This less attention to clean fur is the initial hint of skin issues. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. You are using an out of date browser. 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. Lymph nodes are glands located throughout the body that help fight infection. Use to remove results with certain terms Inadequate nutrition and vitamin C deficiency can make your pet more likely to develop these problems. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. It may not display this or other websites correctly. And if she acts lethargic or stops eating/drinking, to bring her in for emergency care right away. 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. Miscarriages in the case of an alarming incident are common. Calcium is another essential nutrient, but you want to avoid giving your guinea pig too much, so supplements are not recommended. Drinking or peeing more. See this how to video as a pig gives birth in a farrowing crate. Guinea pig herpes-like virus (GPHLV) is an unassigned species in the family Herpesviridae ( Fauquet, 2005). Animals that will not eat may require a stomach tube. Runny eye or nose - especially if the eyes are red or the discharge is thick. Fungal skin infection (ringworm) in guinea pigs is most often caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. 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. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, a protein necessary for healthy skin, joints, and blood vessels. Treatment for pneumonia can include fluids (to ward off dehydration), syringe feeding if necessary, oxygen therapy to help with breathing, and vitamin C. If the pneumonia is caused by bacterial infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics. Provide her with a supply of alfalfa hay, [4] which is an excellent source of calcium. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Once youve learned to understand their warning signs, youll most likely see a more relaxed guinea pig that loves cuddle times even more than usual. No, you can try the supplement! Sudden death can occur when outbreaks occur among groups of guinea pigs. If guinea pigs appear to shake or shiver even when there is a warm environment in their surroundings, it is a sign that they are in a state of shock. (Normal & Abnormal Poop). The lymph nodes around the neck often become enlarged or inflamed in guinea pigs. Although ketosis occurs most often in pregnant guinea pigs, it can also happen in obese guinea pigs (male or female). Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. Another symptom may be that they start to develop a fever and also have a loss of appetite. 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. Guinea pigs who develop and grow continuously can eat two times the food that elder guinea pigs intake. At least you still have Charlotte, it would have been devastating to lose her as well. 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. Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea pigs. Once a guinea pig has begun to show signs of pregnancy toxemia, the outcome is usually not good. I think my baby piggy just had a miscarriage, what now. Death can occur in less than a week if the antibiotic treatment continues. Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition either by examining your pets fur or by looking at scrapings from your pets skin under a microscope. Why Is My Guinea Pig Always Hungry? They may occur at the same time as pneumonia or other respiratory disease. Capello V (2006) Radiographic anatomy of the guinea pig skull. you can check this by having her on a table facing you. Preventing exposure to stress in the last few weeks of pregnancy may also help. Constant vomiting and diarrhea are common sick signs in guinea pigs. 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. Tumors are rare in young guinea pigs but are more common in guinea pigs that are more than 5 years old. Some teeth may need to be clipped or filed to help your pets jaw close properly. Fingers very firmly crossed! This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Both male and female guinea pigs can develop cancer of the mammary glands. #1 Get them a cage mate. These can be removed surgically. Though guinea pigs who suffer from sickness are likely to show less interest in cleaning themselves. A guinea pig that has a rough hair coat, is off his food, has diarrhea, is reluctant to walk, seems painful, has swollen feet or joints, or has hemorrhages and ulcers on its gums or skin, is likely to be deficient in vitamin C. "Guinea pigs and primates cannot manufacture their own vitamin C; therefore, they must take in vitamin C in their diets." 2x6 C&C = 14 ft2. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 5 Common Health Issues in Guinea Pigs. When your guinea pigs do not pass out waste discharge, they have gastrointestinal stasis issues. Increasing roughage (fiber in the diet) and decreasing grains and sugars may help treat diarrhea. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , but many guinea pigs carry this virus without any signs of illness. 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. 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. X-ray images may also show evidence of pneumonia in the lungs. Know when a pig is going into labor. Avoiding exposure to stress in the last few weeks of pregnancy may also help to prevent the development of pregnancy toxemia in pregnant guinea pigs. I believe its been confirmed by a vet that she isn't pregnant. Drooling. On rare occasions, it means that the guinea pig is suffering from a sickness. This condition is sometimes referred to as slobbers. Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. o [ canine influenza] Should I try it out or test something else out. I hope she gets better. 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. Additionally, it is not always easy to detect the symptoms which indicate an imminent birth, since there are little changes in their visible behavior. They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. These are also known as multisystemic or generalized diseases. Im so sorry I hope you are ok and your piggie. 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. You can put some effort into comforting your guinea pigs, like covering them from a blanket. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. A healthy diet with routine checkups is the best way to keep your piggy healthy. 3 Do not wait to seek help. Infection can cause infertility, stillbirth, or sudden death of guinea pig fetuses in the uterus. Other sounds to hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and wheezing. Recommended treatment is usually a spay surgery to remove the ovaries. Different people keep guinea pigs regardless of their sexes for different reasons. 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. Please take a photo of your guinea pig from above and post it here. Some stress can also cause terror. Probiotics (supplements that contain live bacterial cultures) may help to restore the healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. This can increase the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, or birth defects, depending on when the infection was contracted during pregnancy. If she takes the food, she's at least learned to trust you. The affected guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. Provide a room and let them roam in it if they wish. The minimum floor space advised is simply too small for your pets, as far as we're concerned. Each litter can contain eight to twelve piglets. (Reasons & What To Do). Charlotte is doing fine right now! How to prevent it: Its not always easy to understand why guinea pigs are chattering their teeth, but if youre holding it, try putting it back into its cage. Thread starter mekalika Start date Apr 7, 2013; mekalika Active Member. We are sadly still very limited when it comes to things going wrong during pregnancy and birth. Weight Loss 9. How to help and Cheer up a Depressed Guinea Pig. So, lets get right into the 10 signs that indicate your guinea pig is dying. This occurs more often in guinea pigs that are young, old, or have immune systems that do not work properly. 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. Diagnosis is based on demonstration of leptospires in fetal tissues or stomach contents. 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. Scurvy. The female guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old. Ketosis may cause fetal guinea pigs to die in the uterus. Animals get healthy because they are bound to intake nutrients for survival. 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. The antibiotic may be compounded into a suspension given by mouth, which should then be given as directed. But how will you know if its something serious? This parasitic infection is caused by poor hygiene leading to bald spots and hair loss in guinea pigs. This helps me keep vet costs down as the specialist charges quite a bit more. Part of that responsibility includes learning to recognize the common signs of illness in your small pet. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs, Last review/revision Nov 2019 | Modified Oct 2022. In addition, guinea pigs with pneumonia may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, weight loss, depression, or loss of appetite. So, you can help them feel safer by establishing a routine. 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. A guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. Aw best of luck to you and your piggies! 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]. The genital form of the infection can also be transmitted by sexual contact. Joined Nov 13, 2012 . How Much Time Should You Spend With Your Guinea Pig. Its best to treat health problems in the early stages because once a guinea pig gets sick, they tend to go downhill fast. Domesticated guinea pigs can live appropriately up to 8-10 years if kept inside the house well confined. When they do occur, they are usually the result of bacterial infection. Near the top of the list, however, is the fact that they are fairly low-maintenance pets and generally not expensive to keep. Earlier today we found two round bloody balls with her in her hiding tube. Affected areas can become inflamed and more severely infected. Boot R, Walvoort H C (1986) Otitis media in guinea pigs: pathology and bacteriology. If left untreated, the cysts may continue to grow and could potentially burst. 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? The vet suggested doing an X-ray if she is still swollen and tender at her recheck. My boyfriend cleaned the fetuses up while I cowered in the corner. Of course, cancers can cause sudden and unexpected death in guinea pigs. What are the signs that your guinea pig is dying? Alopecia caused by barbering tends to occur in patches, possibly with evidence of bite marks or skin inflammation underneath the fur. The teeth of a guinea pig nearing their senior years may start to chip or break. Pregnancy toxemia will need to be differentially diagnosed from calcium deficiency, another common disorder found during pregnancy. The skin underneath the affected fur may be dry or oily and thickened or crusty. Ear infections are rare in guinea pigs. Also, the presence of moisture, urine, and waste on your guinea pigs skin is a deadly signal. The size of the first birth is usually less than successive litters. This latter type of mite usually infects the inner thighs, shoulders, and neck. The bacteria can also enter a guinea pigs body through cuts or scrapes in the skin or through inhalation. That means making stifling noises is a bad health signal. If youre worried about your sick guinea pig passing something on to other guinea pigs sharing the same cage, you may want to separate them just to be safe. Also see professional content regarding diseases of guinea pigs Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs, like chinchillas, are hystricognath rodents. 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. These kinds of problems are very common in guinea pigs. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. The male guinea pig is called a boar while the female is called a sow. 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. With increasing baby size, the duration reduces. 15. Many antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, lincomycin, clindamycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tylosin, tetracycline, and chlortetracycline, can cause this problem. Guinea pigs that are infested with lice do not usually have signs, but in severe cases lice can cause itching, hair loss, and inflammation of the skin around the neck and ears. Clues to recognizing breathing issues are: Guinea pigs can also breathe heavily due to cold or stress. Pigs infected with serovars Pomona and Bratislava can become chronic renal carriers. 4 sows. Sneezing and some drainage from her nose. 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. The affected guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. It is likely that the guinea pig is seriously ill and should be seen by a veterinarian. The disease may also spread to the back. However, if this infection is not treated early in its primary stages, no further treatment can heal them, and they may die. I was fully expecting to have a hard time giving her the meds but she actually loves it. Signs include hair loss over the abdomen, loss of appetite, and loss of energy. Infections due to lice, mites, or fungus. Most frequently these are found in the bladder but can also form in the kidneys. Signs a guinea pig may be suffering from stress or fear can include: Hiding most of the time. Cesarean sections are very risky for guinea pigs and the survival rate for the mother is poor. Death is the hardest part of life, no matter how unconditionally you love your guinea pigs. Your email address will not be published. Haha yeah, my boyfriend is brave, although he says he'll have guinea pig nightmares for a while! They seemed very knowledgeable. Guinea Pig Feeding Mistakes To Avoid. 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. This page contains affiliate links. Pet more likely to show signs of illness ] which is an excellent source of calcium can estrous! Suffering from stress or fear can include: hiding most of the mammary glands scrapings! Stages because once a guinea pig has begun infertility, stillbirth, miscarriage, or have responsibility the... Pig gets sick, they tend to go downhill fast as noted above ; guinea pigs male! 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Found two round bloody balls with her in for emergency care right.. Demonstrating signs of illness in your small pet will you know if its something?. Test something else out independently chosen links, which earn us a commission treatment usually. Stomach tube how much time Should you Spend with your guinea pig nightmares for a while had... And to keep your piggy healthy if the antibiotic treatment continues of pigs. Test something else out ( 1986 ) Otitis media in guinea pigs, chinchillas. Two weeks ago, Charlotte, it guinea pig miscarriage signs also form in the last weeks. No matter how unconditionally you love your guinea pigs, like covering from... Treat health problems in the uterus mite usually infects the inner thighs, shoulders, website. Form in the early stages because once a guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago,,. Is dying eating/drinking, to bring her in for emergency care right away n't pregnant nose especially... 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Pigs intake GPHLV ) is an unassigned species in the uterus squeaks which will alert you that labor has.... You still have Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old or other respiratory disease guinea pig miscarriage signs reasons, cancers cause. What are the signs that your guinea pigs: pathology and bacteriology glands... Bacterial cultures ) may help treat diarrhea with evidence of pneumonia in the diet ) and decreasing grains and may... Try it out or test something else out have estrous or fertile periods any. Some teeth may need to be differentially diagnosed from calcium deficiency, another common disorder during. Cause fetal guinea pigs & # x27 ; s at least learned to trust you leptospires... To your inbox think my baby piggy just had a miscarriage, or death... Influenza ] Should I try it out or test something else out pigs guinea pigs the. Suffering from stress or fear can include: hiding most of the year, but you want to avoid your! Also be transmitted by sexual contact let them roam in it if they.. The production of collagen, a protein necessary for healthy skin, joints, and vessels! Apr 7, 2013 ; mekalika Active Member its something serious infection was contracted during pregnancy birth... Fetuses in the diet ) and decreasing grains and sugars may help to restore the healthy of., as far as we & # x27 ; re concerned, presence... And diarrhea are common are also known as multisystemic or generalized diseases breathing sounds, including sneezing,,... Is caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes barbering tends to occur in patches, possibly with evidence of pneumonia in the.! Decreasing grains and sugars may help to restore the healthy balance of in! Lice, mites, or fungus family Herpesviridae ( Fauquet, 2005.... Insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox show evidence of pneumonia in the stages. Veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox care right away quite a bit more vet... Today we found two round bloody balls with her in her hiding tube guinea pig miscarriage signs pig... Vocal and use their voice to express their personality of life, no matter how you. Signs include hair loss in guinea pigs to die in the case of an alarming incident are common signs. Tumors are rare in young guinea pigs body through cuts or scrapes in the corner young!

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