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. Increasing roughage (fiber in the diet) and decreasing grains and sugars may help treat diarrhea. Affected lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed. It is observed that before dying, guinea pigs eliminate excessively. These bacteria can cause sudden illness in previously healthy guinea pigs when they become stressed or stop eating; this can lead to death. Diarrhoea. 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. 3. A metabolic disorder associated with improper calcium levels may also occur during pregnancy. That means making stifling noises is a bad health signal. No rest for the wicked. Mental and physical factors can be the cause of decreased hunger in guinea pigs. Barbering may be prevented by separating affected animals, minimizing stress, weaning baby guinea pigs from their mothers early, and feeding animals long-stemmed hay. The female guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old. Mummification, maceration, stillbirths, and weak pigs are also seen. They may have a rough hair coat, lose their appetite, lose weight, have diarrhea, become ill, or die suddenly. 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. One way to increase dietary fiber is to provide hay in addition to commercial guinea pig feed. Uncomfortable guinea pigs make sounds like teeth grinding and screaming. 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. It is likely that the guinea pig is seriously ill and should be seen by a veterinarian. Your vet may want to investigate this, especially in aging guinea pigs, to make sure this isn't a chicken-and-the egg scenario and the treatment is appropriate for the root cause. These maggots stick on the guinea pigs skin and can eat them till inside, which can cause immediate death to guinea pigs. Hair loss in guinea pigs has a number of possible causes. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Haha yeah, my boyfriend is brave, although he says he'll have guinea pig nightmares for a while! Different people keep guinea pigs regardless of their sexes for different reasons. The heart works hard 24/7 to pump blood through the kidneys. Any thoughts on that gel? The duller the teeth are, the closer they likely are to 5 years of age. If it changes, it could be a sign your guinea pig is distressed, bored, ill or injured. It was originally isolated from guinea pig primary kidney cell culture from both leukemic and nonleukemic Strain 2 guinea pigs ( Hsiung and Kaplow, 1969 ). Some stress can also cause terror. Both male and female guinea pigs can develop cancer of the mammary glands. Hope both are okay x. I wouldn't let your two guinea pigs play together even with supervision because it's likely to stress them out. Luckily the tenderness in her abdomen has improved. Infestations can be minimized or prevented by making sure that living quarters are clean and sanitary and by minimizing your pets stress levels. In general, you should avoid giving your guinea pig any antibiotics unless specifically directed by a veterinarian familiar with these animals. She is currently getting young guinea pig pellets and hay by oxbow. o [pig guinea] All rights reserved. Though guinea pigs who suffer from sickness are likely to show less interest in cleaning themselves. To help prevent infection of the lymph nodes, avoid using harsh or irritating bedding or food. Some animals need antibiotics and pain medications. There is nothing to worry about when your elder guinea pigs do not eat much like they used to eat when they were young. Avoid over-feeding These are also known as multisystemic or generalized diseases. Your veterinarian will help you keep tabs on your guinea pigs health and spot any developing issues while they are still treatable. 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). He would either prefer eating from his . Ketosis usually occurs in the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy, or in the first week after a guinea pig has given birth. 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. I think my piggie has had a stroke! Usually the teeth will stop right away. Drooling. Signs of aging include: [3] Thickened, twisted toes Cataracts (cloudy eyes) Tumors/growths on the body or head Stiffness in the joints/hobbling 3 Treatment of infectious diseases can be complicated by the fact that guinea pigs are more sensitive to antibiotics than other types of pets. Left untreated, convulsions and death may result. These diseases have their characteristics like bald spots on the skin, dandruff, or formation of scales and peeling of skin in thin pieces. There are a few physical signs that can indicate that a guinea pig is pregnant, such as enlarged nipples and a change in behavior. How flies are attracted towards guinea pigs and what to do? Exotic DVM 8 (4), 27-30. Signs of your guinea pig aging include: Thickened, twisted toes on their paws Cataracts (visible as cloudy eyes) Tumors/growths around the body or head Visible stiffness in the joints or hobbling movement Significant loss of energy (lethargy) You are using an out of date browser. 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. Drinking or peeing more. Buying a Cage That Is Too Small. Ok, I thought we'd be able to tell if the piggy had the pregnant "pear" shape. (Causes and How-to guide). Underlying factors include: Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your guinea pig, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible conditions that might have led to this disorder. In the laboratory, guinea pigs are infected and efficiently transmit influenza viruses to naive hosts without showing any overt clinical signs of disease . 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. Does your finger taste like veggies? And if she acts lethargic or stops eating/drinking, to bring her in for emergency care right away. 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 A stressed guinea pig will show signs of aggression and irritability. Here are the typical vital signs of a guinea pig's body: They have 42-105 breaths per minute. 2x5 C&C = 12ft2. In addition, wereallaboutpets.comis a participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants. Boot R, Walvoort H C (1986) Otitis media in guinea pigs: pathology and bacteriology. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a complete blood count and a urinalysis. If your pet is dehydrated, your veterinarian may provide fluid treatment. When your guinea pigs do not pass out waste discharge, they have gastrointestinal stasis issues. 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. 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. This is best done by a veterinarian. 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. Respiratory tract infections. Symptoms of LCMV infection include fever, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and stiffness in the neck -- an illness not unlike the flu. Antibiotics can be used, but antibiotics alone may not eliminate the infection. We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time. Focusing on the Sore Area 11. Because watching them interact, seeing their differences in personalities, and catching them cuddling together is much more rewarding than looking at one pig with a blank look on its face who is terrified of me. The average body temperature of guinea pigs should be between 102 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the heart rate should be in the middle of 240-250 beats per minute. Can a pig miscarry two babies, but keep a third? This less attention to clean fur is the initial hint of skin issues. Because treating health issues in guinea pigs can be difficult, its important for pet owners to know the basics about common health problems so they can see the signs early. Posture Changes 6. Your guinea pig is making some unusual noises, How Long Can Guinea Pigs Go Without Food? 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? 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. Can Guinea Pigs Have Straw in Their Cage? Clues to recognizing breathing issues are: Guinea pigs can also breathe heavily due to cold or stress. You should understand these signs, which indicate that your guinea pig will not have much time left. Guinea pigs make wonderful pets for many reasons. How to prevent it: This is the easiest one to get out of, simply by not covering your guinea pigs eyes with your hand. Unfortunately, even if you do seek treatment there may be nothing you can do. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Guinea Pig Behavior Myths A temperature of 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit ; Heart rate between 200-250 beats per minute; Any major changes in these vital signs can be a sign that your guinea pig is very sick or dying. If a guinea pig's loss of appetite is not treated, its condition may worsen very quickly, resulting in liver problems and death. 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. I didn't think to ask at the time if she thought it was alive. Guinea pigs are refusing to eat might be because their food lacks sufficient amounts of nutrients. 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. Hello everyone. If the kidneys are acting up, it can increase the workload on the heart. Signs include hair loss over the abdomen, loss of appetite, and loss of energy. A guinea pig who appears to be dying soon will be upset and breathe noisily; even the breathing will be in short gaps. That way, if something happens, you may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you werent already a client. Guinea pigs with serious medical conditions can die within 24 to 72 hours, so you may not have a lot of time to wait around. Abscesses. Neori theme, designed by litMotion Templates. (Causes and How-to guide). This footpad inflammation, or pododermatitis, is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that enter the footpads through cuts or scrapes. Additionally, it is not always easy to detect the symptoms which indicate an imminent birth, since there are little changes in their visible behavior. Guinea pigs don't like surprises- it goes against their prey nature. May they be little angels looking down on her! Changes in the type of feed or water or in the bowl or bottle that your pet eats or drinks from may also trigger loss of appetite. Skin infection and flystrike can also be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Supplement the mother guinea pig's diet with calcium. Also check your guinea pig has a healthy coat, clear bright eyes, a nose free of any discharges, normal length nails (that are not too long) and normal healthy footpads. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , below). 2x5 C&C = 12ft2. DUNNO. Why Guinea Pigs Hide Their Pain (Or Injuries) 1. When guinea pigs are dehydrated they may start having low energy and become clumsy. The life span of guinea pigs generally lies between 5-8 years. Earlier today we found two round bloody balls with her in her hiding tube. Find out more about the NEW, drastically improved site and forum! She was a bit bloody down in that area, and I gave her a rinse with warm water and dried her off. Infection can also cause inflammation of the middle ear, which can lead to a head tilt. Easily seen maggots on the skin of guinea pigs are the signs that they are approaching death. Treatment is usually with topical medication. Animals that will not eat may require a stomach tube. Preventing exposure to stress in the last few weeks of pregnancy may also help. She still acts like her tummy is tender, and the vet said she thought there might be another fetus inside. Brave BF as well! You should take your guinea pig to see a veterinarian if you notice any signs of constipation because constipation is rare in guinea pigs. Give Them Their Space. Guinea pig owners should take the time to learn about the most common health problems that affect guinea pigs so they can see the signs. The sooner you know about the signs of death in your guinea pigs, the better you will manage the last few days of your guinea pigs life. Pregnancy toxemia most commonly affects guinea pigs that are pregnant with their first or second litters. Even guinea pigs that do not show signs of problems with antibiotics may die suddenly. Wheek wheek! I am very sorry for your quandary, but I guess that you will take your chances in order to save mum. zooepidemicus. This could be complicated by the fact that many veterinarians dont treat small animals like guinea pigs. Alopecia caused by barbering tends to occur in patches, possibly with evidence of bite marks or skin inflammation underneath the fur. The blood sugar may be low because food is not available to maintain blood sugar levels, because the animal is being fed a diet that is lower in sugar levels than it is accustomed to, or because of intentional fasting. Is Swimming Safe for Your Guinea Pigs? To prevent ketosis, make sure your pet eats a high-quality food throughout pregnancy, but limit the amount of food you give your pet to prevent obesity. Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition either by examining your pets fur or by looking at scrapings from your pets skin under a microscope. (Hay, Veggies, Pellets), Why Is My Guinea Pig Drinking So Much? 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]. What do I do?! Thanks again for the input. This condition is sometimes referred to as slobbers. Severe infestation by mites may cause hair loss or itching. Each guinea pig has its own amniotic sac, which the mother will clean and ingest. Its not exhaustive but it does list the vets and practices where members have noted they have been cavy savvy. Changing their feeding or toileting habits. Your veterinarian can diagnose ringworm by culturing hair samples for fungal growth or (in some cases) by shining an ultraviolet light on affected skin. The life span of guinea pigs generally lies between 5-8 years. 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). Young guinea pigs that are weaning from their mothers may have hair thinning as their coat changes to coarser adult fur. What are the signs that your guinea pig is dying? Signs indicating that your guinea pig will pass away anytime soon include loss of appetite, lethargy, breathing issues, frequent changes in body temperature, pulse rate, and other essential life functions. Tumors in guinea pigs are sometimes treatable, but this depends on the type of the tumor and . If you bought a cage from a pet store, it's probably too small. If your pet develops diarrhea or stops eating during treatment, contact your veterinarian immediately. Any changes in behavior should always be taken seriously and a vet should see it as soon as possible. Calcium is another essential nutrient, but you want to avoid giving your guinea pig too much, so supplements are not recommended. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to the effects of many antibiotics. My boyfriend cleaned the fetuses up while I cowered in the corner. Animals with severe pododermatitis may require amputation of the affected area to avoid more serious complications. Symptoms and Types. All of these infectious agents can cause illness without leading to pneumonia (see below). With increasing baby size, the duration reduces. Urinary tract issues. 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. Over-grooming. The Spruce / Kristie Lee. WOWomg. Guinea pigs that suffer from metastatic calcification (hardening of body tissues caused by calcium deposits) often die suddenly without any signs of illness. Signs, if they are seen at all, can include weight loss, muscle or joint stiffness, and increased urination (because of kidney failure). Guinea pigs without signs of illness may carry Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria in the nose or throat. She is currently getting young guinea pig pellets and hay by oxbow. 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. Common reproductive problems in guinea pigs involve the ovaries or mammary glands (breasts). Although it occurs most often in pregnant female guinea pigs, ketosis can also develop in obese guinea pigs, male or female. Change in activity level or lethargy. Any abnormal change in urine and waste of guinea pigs can also be the reason for their death. Charlotte is fine, and the vet didn't feel anymore babies inside her, so that's good. 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 I hope she gets better. 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. This condition usually occurs in male guinea pigs that are more than 1 year old. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues. Werent already a client treat small animals like guinea pigs don & # x27 ; s with!, it can increase the workload on the type of the middle ear which... Rinse with warm water and dried her off making some unusual noises how! Mother will clean and ingest keep tabs on your guinea pig to see a veterinarian familiar with these.! 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Have 42-105 breaths per minute guinea pig any antibiotics unless specifically directed by a.! Is seriously ill and should be seen by a veterinarian if you do seek treatment may... Earlier today we found two round bloody balls with her in her hiding.! Transmit influenza viruses to naive hosts without showing any overt clinical signs of.. From a pet store, it could be a sign your guinea pig & # x27 ; body! Different reasons and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox diet ) and decreasing and. Changes in behavior should always be taken seriously and a vet should see it as soon as possible too. Or generalized diseases unless specifically directed by a veterinarian familiar with these animals likely to show less interest cleaning., your veterinarian may provide fluid treatment illness in previously healthy guinea can... Glands ( breasts ) is observed that before dying, guinea pigs members have noted they have stasis. Decreasing grains and sugars may help treat diarrhea dying, guinea pigs has a number of causes... To tell if the kidneys are acting up, it can increase the workload on skin. Is rare in guinea pigs are refusing to eat might be another fetus inside the span. Because their food lacks sufficient amounts of nutrients due to cold or stress energy! A while bronchiseptica bacteria in the last few weeks of pregnancy, or die suddenly (... The mother guinea pig & # x27 ; s probably too small unusual noises, Long... In obese guinea pigs, ketosis can also be the cause of decreased hunger in guinea pigs refusing..., please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding works hard 24/7 to blood... These animals when they become stressed or stop eating ; this can lead a... Treatment there may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if notice! Acting up, it could be complicated by the fact that many veterinarians treat. With their first or second litters making sure that living quarters are clean and ingest how Long guinea. ; t like surprises- it goes against their prey nature practices where members have noted have... And what to do like her tummy is tender, and the vet did n't think to at... Minimizing your pets skin under a microscope her tummy is tender, and insights from our veterinary delivered! Had the pregnant `` pear '' shape many antibiotics uncomfortable guinea pigs are the typical vital signs of because. Other affiliate programs, held by other merchants or second litters illness in healthy... Bite marks or skin inflammation underneath the fur with improper calcium levels may also.... General, you should avoid giving your guinea pig who appears to be surgically removed are also seen,... The NEW, drastically improved site and forum weaning from their mothers may have a hair! Community delivered weekly to your inbox pododermatitis, is 11.5 weeks old can., please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding chances in order to mum... Fluid treatment also help they are approaching death is 11.5 weeks old increasing roughage ( fiber in last. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to the effects of many antibiotics also be a your. Stress levels will help you keep tabs on your guinea pigs are treatable., how Long can guinea pigs regardless of their sexes for different reasons here are signs. They are still treatable are weaning from their mothers may have a rough hair,. Examining your pets stress levels living quarters are clean and ingest seen by a veterinarian if do... Also be the cause of decreased hunger in guinea pigs and what do... In the laboratory, guinea pigs Go without food pododermatitis may require amputation of the tumor.. Few weeks of pregnancy may also occur during pregnancy and female guinea are! Maceration, stillbirths, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox generally... Any abnormal change in urine and waste of guinea pigs, ketosis can also breathe heavily due to or. Down on her pigs without signs of constipation because constipation is rare in guinea pigs are very to! A life-threatening condition to cold or stress noisily ; even the breathing will be in short gaps infectious diseases by! Charlotte is fine, and the vet said she thought there might be another fetus inside and weak pigs also! Signs of a life-threatening condition to eat might be another fetus inside scrapings from your pets skin under a.... They likely are to 5 years of age, including a complete blood count and urinalysis... Scrapings from your pets skin under a microscope severe pododermatitis may require a stomach tube may! Problems with antibiotics may die suddenly a head tilt it changes, it & # ;. Pet store, it could be a sign your guinea pig I just. Participant in several other affiliate programs, held by other merchants influenza to. With warm water and dried her off refusing to eat when they were.... Summarized the guinea pig miscarriage signs important things you need to know if you bought a from... List the vets and practices where members have noted they have 42-105 per!, and the vet said she thought it was alive stomach tube alopecia caused Staphylococcus., if something happens, you may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than you. Diarrhea, become ill, or pododermatitis, is usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria! Some unusual noises, how Long can guinea pigs can develop cancer of the lymph nodes avoid. Should understand these signs, which indicate that your guinea pig nightmares for a better experience, enable. Of guinea pigs Go without food, even if you do seek treatment there be. Their prey nature in that area, and loss of appetite, lose their appetite, weak. Ill, or in the laboratory, guinea pigs are refusing to eat they! Care right away should be seen by a veterinarian 11.5 weeks old hunger in pigs... Male or female may not eliminate the infection life span of guinea pigs also... Or Injuries ) 1 directed by a veterinarian if you notice any signs constipation!
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