Once the guinea pigs feel more comfortable with your presence - you will start to see your guinea pig explore the cage, eat hay, and drink water even with your hand inside the cage. Hair loss in guinea pigs has a number of possible causes. Earlier today we found two round bloody balls with her in her hiding tube. DUNNO. Guinea pigs are good at grooming themselves. Guinea pigs can live up to 14 years in human care but live an average of 8 years. 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. Hello everyone. By entering your e-mail address you agree to get a weekly newsletter from GuineaHub. If she is still bleeding I would take her for a check over by a good exotics vet. is a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. If these body vitals start changing their degrees from average or show frequent changes day by day, it is time to call a vet. Take your guinea pigs to a vet and consult them about the issues which make you worried about your pets. Fingers crossed! Your pets footpads can become inflamed, develop sores, or become overgrown. If your guinea pig is just carefully nibbling at your finger or clothes, its probably just checking to see if its food. Soecara, thank you for your advice. Guinea pigs dont like having their eyes covered, so if you stroke them from the top of their head and backwards, theyll probably dislike it. And this state occurs when the body of guinea pigs is dirty due to urine and their discharged waste. If the antibiotic causes diarrhea, the treatment should be stopped immediately and your veterinarian contacted. This is critical in maintaining their comfort. These can be removed surgically. If you want to learn more about guinea pigs, GuineaHub is the best place to be! Although it occurs most often in pregnant female guinea pigs, ketosis can also develop in obese guinea pigs, male or female. Guinea pigs occasionally become infected with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis bacteria through contaminated food, bedding, or water. These bacteria can cause sudden illness in previously healthy guinea pigs when they become stressed or stop eating; this can lead to death. How to prevent it: The easiest way to keep your guinea pig from biting you, is to take note of what situations that cause it to bite. It was originally isolated from guinea pig primary kidney cell culture from both leukemic and nonleukemic Strain 2 guinea pigs ( Hsiung and Kaplow, 1969 ). Drinking too much or playing with the water bottle. Cancer is uncommon in guinea pigs until they reach the age of at least four years old, then of which between 1/6 and 1/4 of guinea pigs develop tumors [2] [13]. My boyfriend cleaned the fetuses up while I cowered in the corner. Guinea pigs need at least 10 mg of vitamin C per kilogram of body weight daily (pregnant females need 30 mg/kg daily). And if you watch inside of their mouth where their gums appear yellow, white, pale, or blue, it clearly explains further sickness. Others cause hair loss but do not seem to affect the skin, and still others burrow into the skin and may cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation. If your guinea pig must take antibiotics, you will need to monitor its health carefully. Probiotics (supplements that contain live bacterial cultures) may help to restore the healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Uncomfortable guinea pigs make sounds like teeth grinding and screaming. Symptoms and Types. Animals cant tell you when theyre feeling sick and, even if they could, they probably wouldnt. If your guinea pig will not voluntarily drink sufficient water, your veterinarian may provide additional fluids by injection. Bar Biting 7. Joined Nov 13, 2012 . How Much Time Should You Spend With Your Guinea Pig. o [pig guinea] Diarrhoea. Miscarriage. 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. If your pet is slobbering or drooling, your veterinarian will evaluate this problem carefully. (Things You Should Know), more you spend time with your guinea pigs, Guinea pigs are good at grooming themselves, How To Get Rid Of Matted Guinea Pig Hair? Some stress can also cause terror. Is Swimming Safe for Your Guinea Pigs? She is currently getting young guinea pig pellets and hay by oxbow. Signs of aging show up at roughly predictable points in a guinea pig's life and can be used to estimate their age (and thus how close to death they may be). 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. Guinea pigs require healthy functioning digestion for living. The vet put our piggy on an antibiotic plus a pain/inflammation reducer. Your veterinarian will help you keep tabs on your guinea pigs health and spot any developing issues while they are still treatable. They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. Consult your veterinarian about any special dietary requirements your guinea pig may have during the recovery period, as well as any other recommendations that may be helpful in helping your guinea pig to recover quickly from the pregnancy toxemia. Please don't have them together under any circumstances.. it only takes a second and your little girl may not be lucky enough to survive another pregnancy. These dying signs can be unacceptable to you as much as they are for your guinea pigs. 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. That being said, you need to be a responsible pet owner and provide for your guinea pigs needs to keep him healthy. 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 guinea pigs, conjunctivitis is usually caused by infection by bacteria, such as Bordetella or Streptococcus species, that cause general upper respiratory disease ( see Lung and Airway Disorders Lung and Airway Disorders Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Several underlying problems can lead to hair loss, including infestations of fur mites or lice, ringworm, or fighting between incompatible animals. These include obesity, large litter size, loss of appetite during the late stages of pregnancy, insufficient exercise, environmental stress, and underdeveloped blood vessels in the uterus (an inherited condition). Infections of the respiratory tract should be treated. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. The male guinea pig is called a boar while the female is called a sow. you can check this by having her on a table facing you. Even if your guinea pig seems healthy, its your responsibility as a pet owner to keep up with annual checkups. We can help you better if you do that. The lymph nodes around the neck often become enlarged or inflamed in guinea pigs. The bacteria can also enter a guinea pigs body through cuts or scrapes in the skin or through inhalation. If left untreated, the cysts may continue to grow and could potentially burst. 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. 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. Signs of conjunctivitis (pink eye) include watering, crusting, and redness of the eyes. Severe infestation by mites may cause hair loss or itching. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. Benign skin tumors called trichofolliculomas can occur in guinea pigs, commonly at the base of the tail. run your fingers down her spine and when you get to the end . Your guinea pig has stopped grooming themselves, 6. Focusing on the Sore Area 11. Guinea pigs can quickly contact physical diseases, such as parasitic and fungal infections or skin tumors, etc., and few of these diseases cause death. Here are some common signs of illness in guinea pigs: If your guinea pig is showing signs of illness, its important to see a veterinarian sooner rather than later. Whether you give him a bit of a treat or a trail of treats, he won't eat it if he doesn't trust you. Sneezing and some drainage from her nose. However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier. Then they could stay together permanently without any more pregnancies and without the stress. Different people keep guinea pigs regardless of their sexes for different reasons. In severely affected animals, the affected areas may become infected, which can cause the animals to lose weight, have low energy, or run around the cage. (Reasons & What To Do). If you bought a cage from a pet store, it's probably too small. Flinching 2. They also live for several years, longer than most other rodents, so you can enjoy them longer than other pet rodents. Death can occur in less than a week if the antibiotic treatment continues. 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. Can Guinea Pigs Swim? Capello V (2006) Radiographic anatomy of the guinea pig skull. Why Guinea Pigs Hide Their Pain (Or Injuries) 1. Treatment does not usually help, but your options may include giving your guinea pig the medications propylene glycol, calcium glutamate, or steroids. The more you spend time with your guinea pigs, the more you become aware of how much they make you run and jump around them and how active they are. 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 Guinea pigs that receive these antibiotics may develop diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, or a drop in body temperature. Guinea pigs catch fur mites from other guinea pigs or from contaminated items such as bedding. I was fully expecting to have a hard time giving her the meds but she actually loves it. Find out more about the NEW, drastically improved site and forum! It does not produce disease in the natural host. Make sure your guinea pigs are comfortable, and youll no longer have to worry about warning signals. Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is a frequent cause of death in guinea pigs. Unnecessary loose motions are common for poor health before the time of death and even lack of hydration in guinea pigs. ANSWER. Thanks for the help, will try it out tho she hasn't stopped eating she just reduced it, and also my vet recommended me to try and feeding her a "energetic supplement" called nutr-plus gel. Over-grooming. These are also known as multisystemic or generalized diseases. It might make them feel safer, and therefore theyll stop biting. While it is certainly important to clean their cage and move them to other spots within the cage, giving a dying guinea pig space is another crucial way to bring them comfort. (Causes and How-to guide). Provide her with a supply of alfalfa hay, [4] which is an excellent source of calcium. T he species is more prone to heat related death in the latter stages of pregnancy, so it is recommended to supply a pregnant female with a lot of care. Skin infection and flystrike can also be a sign of a life-threatening condition. The antibiotic may be compounded into a suspension given by mouth, which should then be given as directed. You will observe some changes in the body of your guinea pigs that will tell you that their death is near. If they are able to still eat, they should. And it occurs when guinea pigs start avoiding food, which leads to slowing down digestion. Veterinarians diagnose this infection by laboratory tests and examination of the sick guinea pig. Supplement the mother guinea pig's diet with calcium. Guinea pigs that refuse to eat may need to be carefully fed by syringe with a soft diet (a commercial critical care diet, vegetable baby food, or a pureed pelleted diet). Ok, I thought we'd be able to tell if the piggy had the pregnant "pear" shape. Read on to learn about common and life-threatening health issues guinea pig owners should know about and how to identify the signs that your piggy is sick or dying. JavaScript is disabled. MeSH terms Abortion, Veterinary / microbiology* Animals Female They belong to the family Cavidae, which contains 14 species of animals commonly known as cavies and Patagonian hares (or maras). Parasite infestations. A healthy diet with routine checkups is the best way to keep your piggy healthy. I didn't think to ask at the time if she thought it was alive. Lab Anim 20 (3), 242-248 PubMed. You must log in or register to reply here. They are seen in chocolate, black, beige, lilac, cream, red, golden, and slate colors. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. And if she acts lethargic or stops eating/drinking, to bring her in for emergency care right away. One guinea pig can infect another by direct contact or by sneezing or coughing. Your guinea pig is making some unusual noises, How Long Can Guinea Pigs Go Without Food? Some teeth may need to be clipped or filed to help your pets jaw close properly. Symptoms of LCMV infection include fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and stiffness in the neck -- an illness not unlike the flu. Sorry for your loss of the pups. Additionally, it is not always easy to detect the symptoms which indicate an imminent birth, since there are little changes in their visible behavior. She doesn't appear to be bleeding anymore. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Guinea pigs are refusing to eat might be because their food lacks sufficient amounts of nutrients. Im so sorry I hope you are ok and your piggie. The cause of this condition is uncertain but is probably related to diets that contain too much calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D and not enough magnesium. Ringworm usually goes away on its own in healthy guinea pigs. You are using an out of date browser. I am very sorry for your quandary, but I guess that you will take your chances in order to save mum. Treatment, if recommended, depends on the type and location of the cancer. Abscesses can be surgically drained. He said there were four of them and he could see some preformed legs, although they definitely weren't formed enough to live. It most commonly affects guinea pigs that are pregnant with their first or second litters. If your guinea pigs make noises like they are having a cold, they might show hints of sickness and that sickness, which can cause death. Fast, noisy or heavy breathing. It is likely that the guinea pig is seriously ill and should be seen by a veterinarian. Watch this video to recognize if a pig is in labor. 1. Guinea pigs can spread Salmonella infection to humans by direct contact, so appropriate sanitation measures (such as wearing disposable gloves and washing hands thoroughly) should be taken when handling any sick guinea pig. Guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) is an unassigned species in the family Herpesviridae ( Fauquet, 2005). Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , above), certain antibiotics are safer than others, and your veterinarian may select one of these if needed. 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. I think my piggie has had a stroke! Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition by examining your guinea pig and possibly performing laboratory tests. When guinea pigs are dehydrated they may start having low energy and become clumsy. Though there may not be significant differences among different breeds, each guinea pig is unique so its a good idea to spend plenty of time with your cavy to get used to your guinea pigs behavior. They're Chatterboxes. If the problem continues, monthly visits to your veterinarian for dental care may be necessary. I believe its been confirmed by a vet that she isn't pregnant. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. 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. Animals housed in groups may chew or tear their own or each others hair because of social conflicts or dominance of older animals over younger group members. Constant vomiting and diarrhea are common sick signs in guinea pigs. This will be because of the developing babies inside and the extra weight being put on. The life span of guinea pigs generally lies between 5-8 years. The early stages of fetal, placental and yolk sac development in the guinea pig are very complex and involve some mechanisms specific to caviomorph rodents (e.g. How to help and Cheer up a Depressed Guinea Pig. Barbering may be prevented by separating affected animals, minimizing stress, weaning baby guinea pigs from their mothers early, and feeding animals long-stemmed hay. Your veterinarian can diagnose pneumonia from an examination or from tests of discharge from the eyes or nose. While the list could be endless, and will be particular to your guinea pig, common signs of trouble can include: avoiding favorite foods; hiding all the time; lethargy; a change in posture or walking style; or any other change from established behavior patterns. If your pet is dehydrated, your veterinarian may provide fluid treatment. A guinea pig might start teeth chattering if it thinks youre taking too long with making their food, or if it needs to pee when youre sitting with it. That means making stifling noises is a bad health signal. We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time. The teeth of a guinea pig nearing their senior years may start to chip or break. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. Both male and female guinea pigs can develop cancer of the mammary glands. Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Matted Guinea Pig Hair? Therefore, further studies are needed to address the specific role of guinea pigs raised as livestock in the ecology and epidemiology of influenza viruses in the region. This bacterium retained pathogenic properties sufficient to cause infection, abortion, and microscopic lesions in two-thirds of the guinea pigs, in spite of high in vitro passage. Buying a Cage That Is Too Small. 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. You should understand these signs, which indicate that your guinea pig will not have much time left. But how will you know if its something serious? http://littleadventurescorner.blogspot.de/2015/07/early-neuturing.htmlI summarized the most important things you need to know if you find out that your guine. So, lets get right into the 10 signs that indicate your guinea pig is dying. Think it would be all right to mush up a veggie or fruit like a cucumber for example to help her out to stay healthy until tomorrow when I'll take her to the vet? See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. Guinea pigs can become pregnant as early as 4 weeks of age, so it's important to keep an eye on your female guinea pigs if you don't want them to have babies. It seems to me that she miscarried an early pregnancy. Four read more . Affected lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed. Theres really no other way to gain an understanding for your guinea pigs, than to observe them carefully and take note of their behavior. I think shes still bleeding a bit because shes been cleaning that area and her nose has a bit of blood on it from cleaning. Here at Kavee though, we believe this guidance urgently needs updating. You must log in or register to reply here. The genital form of the infection can also be transmitted by sexual contact. The most common nutritional disorder in guinea pigs is a lack of vitamin C. Loss of appetite also occurs and is usually a sign of another problem such as disease or problems with the teeth. Changing their feeding or toileting habits. Also see professional content regarding diseases of guinea pigs Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs, like chinchillas, are hystricognath rodents. GuineaHub may earn a small affiliate commission, if you click on a product and decide to buy it. 7/18/08 2:18 PM. Domesticated guinea pigs can live appropriately up to 8-10 years if kept inside the house well confined. This less attention to clean fur is the initial hint of skin issues. The bacteria are spread by direct contact with infected guinea pigs, wild mice, or rats or by sharing food, water, or bedding with infected animals. Once a guinea pig has begun to show signs of pregnancy toxemia, the outcome is usually not good. 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 One possible deadly skin infection that can attack guinea pigs is named myiasis, also known as flystrike. Lab Anim Sci 26 (6 Pt 1), 902-907 PubMed. Signs a guinea pig may be suffering from stress or fear can include: Hiding most of the time. I called the vet and they said as long as Charlotte was eating and drinking well, we can wait until I bring them . How to prevent it: When stroking your guinea pig, try stopping at the middle of their back or just pet them behind their ears instead. All rights reserved. Guinea pigs have an interstitial, antimesometrial implantation between days 5 and 6 post conception. Treatment of infectious diseases can be complicated by the fact that guinea pigs are more sensitive to antibiotics than other types of pets. 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. To prevent ketosis, make sure your guinea pig eats a high quality food throughout pregnancy, while limiting the amount in order to prevent obesity. Diarrhea. So, it is crucial that your guinea pigs must take care of their grooming. The outlook for survival is poor; most guinea pigs only live a few weeks after diagnosis. Pregnancy toxemia most commonly affects guinea pigs that are pregnant with their first or second litters. Squealing Or Screaming 3. Quickly take them to the veterinarian for treatment. Of course, cancers can cause sudden and unexpected death in guinea pigs. 5. Like people, apes, and monkeys, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C. If they do not get enough of this vitamin in their diet, their bodies supply of vitamin C disappears quickly. Animals with severe pododermatitis may require amputation of the affected area to avoid more serious complications. A stressed guinea pig will show signs of aggression and irritability. She seems to be pretty young herself, which might be why the pregnancy didnt make it, but Im not sure. It may cause pneumonia Pneumonia Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Even guinea pigs that do not show signs of problems with antibiotics may die suddenly. Lymphosarcoma is a malignant cancer; it causes what is sometimes referred to as cavian leukemia. Give Them Their Space. In the laboratory, guinea pigs are infected and efficiently transmit influenza viruses to naive hosts without showing any overt clinical signs of disease . Another symptom may be that they start to develop a fever and also have a loss of appetite. 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. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. Charlotte is doing fine right now! Limping. 2x5 C&C = 12ft2. Multivitamins are not recommended because some of the other included vitamins could be dangerous for guinea pigs. That way, if something happens, you may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you werent already a client. You may want to consult a vet if your guinea pig is acting in either of these manners. Guinea pigs don't like surprises- it goes against their prey nature. Guinea pigs might be stressed because of hearing loud sounds, being in a congested environment, fear of predators, and being held in hands uncomfortably. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Signs, if they are seen at all, can include weight loss, muscle or joint stiffness, and increased urination (because of kidney failure). A metabolic disorder associated with improper calcium levels may also occur during pregnancy. Weight Loss 9. If your pet develops diarrhea or stops eating during treatment, contact your veterinarian immediately. Scurvy. Any changes in behavior should always be taken seriously and a vet should see it as soon as possible. 5 Common Health Issues in Guinea Pigs. 1 There were approximately 1,500 guinea pigs in this farmone of many cropping up throughout Peruwhich consisted . Staying up-to-date on your pets health is an essential aspect of guinea pig care. Sudden death can occur when outbreaks occur among groups of guinea pigs. I think my baby piggy just had a miscarriage, what now. I called the vet and they said as long as Charlotte was eating and drinking well, we can wait until I bring them in for the checkup I already scheduled for Wednesday early morning. Monitoring your guinea pigs' health. When guinea pigs die, mainly due to sickness, they might whimper or make a high-pitched sound unwillingly. The bald patches may be flaky, crusty, or red. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Daily handling will give you the chance not only to check over the guinea pig but also to bond with it. 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. Their warning signs are just the tip of the iceberg, but certainly the most important signs to get familiar with. Her rear and back feet were bloody as well, and there was blood in other spots in the cage. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs, Last review/revision Nov 2019 | Modified Oct 2022. Sometimes groups of guinea pigs experience an outbreak of infection, during which all get sick and die quickly. The heart works hard 24/7 to pump blood through the kidneys. Has she had her baby yet? 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. Guinea pigs have their own peculiar ways of saying enough is enough, and for a human these warning signs arent always easy to decipher. Essential Oils and Guinea Pigs: Are Essential Oils Safe for Guinea Pigs? Bordetella bacteria can infect guinea pig genitals and can be spread by sexual contact. Any thoughts on that gel? Any abnormal change in urine and waste of guinea pigs can also be the reason for their death. Bleeding (or finding blood in their cage) Wounds. If a guinea pig becomes infected, the illness may take several courses: 1) infection may spread to the bloodstream and cause sudden death; 2) infected guinea pigs may lose weight, develop diarrhea, and die over the course of 3 to 4 weeks; 3) lymph nodes in the neck or shoulder may enlarge; or 4) your pet may be infected without seeming sick. Have you thought of having him neutered? It doesnt have to be anything bad, but biting is usually a sign of something being wrong. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. According to the Guinness book of the world record, the guinea pig named Snowball lived the longest, 14 years, whereas the average life expectancy of guinea pigs is 5-8 years.
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