Before you provide sanctuary to cavy residents, it’s important to understand their species-specific needs, which are likely quite different from other residents’ needs at your organization. This resource covers some of the basics of providing care for cavies so you can ensure they are happy and healthy.
Cavies are small mammals belonging to the Caviidae family. DomesticatedAdapted over time (as by selective breeding) from a wild or natural state to life in close association with and to the benefit of humans cavies (C. porcellus) originated from South America and were domesticated thousands of years ago. C. porcellus no longer exist in the wild, but other cavy species continue to inhabit various regions of South America. There are many different breeds of domesticated cavies, including the short-haired American, the long-haired Peruvian, the Abyssinian with their swirling rosettes (which look like cowlicks), and the nearly hairless Skinny Pig. Common breeds vary throughout the world.
Living Spaces For Cavies
Like other residents, it’s important that cavy residents have ample room, an enriching and dynamic environment, and that their living spaces meet their overall needs.
General Living Space Considerations
Space
Most housing options sold commercially for cavies are far too small. Many housing options offer additional vertical space to increase the overall living area, and this may be adequate for other species, but cavies rely on floor space. They may use low lofts or a gently sloped ramp, but cavies really require ample floor space for daily activity and exercise. Most cavy rescue groups recommend a bare minimum of about 7.5 square feet (6,968 square centimeters) of floor space per pair of cavies, but stress that bigger is better, with a minimum of 10 square feet (9,290 square centimeters) per pair being ideal. Some suggest an even larger space for a pair of male cavies, stating that they do best with at least 12 square feet (11,148 square centimeters) of floor space. (If you’re wondering why there are no recommendations for a solo cavy, we’ll explain more in the Social Needs Of Cavies section.)
Predator-Proofing
Cavies are a prey species and are particularly vulnerable to predation from a number of species, including other companion species who may live in close proximity to them in some settings. We’ll talk more above predator-proofing of indoor and outdoor spaces below.
Temperature Control And Ventilation
Temperature control is very important because cavies have a very narrow temperature range in which they are comfortable. Their ideal temperature range is from 65-75°F (18-24°C), but maintaining their living space between 60-80°F (16-26°C) is appropriate. In temperatures above 80°F (26°C), cavies can develop heat stroke (described in the Health Challenges section). Additionally, they do not do well in high humidity- a range of 40-70% is appropriate. Never house cavies in aquariums, as they do not provide adequate ventilation, which will result in health issues.
Flooring And Bedding
Cavies should never be housed on wire flooring as this can cause pododermatitis (bumblefoot) (described in the Health Challenges section) as well as other foot or leg issues. Solid flooring is a must. There are a variety of bedding options that can be used with cavies. These include aspen wood shavings, paper-based bedding, or soft fleece atop a layer of absorbent fabric or pee pads. Never use cedar, raw pine, or other aromatic wood shavings in cavy living spaces. Some sources suggest that kiln-dried pine is acceptable, while others recommend steering clear of pine entirely.
Hiding Spots
Cavies need covered areas for sleep and rest, as well as to offer a sense of protection when startled. Incorporate covered houses and tunnels into living spaces to give cavy residents multiple options for covered spaces.
Indoor Living Spaces For Cavies
Because of the narrow temperature range at which cavies can remain comfortable and safe, in most climates, cavies will need to reside primarily indoors, in human dwellings or similarly constructed spaces. Not only does this make it easier to maintain an appropriate ambient temperature, but so long as they are protected from any other companion animalsAnimals who spend regular time with humans in their home and life. Typically cats and dogs are considered companion animals, though many species of animals could also be companion animals. in the home, this set-up will also help ensure their safety from predators. As an added bonus, if their living space is in an area where their humans spend a good amount of time, this arrangement will also lead to closer observation and more interactions with their caregivers.
As mentioned above, the majority of enclosures marketed for cavies are far too small. If you are going to create a cavy living space within a larger room, one option that is commonly recommended by cavy caregivers and rescue groups is the C&C setup (which stands for cubes and coroplast). These can be made using grid pieces from modular organization systems secured together with the provided connectors or secured with zip ties and then fitted with a piece of coroplast (corrugated plastic used to make signs). While you can buy pre-made setups online, these are very easy to create on your own. For instructions and ideas, check out this website dedicated to the topic of C&C setups. One of the great things about this sort of setup is that it’s an easy way to create exactly the size space you need. One important note– most grids have inner squares that are 3.8cm, which are safe for adults but will need to be covered if housing babies to prevent them from getting out or becoming stuck. Some kits have larger squares which may not be suitable even for adults. Make sure to set up these spaces in areas that are draft-free, consistently maintain an appropriate ambient temperature, and are away from direct sun and heat sources that could cause them to overheat.
Their indoor living space may not require a covered top to prevent them from getting out, but you may need a covered top to keep other companion animals from getting in. While there are instances of dogs or cats getting along with a cavy companion, there are also instances where cavies have been severely injured or even killed by dogs or cats. If dogs or cats can access your cavy residents’ living space, you should keep their living space covered. Keep in mind that even if the dog or cat is not actively trying to injure the cavy, they could do so accidentally. Additionally, their presence may cause the cavy resident to feel stressed or unsafe. Always consider both the physical and psychological well-being of all the individuals you care for.
Instead of setting up a designated cavy space within a larger space, you may opt to dedicate an entire room to your cavy companions. If you opt for this set-up, keep in mind that they chew! Make sure they cannot access electrical wires or baseboards (you don’t want them chewing on painted or stained wood surfaces).
Outdoor Living Spaces For Cavies
When the weather allows, cavies will enjoy time outdoors in a protected area and will benefit from some fresh air and sunshine. As small prey animals, protection from predators and supervision are imperative. Outdoor spaces should be designed to protect against digging, climbing, and aerial predators. Even with close supervision, a covered top is imperative to protect against hawks and other raptors. In addition to areas that offer physical protection from predators, be sure to incorporate areas with solid covered tops such as houses and tunnels where cavies can go to feel safe, just as they have indoors.
Make sure vegetation in outdoors spaces has not been treated with any chemicals and be sure to remove any toxic plants.
Cleaning Of Living Spaces
Regular cleaning of living spaces is imperative to prevent health issues in cavy residents. The frequency at which spaces are fully cleaned will depend on the bedding you use, but in general, full changes are recommended at least once per week to prevent issues with ammonia build-up. Wet and soiled bedding should be removed daily. Areas where residents sleep and eat will require more frequent cleaning than other spaces. Some caregivers who use fleece blankets as bedding set up the area where residents spend most of their time eating with a different type of bedding contained within a tray. This allows for more frequent changing of this bedding without having to change the rest of the bedding, which may still be pretty clean or just need fecal pellets removed.
Nutritional Needs Of Cavies
While proper nutrition is important for everyone, it is especially important for cavy residents. Cavies, like rabbits, have a specialized digestive system and are hindgut fermenters, with most of the digestive process taking place in the cecum and large intestine. Adequate fiber is imperative for healthy digestion. Without this, digestion can slow down, resulting in the pH and bacteria population of the cecum to change, causing digestive issues.
Also like rabbitsUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated rabbit breeds, not wild rabbits, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource., cavies pass two types of feces- regular stool and cecotropes (sometimes called “night droppings” or “cecal pellets”), which are nitrogen-rich and intended to be re-ingested. When food is regularly available, cecotropes are often consumed overnight, so you may not actually see this taking place, but it is an important part of cavy nutrition and digestion!
Cavies, like humans, are unable to produce their own Vitamin C and rely on dietary sources to meet their needs. Vitamin C deficiency (described in the Health Challenges section) can result in a host of health challenges, so incorporating Vitamin C-rich foods is important for their overall health.
Much like human nutrition, different experts have different opinions about what constitutes the best diet for cavies. While some recommendations are universally accepted (cavies need grass hay, for example), other recommendations come with contradicting opinions (this is especially true when it comes to the types and amount of produce to offer). Also keep in mind that an individual in your care may have special dietary needs. We always recommend consulting with an experienced veterinarian to determine the best diet for your residents, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Grass Hay
Cavies should have access to hay at all times. This is imperative for healthy digestion and also helps wear down their teeth. While there may be certain situations in which your veterinarian recommends something different (such as for individuals who are pregnant), cavies over 6 months old should be fed grass hay and not alfalfa or other high calcium hay, as this could result in urolithiasis (described in the Health Challenges section) which can be common in older cavies. Timothy and orchard grass are typically good choices.
Hay should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Never feed moldy hay, and be sure to remove any hay that has become wet or soiled. Keep in mind that cavies may not eat hay that is trampled or soiled, so while they may technically have hay available to them, they may not actually eat. A fresh supply of clean hay is important.
Cavies can also eat (and will enjoy) grass, but this should be introduced slowly, and they should still have access to hay. Never feed grass clippings and be sure to remove uneaten cut grass before it begins to ferment.
Pellets
Cavies should receive a high-quality, timothy-based, high-fiber commercial food specifically formulated for cavies (and therefore fortified with Vitamin C). Avoid commercial foods with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or corn. RabbitUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated rabbit breeds, not wild rabbits, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. pellets are not a suitable substitute.
Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding how much to feed your residents, as different individuals may require different amounts, but starting with ⅛- ¼ cup of pellets daily is a common recommendation for cavies over 6 months of age.
Pellets should be offered in a dish that cannot be chewed and is unlikely to spill. Cavies often put their front feet up on their food dish while eating, so proper design to prevent tipping is important. Heavy, flat-bottomed, wide ceramic dishes or stainless steel non-tip dishes are good options.
Store pellets in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark location. Because Vitamin C will degrade over time, fortified food should be used within 90 days of being milled.
Fresh Veggies And Fruits
Fresh veggies can be offered daily. Offering fresh foods that are rich in Vitamin C is a great way to help ensure they are getting what they need. There’s some disagreement about which veggies are best and how much to feed, but leafy greens (avoiding those that are high in calcium) are a common recommendation- romaine is an especially popular choice. Cavies develop food preferences at an early age, so depending on the age of your cavy companions and what they are used to, you may find they refuse certain foods. If you welcome a young cavy into your home or sanctuary, it’s recommended to offer a variety of foods early on to avoid this issue.
If fruit is offered, it should be a treat and offered in smaller portions. Some cavy caregivers avoid fruits entirely, but others include them in moderation. Dried fruits should be avoided.
Check in with your veterinarian to see what they recommend for the cavies in your care when it comes to fresh fruits or veggies. It seems that almost every cavy veterinarian and rescue group has their own list of what fresh foods to feed and how often, with some conflicting info between the various lists. To give you an idea of options, below is what Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, the largest cavy welfare organization in the US, recommends:
Daily Staples:
Romaine Lettuce
Green Leaf Lettuce
Red Leaf Lettuce
Bell Peppers (all colors)
Cilantro
Parsley
Kale
Fresh Grass (untreated)
Veggie Snacks:
Tomatoes
Celery
Dandelion
Chard
Basil
Mint
Sweet Treats:
Carrots
Apples
Banana
Watermelon
Berries
Cantaloupe
Grapes
Corn (uncooked)
Limited (In Moderation):
Broccoli
Cabbage
Spinach
Do Not Feed:
Iceberg Lettuce (no nutritional value)
Any leftover portions that remain uneaten after a few hours should be removed.
Vitamin C Supplementation
Talk to your veterinarian about whether or not your cavy companions should receive regular Vitamin C supplementation. While offering fortified cavy pellets is an important part of their diet, keep in mind that Vitamin C will degrade over time. There have been reports of cavies on good-quality Vitamin C-fortified pellets still being diagnosed with Vitamin C deficiency.
Offering fresh veggies or fruits that are rich in Vitamin C is considered by many cavy caregivers to be the best way to meet daily Vitamin C requirements. The amount a cavy requires varies based on multiple factors, including age and health status, and could be anywhere from 10-50mg daily. If a Vitamin C supplement is offered, it should not be added to their water. This could affect the taste, resulting in them drinking less and becoming dehydrated. Adding Vitamin C supplements to the water also is not efficient- it degrades quickly, which could result in them still not getting enough Vitamin C, even if they continue to drink water normally. Instead, Vitamin C tablets or oral suspensions should be given directly to the individual. There are some Vitamin C tabs labeled specifically for cavies. If using a human supplement, make sure you are offering the correct amount based on your veterinarian’s instructions and do not use a multivitamin.
Water
Cavies should have access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times. Cavies who are used to drinking out of a sipper bottle may be reluctant to drink out of a bowl, and visa versa. If water is offered in a bowl, be sure to use one that is heavy enough to prevent tipping. Regardless of the vessel used, water should be changed daily with the vessel thoroughly cleaned. If, the water becomes soiled between water changes, be sure to change it (this can occur with a bowl or a sipper bottle- cavies may get bits of food in the sipper tube while drinking, which can then disperse throughout the water). If using a sipper bottle, make sure you have a bottle brush to thoroughly clean all of the inner surfaces, including the metal sipper part- these devices can be difficult to clean and can become slimy. Also make sure to watch closely for signs that the sipper bottle is leaking, replacing as needed.
Social Needs Of Cavies
In the wild, cavies live in small social groups typically consisting of a primary male and a few females. Cavies are very social and benefit from the companionship of a compatible cavy companion- in Switzerland, it is actually illegal to house cavies alone! Many cavy-focused rescue organizations will only adopt out a single cavy into a home that already has a cavy for them to bond with.
If males are neutered (and/ or if females are spayed) males and females who get along can responsibly live together without the concern of breeding. If residents are not neutered, they must be housed in same-sex groupings. Males typically do best if they are siblings who were raised together or if they are introduced to each other at a young age.
While you may have seen or heard about rabbits and cavies living together, this is not recommended for a variety of reasons. First, they have different nutritional needs. Second, rabbits, being much larger than cavies, could also cause injury to them, even unintentionally. And lastly, rabbits may spread disease to cavies, including Bordetella bronchiseptica (described in the Health Challenges section). A rabbit could have B. bronchiseptica in their respiratory tract without becoming ill, but could spread this bacteria. B. bronchiseptica can cause serious illness and even death in cavies. In a situation where a rabbit and cavy already live together and are bonded, so long as both appear content, separation may not be advised due to the stress it could cause.
Appropriate Enrichment For Cavies
Enrichment is an important part of basic care and should not be seen as something “extra”. When coming up with enrichment ideas, it’s important to think about the natural behaviors of a particular species as well as the preferences of the individual. Whenever you offer enrichment items or opportunities, be sure to observe if and how residents use the proffered enrichment. Remember, it is only enrichment if the individual finds it enriching! If they are frightened by something or uninterested in it, then it isn’t an appropriate form of enrichment.
Ideas for cavy enrichment include:
- Hidey houses can be purchased at animal supply stores or homemade. Even a cardboard box or paper bag can be a fun hiding area- just be sure to remove any tape, labels, or handles.
- Tunnels can be made with large PVC pipes cut into 3 ft lengths, or you can use the cardboard centers from carpet rolls. Be sure nothing has been coated with any substance that could be hazardous for residents!
- Foraging is a much-loved pastime for cavy residents, and offering fun foraging opportunities is a great form of nutritional enrichment. Consider hiding treats (veggies and fruits) around their enclosure or in a pile of hay, or you can create a fun foraging opportunity by taking a paper bag or cardboard tube, putting treats in them, and then closing them up before giving them to your residents to chew into. You can also cut fresh cavy-safe grasses to offer to them or grow it in a tray that can be placed in their living space.
- Safe elevated spaces can be created as part of a hidey house if the top is flat and sturdy, or you can add a low shelf or platform to their space. Remember, unlike many other rodents, cavies aren’t big on climbing, but they may enjoy lower elevations in their space (bonus points if they can also go under or inside it!).
- Chew toys or other safe items to chew on are great additions to a cavy enrichment plan. Untreated wicker baskets are a great choice and can be filled with hay or used as a house. Depending on what the enrichment items above are made of, they may double as chew toys!
- Create a fleece forest by hanging strips of fleece blankets from the roof of the enclosure. Residents may enjoy hiding in here or running through the strips of fleece.
- Exercise time is important, and depending on their setup, may be best achieved with supervised time out of their enclosure, in a cavy-safe space. Never use an exercise ball or wheel with a cavy resident as this can result in injury to their back.
- Social time can be very enriching for many cavies. In addition to spending time with other cavies, developing a bond with care staff can be enriching as well!
Safely Handling Cavies
It’s important that all cavy caregivers learn how to safely pick up and restrain cavies. As small prey animals, most cavies will be a bit nervous about being picked up, especially at first. It’s a good idea to spend time bonding with them and gaining their trust early on. If you can, start by talking to the individual and offering them some safe treats. Then work towards giving them a few gentle scratches or petting them to get them more comfortable with human contact.
When picking them up, you’ll want to use both hands and make sure they are completely secure. A fall could result in serious injury. Depending on the individual and the situation, you may be able to get them to stay still by offering them a treat before scooping them up. However, in most cases, a cavy will try to get away when you reach both hands in to pick them up. In this case, use your hands to calmly guide them into an area of their enclosure where you will be able to more easily restrain them. You do not want to chase them or make sudden movements. In larger spaces, guiding them into a smaller area, or using a physical barrier to create a smaller area is helpful. Corners, and even some hidey houses, are good places to usher them to in order to safely restrain them.
Once in a smaller space, use your hands to create a barrier to prevent them from running out of the area. Then, place one hand under their chest and use the other to scoop up their back end. Next, bring them towards your body so that you can keep them safely in place. Continue to keep a secure hold on them. While many people recommend holding them in an upright position with their belly against your chest, most cavies will try to climb up onto your shoulder, so this position may not be best if you need to carry them from one place to another. Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue suggests holding them against your body while keeping them in their normal horizontal position. You might want to try out both techniques to see which works best for you and your cavy companions.
When returning a cavy resident to their living space, be sure to keep a secure hold on them until all four feet are firmly on the ground. It’s not uncommon for an individual to start struggling or try to jump when they see their living space approaching. Jumping to the ground, even from a short height, could result in injury, so it is imperative that you hold them securely until all four feet are back on the ground. If an individual really struggles when being returned to their living space, holding them so that they are facing away from the space while you lower them to the ground may help.
Monitoring A Cavy’s Health
Regular check-ups with an experienced veterinarian, at least annually, can help identify health concerns early, but a lot can happen over the course of a year! In order to really get to know what is normal for the individuals in your care and to catch signs of concern as early as possible, close daily observation and conducting your own regular health checks are important aspects of care. As small prey animals, not only do cavies mask signs of illness until they are no longer able to do so, but many issues that affect cavies can progress from minor to severe quickly, so close observation and regular assessment is imperative.
In addition to daily observation and regular health checks, the residents in your care will benefit from:
- Weight and body condition monitoring– It’s a good idea to weigh your cavy residents weekly, if at all possible, as this will allow you to catch weight loss early. A healthy, mature cavy should maintain their weight and feel dense.
- Brushing– Different individuals will need brushing more often than others, so you’ll want to find a frequency that works best for your residents. Generally, short-haired breeds should be brushed at least weekly, but long-haired cavies will typically need to be brushed multiple times per week (and possibly even daily).
Veterinary Care
If you are going to care for cavies, it is important to find an experienced cavy veterinarian, typically an exotics veterinarian. Cavies have unique needs that are different from those of a cat or dog, and even from other small mammals typically grouped with cavies such as hamsters or rabbits. We recommend bringing your cavy companion in for a regular check-up at least once a year, though some individuals may need to be seen more often than this- follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.
A few important things to keep in mind about cavies and why finding a cavy savvy veterinarian is so important:
- Cavies mask signs of illness, so catching and diagnosing health challenges may be difficult for someone who is not experienced with cavies and their common health challenges.
- Cavies are very sensitive to many antibiotics whether given orally, topically, or injected. Use of the wrong antibiotics can result in gastrointestinal issues or toxicity, which can be fatal. It is imperative that you only use antibiotics (or products containing antibiotics) under the guidance of an experienced veterinarian.
- When it comes to anesthesia and surgery, cavies are often considered higher-risk patients than most other small mammals. Their risk level can be best evaluated (and potentially minimized) by working with a veterinarian who specializes in cavy surgery.
Potential Cavy Health Challenges
Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis)
Bumblefoot is inflammation of the footpad, a painful condition that commonly affects individuals living in cages with wire bottoms or who live in unsanitary conditions. There are many factors that can cause bumblefoot, including environmental (wire cage flooring, rough substrates, unsanitary conditions, not enough space) or physical (obesity, lameness, or a health challenge that leads to inactivity). Front feet are affected more often than back feet. The first sign of bumblefoot is redness of the foot pad, followed by swelling. Without treatment, the individual may develop a scab on their foot and the inflammation, and possibly infection, will affect structures deeper in the foot. In severe cases, there may be irreversible damage to the bones and tendons. In early cases, depending on the cause, environmental modification may be all that is needed- ensure the individual has ample space to encourage activity, has a solid floor with soft bedding, and that their living space is cleaned regularly. Be sure to contact your veterinarian if the individual has a scab, severe swelling, is especially painful, or if what started as a mild case progresses despite environmental modifications. Antibiotic treatment, foot soaks, bandages, and even surgical debridement may be necessary to resolve the issue. Supportive care may also be necessary to ensure that they continue to receive the nutrients they require and do not develop gastrointestinal issues.
Dental Issues
A cavy’s teeth continue to grow for their entire life. By constantly chewing, either on hay or other safe items, cavies are able to keep their teeth from becoming overgrown. The most common dental disease in cavies is elongated cheek teeth, though they also can develop other dental issues such as tooth abscesses or problems with their incisor teeth. Signs of dental issues typically include changes in eating habits (such as only eating soft foods or not eating as much as they normally do) and drooling. In some cases, weight loss may be the only obvious sign. If you suspect one of your cavy residents has dental issues, be sure to contact your veterinarian. They may be able to diagnose the issue with an oral examination alone, but in some cases, radiographs or CT may be recommended. Pain management and supportive care may be necessary depending on the extent of the issue. Regular veterinary assessment can help catch dental issues early, and ensuring residents are fed an appropriate diet can help prevent certain issues.
Gastrointestinal Issues
In order for their gastrointestinal tract to function properly, cavies need to be fed an appropriate diet consisting of large quantities of roughage in the form of unrestricted access to grass hay. Diets that are low in fiber can cause the process of food emptying out of the stomach and passing through the intestines to slow down- this is called gastrointestinal (GI) hypomotility. If there is little to no movement of food through the GI tract, this is called gastrointestinal stasis. In addition to an inappropriate diet, GI motility issues can be the result of a cavy not eating, which could be due to illness, injury, or stress, which is why it is imperative to pay close attention to your cavy residents’ appetite and fecal output. When GI motility slows, or worse, stops, food, as well as hair that is normally consumed during the grooming process and any other materials they ingest stays in the stomach rather than passing through. Cavies are not able to vomit, so food, hair, and other ingested material continues to accumulate and often begins to dehydrate, which makes passage of this material more difficult- thus worsening the situation. Depending on the underlying cause, individuals with GI motility issues might be off food completely or they may initially have a decreased appetite (often eating treats but not their pellets) which progresses to not eating at all. In the early stages, they may appear completely normal, but will then start showing signs of pain such as standing in a hunched position, grinding their teeth, and showing a reluctance to move. Individuals may also become bloated due to an accumulation of gas. You may notice poop pellets that are smaller and drier than normal, or you may notice an absence or significant decrease in the amount of feces present. In some cases, affected individuals may develop diarrhea. If you suspect one of your residents has GI motility issues, or notice someone is not eating or pooping normally, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately and may require hospitalization. Your veterinarian can provide the necessary supportive care and identify/ address the underlying cause of the motility issue. Early intervention is imperative- an individual’s prognosis worsens the longer the condition goes on.
Heat Stroke
Cavies are vulnerable to heat stroke in temperatures over 80°F (26°C), though in high humidity, they may be at risk at temperatures even lower than this. Signs of heat stroke include rapid and shallow breathing, lethargy, and drooling. If one of your residents is showing signs of heat stroke, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away and take immediate steps to cool them off. Move them into a cool area, and use cool (not ice cold) water to begin cooling them off. Your veterinarian can offer further advice and may suggest bring in the individual for assessment and further treatment such as fluid therapy.
Mites And Lice
Trixacarus caviae, or the sarcoptic mange mite, is the most common external parasite of cavies and can cause significant illness. Signs of T. caviae infection include hair loss and scaly skin, which usually starts in the thigh and back area and then spreads to the shoulders and neck. Affected skin may become covered with yellow crusts. T. caviae infection causes severe itching, which can be so severe that the individual has convulsive seizures. Affected individuals often lose weight and become lethargic, and secondary bacterial infections are possible. Severely affected individuals may require hospitalization. Humans in close contact with affected cavies can develop a skin rash.
Chirodiscoides caviae is a fur mite that can affect cavies, but occurs less often and does not typically cause serious disease. Some individuals will remain asymptomatic, but others may become itchy and lose patches of hair, especially on their back end.
There are no drug treatments specifically designed to treat mites in cavies, but your veterinarian will be able to recommend an “off-labelThis term is often used to describe extra-label drug use. This means that a drug is used in a way other than what is described on the label or package insert. If a drug is used in a different species than what it has been approved for, this is extra-label use. Other examples include using a drug to treat a different condition than it is approved for or administering it in a different way than the directions describe. Extra-label drug use can only occur within the confines of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.” treatment such as ivermectin. Because mites can also live in the environment, a deep cleaning and possibly treatment of their living space will be necessary. If one of your residents has mites, the other cavies they live with should also be treated.
Cavies can also be affected by Gyropus ovalis and Gliricola porcelli, which are chewing lice. These parasites are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. Some individuals with mild lice infestations will not show obvious signs, but severe cases can result in itchiness, hair loss, and flaky skin, especially around the ears and neck. Your veterinarian can recommend treatment if your residents have lice. Just like with mites, all individuals in a group should be treated.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are very common in female cavies who have not had not been spayed, with individuals between 2 and 4 years of age most commonly affected. Not all individuals with ovarian cysts will show obvious signs of concern, but signs to be on the look out for include hair loss on their sides and belly with no sign of itchiness or abnormality of the skin and crustiness around the nipples. When observed from above, they may appear to have a pear-shape due to an enlarged abdomen. Individuals may also show signs of lethargy, appetite loss, and painful vocalizations when picked up. The presence of ovarian cysts can be confirmed via ultrasound. If found, surgical removal of both ovaries (via fully spay or ovariectomy) may be recommended. This procedure will address the current issue and prevent it from recurring. If surgery is not an option, such as in individuals with other health conditions which put them at an increased risk during anesthesia and surgery, medical management with hormone therapy may cause the cysts to regress depending on the type of cysts. Alternatively, your veterinarian may use an ultrasound to locate and aspirate the cyst to offer temporary relief.
Respiratory Illness
Respiratory illnesses can quickly progress into a very serious condition in cavies, so it’s important to have anyone showing signs of respiratory illness evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Signs of respiratory illness may include nasal and ocular discharge, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a poor appetite, and lethargy. Respiratory illness in cavies is often the result of a bacterial infection, with Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most common causes. Individuals with S. pneumoniae infection may develop a head tilt due to inflammation of the middle ear. Your veterinarian can prescribe treatment based on the cause of the illness and provide supportive care if necessary.
Ringworm
This fungal infection is quite common in cavies, and is primarily caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Ringworm is highly contagious to other animals, including humans, and is spread via direct contact with affected individuals or with contaminated objects. Signs of ringworm include circular, scaly, bald patches, which typically start out on the nose or around the eyes or ears and can spread to the back. Your veterinarian can help diagnose ringworm and will recommend an antifungal treatment. Decontamination of the living space is helpful. Be sure to wear gloves and protect your skin when handling a cavy with ringworm or cleaning their living space.
Urolithiasis
Urinary calculi (or stones in the urinary tract) are fairly common in older cavies, especially females. Improper diet, such as a diet high in calcium, increases the risk of urolithiasis. These stones can result in an obstruction if they become lodged in the urethra and are unable to pass. This is a medical emergency and veterinary care should be sought immediately- surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction. Signs of urolithiasis include difficulty or straining to urinate, painful vocalizations during urination, and in some cases, bloody urine. If one of your residents is presenting any of these signs, or if you notice a decrease or absence of urine in their living space, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away.
Vitamin C Deficiency
As explained above, cavies cannot manufacture their own Vitamin C and rely dietary sources for this important nutrient. Signs of deficiency include a rough coat, poor appetite, dental pain, and lameness, though cavies with Vitamin C deficiency may show no outward signs. However, their immune system may be compromised, making them vulnerable to infections and other diseases, and in the event that they are wounded, the healing process may be delayed. Make sure to offer pellets that are fortified with Vitamin C, but remember, Vitamin C will degrade over time. It’s recommended you use pellets within 90 days of manufacture date. When offering fresh foods, be sure to include those that are both safe for cavies and rich in Vitamin C. Talk to your veterinarian about whether or not additional supplementation is recommended.
Cavies, like all species, have their own set of needs that must be met in order for them to be healthy and thrive. If you are going to care for cavies, make sure you take the time to learn everything they need so that you can provide them with the individualized care they deserve.
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