Unfortunately for the humans looking out for them, as prey animals, cavies tend to hide signs of illness and injury until they are no longer able to do so. Therefore, in order to catch and respond to health issues as early as possible, you’ll need to spend a lot of time observing and getting to know your residents so you are better able to catch less obvious signs of concern. Additionally, by conducting regular full-body health checks, you’ll be able to learn what healthy looks and feels (and smells!) like and will be more likely to catch issues early on. Be sure to read our guide to cavy health checks to familiarize yourself with the signs that something may be amiss with a cavy resident. While frequent assessments performed by a caregiverSomeone who provides daily care, specifically for animal residents at an animal sanctuary, shelter, or rescue. are important, regular and routine veterinary exams are also essential to maintaining your cavy resident’s health, as well as for monitoring symptoms. You can read more about the importance of veterinary care here.
Issues By Body System Affected
Circulatory System: Heart Disease
Gastrointestinal System: Dental Disease, Dysbiosis And Antibiotic-Associated Enterotoxemia, Gastrointestinal Motility Issues
Endocrine System: Hyperthyroidism
Lymphatic System: Cervical Lymphadenitis (“Lumps”)
Musculoskeletal System: Arthritis, Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis), Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)
Nervous System: Heat Stroke
Reproductive System: Mammary Tumors, Ovarian Cysts
Respiratory System: Respiratory Illness
Integumentary System: Alopecia, Hyperthyroidism, Mites and Lice, Ovarian Cysts, Ringworm, Trichoepitheliomas (Trichofolliculomas), Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)
Urinary System: Urolithiasis
Sensory System: Ear Infections, Eye Issues
Alopecia
While alopeciaAlopecia is the loss of hair, wool, or feathers. (hair loss) in cavies can be the result of external parasites (mites, lice) or fungal infection (ringworm), it can also have a non-infectious cause. Non-infectious causes of alopecia include hormonal issues (such as from hyperthyroidism or ovarian cysts), vitamin deficiency, and barbering (chewing on fur). When barbering is the cause, you will see broken hair shafts. Barbering can be self-inflicted or can occur between cavies who live together (often with a more dominant cavy barbering a less dominant companion). Barbering can be the result of stress or boredom, so if you see this behavior, you should work to identify the stressor and alleviate it. If one resident is barbering another and the issue doesn’t resolve despite attempts to reduce stress (increasing space, adding enrichment, making sure they don’t have to compete for resources), you may need to separate them. If barbering does not seem to be the cause of an individual’s alopecia, schedule a visit with your veterinarian to determine the cause.
SOURCES:
Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs | Dorcas P O’Rourke
Non-Itchy Hair Loss In Guinea Pigs | The Guinea Pig Vet
Management Of Skin Conditions In Guinea Pigs | British Veterinary Nursing Association
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a common issue in most animals as they age, and cavies are no exception. Individuals over 2 years of age are most commonly affected, but because they show only subtle signs of disease, the issue often goes undiagnosed until it reaches advanced stages. While any joint can be affected, tibiofemoral osteoarthritis is considered one of the most common musculoskeletal issues of cavies.
Individuals with osteoarthritis may show signs of having difficulty urinating or defecating and may develop fecal or urine staining due to an inability to posture normally. They may also show changes in activity level, including a reluctance to walk, and changes in the way they bear weight, which could lead to pododermatitis (bumblefoot) and/or nail overgrowth. Due to chronic pain, cavies with osteoarthritis may be reluctant to eat, leading to weight loss, and may have difficulty grooming. While you should watch for these signs and contact your veterinarian if seen, regular veterinary assessments also play a crucial role in diagnosis. Because of this, some veterinary professionals recommend physical examinations every 6 months once cavies turn 3 years old. Through manipulation and palpation of the joints, your veterinarian can check for signs of osteoarthritis, and they may recommend diagnostic imaging to aid in a diagnosis and determine the extent of the issue.
As with other species, pain management is crucial for osteoarthritis, though this is not curative. Your veterinarian may also recommend a chondroprotective agent, such as glucosamine, to help repair joint cartilage and soothe inflammation and/or alternative therapies such as acupuncture and veterinary laser therapy. You’ll also want to consider the individual’s housing to determine if changes to the substrate or bedding are necessary to help keep them comfortable. If ramps or stairs are part of their living spaceThe indoor or outdoor area where an animal resident lives, eats, and rests., you’ll want to remove these and keep everything on one level so everything is easily accessible to them. Vitamin C deficiency can complicate osteoarthritis, so it’s also a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about the overall diet you are providing to determine if changes are necessary. Obesity will also complicate things, so if this is an issue, talk to your veterinarian about healthy ways to encourage weight loss.
SOURCES:
The Geriatric Guinea Pig | The Veterinary Nurse
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 or pointy substrates, unsanitary conditions, not enough space) and physical (obesity, lameness, or a health challenge that leads to inactivity). The first sign of bumblefoot is redness of the foot pad, followed by swelling. Other signs include heat, scabbing, reluctance to move, and pain. Without treatment, the inflammation (and possibly infection) will affect structures deeper in the foot, worsening the prognosis. 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 and a solid floor with soft bedding. Regular cleaning of the living space is also important.
Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you see signs of bumblefoot or if what started as a mild case progresses despite environmental modifications. Your veterinarian will be able to make specific treatment recommendations based on the severity of the issue and may recommend additional diagnostics to determine the best treatment plan. In some cases, prolonged treatment may be necessary and may include antibiotics, pain medication, foot soaks, wound cleaning, and/or bandages. Low-level laser therapy may also be recommended. If the individual is not eating well due to associated pain, supportive care may also be necessary to ensure that they continue to receive the nutrients they require and do not develop gastrointestinal issues from not eating.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Pododermatitis (“Bumblefoot”) In Small Mammals | Tree Of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
Cervical Lymphadenitis (“Lumps”)
Cervical lymphadenitis, often called “lumps,” is an infection of the lymph nodes in the neck that results in swelling and abscessation. It is usually caused by Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus, a bacterium that is normally present in the mouth, throat, and nasal passages of cavies. Cervical lymphadenitis can develop if the bacteria are transported to draining lymph nodes through bite wounds or abrasions to the oral cavity (such as from pointy hay stems or dental issues). Stress can also increase susceptibility to this disease. In addition to swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, other signs of cervical lymphadenitis can include difficulty eating and swallowing, lethargy, inappetence, fever, and discomfort, but some individuals may show no signs other than swelling. If one of your residents is showing signs of cervical lymphadenitis, be sure to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Treatment typically entails surgical excision of affected lymph nodes, antibiotics, and pain management. To help reduce risk to your cavy residents, be sure to provide them with a healthy diet, clean living space, and low-stress environment.
SOURCES:
Cervical Lymphadenitis In Guinea Pigs | Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs | Dorcas P O’Rourke
Infectious Diseases of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual (Non-Compassionate Source)
Dental Disease
Dental disease is a common issue in cavies, and early detection is crucial because these issues are often chronic and progressive. A cavy’s teeth continue to grow for their entire life, but by constantly chewing, either on hay or other safe items, cavies are able to maintain the proper shape, length, and alignment of their teeth. They can be affected by various forms of dental disease, but the most common is elongated cheek teeth, which can lead to a number of issues such as pain when chewing, difficulty closing their mouth, difficulty chewing, ulceration of tongue or cheeks, displacement of the jaw, misalignment of teeth, and even tongue entrapment.
Other types of dental disease that can affect cavies include tooth abscesses, sharp spurs on upper cheek teeth (maxillary buccal spurs), elongated tooth roots, misaligned incisors, and periodontal disease. Signs of dental disease can vary based on the exact issue but typically include changes in eating habits (such as only eating soft foods, eating more slowly, or not eating as much as they normally do), difficulty chewing, dropping food, facial swelling, discharge from nose or eyes, a decrease in fecal output, and drooling (or a wet chin). 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 as soon as possible. They may be able to diagnose the issue with an oral examination alone, but in some cases, other diagnostics such as 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.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Guinea Pig Dental Disease | The Unusual Pet Vets
Dental Disease In Guinea Pigs | Tree Of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
Noninfectious Diseases of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual (Non-Compassionate Source)
Dysbiosis And Antibiotic-Associated Enterotoxemia
A cavy’s intestinal microflora is incredibly sensitive and can be thrown out of balance by a variety of things, including an inappropriate diet (low-fiber, high-carbohydrate), stress, toxins, gastrointestinal hypostasis, and antibiotic use. This imbalance, called dysbiosis, can lead to issues ranging from soft stool to life-threatening diseases such as enterotoxemia (overgrowth of toxin-producing bacteria).
Of particular note, narrow-spectrum antibiotics such as penicillins, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalosporins, ampicillin, clindamycin, and lincomycin kill beneficial Gram-positive gut bacteria and create favorable conditions for overgrowth of harmful bacteria, including the toxin-producing bacteria Clostridium difficile. This is one of many reasons why it is important to work with a veterinarian who is experienced in cavy care. When antibiotic treatment is necessary, they will be able to recommend drugs that are less likely to upset gut microflora.
SOURCES:
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs | Dorcas P O’Rourke
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Ear Infections
Ear infections are a fairly common issue in cavies and can affect the outer, middle, or inner part of the ear. Clinical signs can range from subtle to more obvious depending on the part of the ear affected and can include changes in appetite and weight loss, ear scratching, head shaking, ear discharge, respiratory signs (eye discharge, sneezing, etc.), head tilt, balance issues, circling, and even rolling. Head tilt and balance issues are associated with middle and inner ear infections, which can develop secondary to respiratory and dental infections. Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic imaging such as radiographs or CT to make a diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. While treatment typically entails antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, severe cases may require specialized surgical intervention. Stressors such as illness, overcrowding, or pregnancy can increase a cavy’s risk of developing an ear infection.
SOURCES:
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Health Problems With Guinea Pigs | Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital
Common Health Problems of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual
Eye Issues
Cavies can develop a number of eye issues including corneal ulceration, conjunctivitisConjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye., conjunctival tissue protrusion (“pea eye”), and inflammation or infection of the tear gland (“cherry eye”). You should contact your veterinarian and schedule an exam if you notice any issues with the eye, including excessive blinking, holding the eye partially or fully shut, excessive tearing, ocular discharge, redness, swelling, or changes in the color of the eye. While not all eye issues require treatment, those that do benefit from early intervention, so veterinary assessment is key.
Of particular note, corneal ulceration is a painful condition that is often the result of trauma, particularly from hay pokes (though it can also be secondary to entropion or middle ear infections that result in facial paralysis and prevent blinking). Signs of corneal ulceration include a blue haze to the eye, increased tear production, excessive blinking, or holding the eye partially closed. Left untreated, a corneal ulcer can progress into an abscess.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pig Eye Health | The Guinea Pig Vet
Pea Eye in Guinea Pigs | Tree Of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
Ophthalmologic Diseases in Small Pet Mammals | Ferrets, Rabbits, And Rodents
Gastrointestinal Motility 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 from 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 being caused by an inappropriate diet, GI motility issues can be the result of a cavy not eating, which could be due to illness, injury, or stress. This is one of many reasons 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, stay in the stomach rather than passing through. Cavies are not able to vomit, so food, hair, and other ingested material continue to accumulate and often begin 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 gas accumulation. You may notice fecal pellets that are smaller and drier than normal or 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.
In the event that your veterinarian cannot see them right away, knowing how to safely syringe feed them and having the right supplies on hand to do so can help prevent gastrointestinal issues from getting worse. If you are planning to care for cavies, we recommend asking for your veterinarian to train you in how to safely syringe feed them and about what supplies you should keep on hand (such as Oxbow’s Critical Care For Herbivores or Lafeber’s Emeraid IC Herbivore, which requires a prescription). Both products can be mixed with water and syringe-fed to an individual who is not eating on their own.
SOURCES:
Feeding The Adult Guinea Pig | Oxbow
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Common Health Problems of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual
Noninfectious Diseases of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual (Non-Compassionate Source)
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. Individuals who are overweight, long-haired, older, or pregnant may be at an increased risk. Housing issues such as a lack of shade or fresh water, poor ventilation, overcrowding, and being confined in a small carrier can also increase risk.
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 apply cool water or rubbing alcohol to their foot pads. Do not submerge them in cold water, as this could cause shock. Your veterinarian can offer further advice and may suggest that you bring the individual in for assessment and further treatment such as fluid therapy.
Heat stroke can be fatal, so prevention is key. To reduce the risk of heat stroke, make sure cavies can get out of direct sunlight, keep living spaces cool and well ventilated, and ensure they have plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. When providing hidey houses, consider if they will trap heat or remain cool. Wooden houses are typically better at staying cool than plastic ones.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Keeping Your Guinea Pigs Cool In The Summer: Dos And Don’ts! | PDSA
What You Need To Know About Heat Stroke In Guinea Pigs | Albert Park Vet
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs in the Heat | King’s Road Veterinary Practice
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a fairly common issue in cavies, especially older individuals. Once an individual has obvious clinical signs, they are considered to be in heart failure. Signs of heart disease include respiratory signs such as increased respiratory rate and effort, audible breathing (crackling, wheezing, hooting), lethargy, cyanosis, cold extremities, and fluid buildup under the skin and in the abdomen (resulting in an enlarged abdomen). Individuals will also eat less because they are struggling to breathe. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. While there is no cure for heart disease and it will ultimately shorten the individual’s life, there are treatments that can alleviate their clinical signs and improve their quality of life.
SOURCES:
My Guinea Pig Is Breathing Heavy – Let’s Talk About Heart Disease. | The Guinea Pig Vet
Health Problems With Guinea Pigs | Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital
Hyperthyroidism
Cavies of any age can develop hyperthyroidism, but it is seen most commonly in individuals over 3 years old. Signs can vary, but hyperactivity, sensitivity to touch, and weight loss despite an increased appetite are considered key clinical signs. Other signs can include a mass in their neck, diarrhea or soft stools, increased thirst, increased urination, a thin and/or dull hair coat, and an elevated respiratory rate. Diagnosis can be difficult. In addition to a physical examination and blood testing, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic imaging.
Hyperthyroidism can be treated with lifelong medical management, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland is a challenging and specialized surgery that not all veterinarians perform, so this may not be an available option for everyone. If one of your cavy residents is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your veterinarian can explain the treatment options available and discuss the pros and cons of each treatment.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pig Primary Hyperthyroidism | Tree Of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
Hyperthyroidism In Guinea Pigs | Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital
Guinea Pigs and Hyperthyroidism | Hopkinton Animal Hospital
Guinea Pigs with an Overactive Thyroid Gland | The Guinea Pig Vet
Mammary Tumors
Mammary tumors are fairly common in cavies as they age. While both males and females can be affected, mammary tumors are actually more common in males. Thankfully, these tumors are usually benign. They manifest as firm swelling associated with the nipple. The nipple will become discolored, and you may note bloody discharge. While these tumors are often benign, you should still contact your veterinarian to have the individual evaluated. These tumors can grow quite large and interfere with the individual’s ability to walk, so surgical removal is typically recommended and is best done when the mass is still small.
SOURCES:
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Mammary Tumors in Small Mammals | Lafaber Vet
Guinea Pig Tumors | Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue
Mass On Guinea Pig | Dr. Patt Exotic Vet
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 start in the thigh and back and then spread 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-label” 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 may 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.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Mites And Lice In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are very common in female cavies who have 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 lookout 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 ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy) may be recommended, which will address the current issue and prevent it from recurring. If surgery is not an option (such as in individuals with other health conditions that 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.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Common Health Problems Of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual
Ovarian Cystic Disease in Guinea Pigs | Anthony Pilny, DVM, DABVP
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Respiratory Illness
Respiratory illness is a common issue in cavies and can quickly progress into a very serious condition. It is often the result of a bacterial infection, with common causes including Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. equi zooepidemicus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Signs of respiratory illness may include nasal and ocular discharge, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, a poor appetite, and lethargy. Individuals with S. pneumoniae infection may develop a head tilt due to inflammation of the middle ear. Be sure to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if you note a cavy resident showing signs of respiratory illness. They can recommend diagnostics to determine the underlying cause and best course of treatment. They can also provide supportive care if necessary.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Common Health Problems Of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Infectious Diseases Of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual
Streptococcus pneumoniae | University Of Missouri College Of Veterinary Medicine (Non-Compassionate Source)
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.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Infectious Diseases Of Guinea Pigs | Merck Veterinary Manual
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Trichoepitheliomas (Trichofolliculomas)
Trichoepitheliomas (also called trichofolliculomas) are the most common skin tumor found in cavies. Thankfully, these tumors are benign. Trichoepitheliomas are slow-growing, firm, round lumps found under the skin. They usually develop on the back, sides, or rump and have a small opening in the center of the lump that may ooze a white, waxy substance. The skin over the lump is hairless. Trichoepitheliomas can become irritated or infected, and may become red, swollen, and scabby. They can also rupture, and when they do, they may look like a burst abscess or open sore. Contact your veterinarian if your cavy resident develops any lumps. They can diagnose the cause and determine the best course of action. There are other types of skin tumors and cysts that can manifest similarly, so diagnostic testing will be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Your veterinarian may recommend surgically removing the mass before confirming a diagnosis and then submitting it for histopathological evaluation. If the mass is a trichoepithelioma, surgery should be curative.
SOURCES:
Trichoepitheliomas (Trichofolliculomas) In Guinea Pigs | Tree Of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
Health Problems In Guinea Pigs | VCA
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Urolithiasis
Urinary calculi (or stones in the urinary tract) are fairly common in cavies. 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, dribbling urine, frequent attempts at urination, painful vocalizations during urination, and in some cases, bloody urine. Individuals may also become lethargic and stop eating. 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.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Health Problems With Guinea Pigs | Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital
Bladder Stones in Guinea Pigs | The Guinea Pig Vet
Urinary Obstruction in Guinea Pigs | Tree Of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center
Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)
Cavies cannot manufacture their own vitamin C and rely on 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 if they are wounded, the healing process may be delayed. Make sure to offer pellets that are fortified with vitamin C, but be aware that vitamin C will degrade over time. Therefore, it’s recommended you use pellets within 90 days of the manufacture date. When offering fresh foods, be sure to include those that are both safe for cavies and rich in vitamin C. While there are vitamin C supplements available that are meant to be added to their drinking water, this is not recommended because it can change the taste of the water and affect their water intake. Talk to your veterinarian about whether or not additional supplementation is recommended and, if it is, what supplement they recommend.
SOURCES:
Guinea Pigs | Manual Of Exotic Pet Practice
Health Problems With Guinea Pigs | Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital
