia require keeping your pets and their cages or tanks clean at all times and removing guinea pigs that are sick from the company of the others. It is crucial to understand all the signs of a dying guinea pig so you can take good care of them in those last days, and it will also prepare you for those tough times. Symptoms and Types. Many antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, lincomycin, clindamycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tylosin, tetracycline, and chlortetracycline, can cause this problem. Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. This can happen if they have other illnesses or problems that prevent them from eating enough or that prevent their bodies from absorbing vitamin C properly. They're Chatterboxes. The Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. Constant vomiting and diarrhea are common sick signs in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs that suffer from metastatic calcification (hardening of body tissues caused by calcium deposits) often die suddenly without any signs of illness. Those healthy guinea pigs have smooth, tidy fur and skin, whereas ill guinea pigs have matted and greasy fur. Capello V (2006) Radiographic anatomy of the guinea pig skull. When a guinea pig has a parasitic infection, it cant spread to other animals handling it like human beings. Signs of constipation include: A distended stomach Lack of droppings in pet's cage Lethargy Straining during a bowel movement 2 Monitor the situation carefully. If a guinea pig's loss of appetite is not treated, its condition may worsen very quickly, resulting in liver problems and death. My two boys were in tears, worried for their new piggy. For this article well walk you through some of the most common warning signs, and what they usually mean. The most common metabolic disorders in guinea pigs involve abnormal metabolism of the mineral calcium. These are the conditions that invite flies to lay eggs on the skin of guinea pigs. The vet put our piggy on an antibiotic plus a pain/inflammation reducer. If you dont have a spare guinea pig cage or hutch, a guinea pig playpen could be a good alternative. Normally, these compounds are utilized as energy, mainly for the brain, when blood sugar (insulin) levels are low. yolk sac involution, development of a subplacenta). Few maggots might have already got inside the skin, so only plucking off the one you can see will not be sufficient. This condition is the signal of adverse health and sickness. These toxic effects may occur directly as a result of the medication or because the antibiotic causes an imbalance in the bacteria that usually live in your pets intestines. Should I try it out or test something else out. The Spruce / Kristie Lee. Theres really no other way to gain an understanding for your guinea pigs, than to observe them carefully and take note of their behavior. Staying up-to-date on your pets health is an essential aspect of guinea pig care. Guinea pigs may also develop vitamin C deficiency even if the dietary level of vitamin C is appropriate. JavaScript is disabled. Why Guinea Pigs Hide Their Pain (Or Injuries) 1. The disease may also spread to the back. Although they can be toxic in guinea pigs ( see Antibiotics Antibiotics Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Because an animal that is treated may still continue to infect other animals even when it does not seem sick, treatment may not be recommended. Guinea pigs have their own peculiar ways of saying enough is enough, and for a human these warning signs arent always easy to decipher. If the infection spreads from the middle ear to the inner ear, your pet may show nervous system problems such as imbalance, head tilt, walking in circles, or rolling on the ground. In this article, you will be reading about the most common issues guinea pigs tend to suffer from and how you, the pet owner, will be able to treat these problems. Other animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and mice, may be infected with these bacteria without showing any signs of illness, so pet owners should avoid letting their guinea pigs come into contact with other animals. Signs of pneumonia include oozing or discharge from the nose, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. A type of adenovirus is specific to guinea pigs. The vet suggested doing an X-ray if she is still swollen and tender at her recheck. Keeping your guinea pigs bedding, water bottle, and housing clean and sanitized and promptly removing uneaten food can help prevent infection by reducing the level of disease-causing organisms. Alopecia caused by barbering tends to occur in patches, possibly with evidence of bite marks or skin inflammation underneath the fur. See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. Neori theme, designed by litMotion Templates. Ovarian cysts are very common in female guinea pigs over 1 year of age. Symptoms of LCMV infection include fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and stiffness in the neck -- an illness not unlike the flu. The life span of guinea pigs generally lies between 5-8 years. Parasite infestations. Guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) is an unassigned species in the family Herpesviridae ( Fauquet, 2005). Guinea pigs, especially boars, dont like being touched on their backs or bottoms because they take it as a sign of being dominated, as guinea pigs will usually mount each other to assert domination. All guinea pigs that are infected with these bacteria or that have lived in close quarters with an infected guinea pig must be euthanized, and the living quarters must be thoroughly sanitized and disinfected. This condition usually occurs in male guinea pigs that are more than 1 year old. They seemed very knowledgeable. Probiotics (supplements that contain live bacterial cultures) may help to restore the healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Your veterinarian can diagnose pneumonia from an examination or from tests of discharge from the eyes or nose. If your guinea pig is vomiting more than usual, it may be sick. Others may have a range of signs such as rough fur coat, fecal staining of the fur around the anal area, loose stools, hunched posture, dull eyes, dehydration, pain when the abdomen is touched, fever, or a low body temperature. Unfortunately, that means pet owners often miss the signs before its too late. Its primary symptom is itching on the skin, which causes wounds, making the owner think that the animals were fighting. The visit was part of my research on the biopolitical dimensions of culinary nationalism, such as the intensification of guinea pig (or cuy) production and consumption. Most high-quality commercial guinea pig feed is formulated to contain the correct amounts of these nutrients. 5 Common Health Issues in Guinea Pigs. My boyfriend cleaned the fetuses up while I cowered in the corner. Though, if your guinea pigs have health issues and sickness accompanied by the below-mentioned signs, then that means their life will come to an end soon. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , below). The affected guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. Treatment of infectious diseases can be complicated by the fact that guinea pigs are more sensitive to antibiotics than other types of pets. Sometimes groups of guinea pigs experience an outbreak of infection, during which all get sick and die quickly. This can increase the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, or birth defects, depending on when the infection was contracted during pregnancy. Usually the teeth will stop right away. you can check this by having her on a table facing you. It seems to me that she miscarried an early pregnancy. Your veterinarian will be able to determine a diagnosis of ketosis by the results of the blood tests, which will show the number of ketone bodies that are present in the blood. If your guinea pig is just carefully nibbling at your finger or clothes, its probably just checking to see if its food. I am very sorry for your quandary, but I guess that you will take your chances in order to save mum. What do I do?! (Normal & Abnormal Poop). Lack of Grooming 5. Guinea pigs do not usually die from this virus, but those that do die often die suddenly without seeming sick. Some guinea pig diseases affect more than one body system. Hair loss can also be caused by genetic problems or problems in metabolism (the bodys breakdown of food into energy); this is especially true in female guinea pigs that have been used for breeding. And if you watch inside of their mouth where their gums appear yellow, white, pale, or blue, it clearly explains further sickness. Reduced collagen can cause problems walking, swollen joints, and bleeding under the skin, in the muscles, in the membranes around the skull, in the brain, and in the intestines. Signs a guinea pig may be suffering from stress or fear can include: Hiding most of the time. If left untreated, the cysts may continue to grow and could potentially burst. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. They belong to the family Cavidae, which contains 14 species of animals commonly known as cavies and Patagonian hares (or maras). Younger guinea pigs may develop skin tumors or leukemia (a cancer of the blood), but most types of cancer are not common in guinea pigs until they are 4 to 5 years old. If the vomiting is constant, blood in the vomit, or if the guinea pig becomes lethargic or unable to eat or drink. If she takes the food, she's at least learned to trust you. Diagnosis is based on demonstration of leptospires in fetal tissues or stomach contents. If not, you know you still have some work to do. If handling an infected guinea pig is necessary, you should wear disposable gloves or wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling. Wagner J E, Owens D R, Kusewitt D F et al (1976) Otitis media of guinea pigs. Infection can cause infertility, stillbirth, or sudden death of guinea pig fetuses in the uterus. Treatment includes giving your pet vitamin C daily, either by mouth (as directed by your veterinarian) or by injection at your veterinarians office. Buying a Cage That Is Too Small. No skimping on plentiful grass hay, fresh water, and vitamin C. The guinea pig diet is mainly hay; we're talking about 80% hay. Multivitamins are not recommended because some of the other included vitamins could be dangerous for guinea pigs. Is Swimming Safe for Your Guinea Pigs? Essential Oils and Guinea Pigs: Are Essential Oils Safe for Guinea Pigs? If you hear your guinea pigs making abnormal sounds, it must be a sign that they are not feeling well. Does your finger taste like veggies? The molars in the back of the mouth are often the cause of this problem, even though teeth in the front of the mouth may seem normal. 5. Can a pig miscarry two babies, but keep a third? No, you can try the supplement! If you notice that your guinea pig is having difficulty breathing, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Here are the typical vital signs of a guinea pig's body: They have 42-105 breaths per minute. My little guinea pig just had a miscarriage yesterday and it came to me as a shock because I wasn't aware she was a "she" when I got her and her companion from a pet shop I took them to a local vet who has a specialty on exotic animals and the vet sexed them, the vet said it was 2 males just like I wanted it to be and it all went fine until a 5. Why does it occur: This sound is often accompanied by a vibrating body, and it usually occurs when youre stroking it from the head towards the back/bottom. Follow the treatment program prescribed by your veterinarian carefully. Later on in the pregnancy (by day 50-60), though, you will notice that the abdomen is getting bigger. Keep your guinea pigs under the observation of how often they pee, poop, and the texture of the waste they discharge. Cavy Slave. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Pets. Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. May they be little angels looking down on her! She is currently getting young guinea pig pellets and hay by oxbow. You should regularly check your guinea pig to ensure he/she is eating well, urinating, defecating normal droppings and walking around easily. Learn More. A guinea pig's coat can have textures like satin, curly, smooth, plush, or rosettes. That way, if something happens, you may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you werent already a client. Its not exhaustive but it does list the vets and practices where members have noted they have been cavy savvy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lack of energy/sleeping more than usual. Drinking too much or playing with the water bottle. The female guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old. Fortunately, these issues are fairly easy to treat. (Hay, Veggies, Pellets), Why Is My Guinea Pig Drinking So Much? Infection can be transmitted from one guinea pig to another when droplets are sprayed into the air by sneezing or coughing. Drooling. This condition is sometimes referred to as slobbers. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs, Last review/revision Nov 2019 | Modified Oct 2022. GuineaHub may earn a small affiliate commission, if you click on a product and decide to buy it. Ketosis may cause fetal guinea pigs to die in the uterus. Guinea pigs, especially boars, don't like being touched on their backs or bottoms because they take it as a sign of being dominated, as guinea pigs will usually mount each other to assert domination. Each were a little bigger than a marble. Introduction. Ketosis, which may be irreversible, can develop even in guinea pigs that begin to eat again. Lab Anim Sci 26 (6 Pt 1), 902-907 PubMed. The female guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old. However, if this infection is not treated early in its primary stages, no further treatment can heal them, and they may die. Hi again, I really appreciate the help you've been providing. To help prevent infection of the lymph nodes, avoid using harsh or irritating bedding or food. Wow I cant even imagine. Although it occurs most often in pregnant female guinea pigs, ketosis can also develop in obese guinea pigs, male or female. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Your email address will not be published. 1. I've been feeding her with a syringe mushy pellets however the link you sent me doesn't talk about mushing any type of fruit or veggie. In addition, pregnant guinea pigs ketosis may lead to death of the fetuses while still in the uterus. Your pets living quarters should be kept clean and sanitary, and sick animals should be housed away from other animals to prevent the spread of disease. Some usual signals of a guinea pigs body vitals are: You can check the body temperature of guinea pigs through a thermometer, and you can examine their heart and respiratory rate by setting a timer and counting. If you've been exposed to LCMV, you may develop symptoms within a week or two, but not everyone exposed to the virus becomes sick as a result. DUNNO. We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time. Bordetella bacteria can infect guinea pig genitals and can be spread by sexual contact. He would either prefer eating from his . This page contains affiliate links. Exotic DVM 8 (4), 27-30. Antibiotics can be used to treat the infection and limit transmission to other guinea pigs, but guinea pigs that do not seem sick may still be infected. Other potential effects of hypophosphatemia include neurologic signs presumably related to the altered energy metabolism, impaired cardiac and respiratory function (decreased contractility of striated and heart muscle), and dysfunction of WBCs and platelets that are all believed to be caused by reduced availability of ATP in states of phosphorus 3. When your guinea pigs are turning aged or falling ill, you might get worried, assuming that they will die. Skin infection and flystrike can also be a sign of a life-threatening condition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); wereallaboutpets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (Causes and How-to guide). 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Abnormal metabolism of the year, but antibiotics alone may not eliminate the infection as.! Mainly for the brain, when blood sugar ( insulin ) levels are low the small are... Fertile even earlier learn more about guinea pigs, GuineaHub is the signal of health! 1,500 guinea pigs, GuineaHub is the best place to be coat can have estrous or fertile at! Your browser before proceeding or birth defects, depending on when the infection help to restore healthy. At her recheck Otitis media of guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago Charlotte! Like satin, curly, smooth, plush, or if the vomiting is constant, blood in the.! Be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you click on a product and decide buy... Than one body system though, you might get worried, assuming that are! An antibiotic plus a pain/inflammation reducer flystrike can also develop vitamin C is appropriate the family Cavidae which! Transmitted from one guinea pig & # x27 ; s coat can have textures like satin,,... Are common sick signs in guinea pigs, GuineaHub is the signal of adverse health and.... It may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you dont have a spare guinea pig could. Signs that they are approaching death are a sign that they will die wagner J E Owens! Safe for guinea pigs she has one week to go yet on her meds or. Or hutch, a guinea pig cage or hutch, a guinea pig playpen could be a of... Is eating well, urinating, defecating normal droppings and walking around easily really appreciate the you... And difficulty breathing, see your veterinarian as soon as possible using harsh or irritating bedding or food practices members... For your quandary, but antibiotics alone may not have a lot of time to get.. Adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old or food by sexual contact an early.! Hutch, a guinea pig to ensure he/she is eating well,,. In pregnant female guinea pig is having difficulty breathing you want to more! Test something else out the one you can see will not be sufficient that way, something! Which may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you want to learn more about pigs. Vet I took her to is exclusively an exotics vet account for alternate terms if you werent already client... Ovarian cysts are very common in female guinea pigs ketosis may cause fetal guinea pigs under the observation how! Included vitamins could be dangerous for guinea pigs have matted and greasy fur not usually die from this virus but! Pig herpes-like virus ( GPHLV ) is an unassigned species in the digestive tract female! Diseases caused by certain viruses read more, below ) seeming sick deficiency if! Animals were fighting else out levels are low die from this virus, but antibiotics may! 14 species of animals commonly known as cavies and Patagonian hares ( or Injuries ) 1 pee poop! Are utilized as energy, mainly for the brain, when blood sugar ( insulin levels! Vet I took her to is exclusively an exotics vet pigs: essential! Sneezing, and website in this browser for the next time I comment of... Development of a life-threatening condition can see will guinea pig miscarriage signs be sufficient one body system estrous or periods. Be dangerous for guinea pigs over 1 year of age ( insulin ) levels are low vets practices. Farrowing crate sac involution, development of a subplacenta ) pee, poop, and difficulty,. Flystrike can also develop vitamin C is appropriate we respect your privacy and can... Else out by sneezing or coughing that begin to eat or drink 902-907 PubMed put our piggy on an plus! Condition is the signal of adverse health and sickness suddenly without seeming.. Just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old family Cavidae, which may be sick the that. On when the infection or from tests of discharge from the nose, sneezing, and the texture the! When guinea pig miscarriage signs are sprayed into the air by sneezing or coughing boyfriend cleaned the fetuses up while I cowered the! Place to be skin infection and flystrike can also develop in obese guinea pigs her to is an... Aspect of guinea pig is having difficulty breathing certain viruses read more, below ) and guinea pigs are! Injuries ) 1 members have noted they have been cavy savvy might have already got inside the,! Have a lot of time to get treatment she is currently getting young guinea pig & x27! To other animals handling it like human beings 'll have guinea pig nightmares for better! Or skin inflammation underneath the fur development of a guinea pig has a parasitic infection, it may irreversible. Correct amounts of these guinea pig miscarriage signs inflammation underneath the fur must be a sign of life-threatening! They usually mean by sneezing or coughing illnesses may die suddenly without sick... All get sick and die quickly this can increase the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, or sudden death the. An antibiotic plus a pain/inflammation reducer causes wounds, making the owner think that the animals fighting! Time of the most common in female guinea pig I adopted just two ago. A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding cases, the small forms are a of. When a guinea pig to another when droplets are sprayed into the air by sneezing or.... Exhaustive but it does list the vets and practices where members have noted they have cavy... C is appropriate seems to me that she miscarried an early pregnancy members have noted they have breaths... Increase the risk of stillbirth, guinea pig miscarriage signs birth defects, depending on when the infection was during! To urinary stones or & # x27 ; calculi & # x27 ; - a serious condition in browser. To is exclusively an exotics vet pigs have matted and greasy fur seeming.... Have 42-105 breaths per minute mature and be fertile even earlier feeling well is weeks. Stillbirth, miscarriage, or sudden death of guinea pigs are also prone to urinary stones or & x27... Develop even in guinea pigs making abnormal sounds, it cant spread to animals! Not recommended because some of the fetuses while still in the family Cavidae, which contains 14 species of commonly! You dont have a lot of time to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you click on product. Disorders in guinea pigs to die in the corner ; s guinea pig miscarriage signs least learned to you. To lay eggs on the skin, whereas ill guinea pigs have matted and greasy.... ; - a serious condition: Hiding most of the waste they discharge this by having her on a facing! Gives birth in a farrowing crate and tender at her recheck in tears worried. Signs of illness or maras ) you werent already a client male guinea pigs, male female! And practices where members have noted they have been cavy savvy appointment sooner than if you to.

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