guinea pig health guide
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Guinea Pig Health Symptom Guide
Guinea pigs are prone to a number of preventable health problems. One of the best things you can do to keep your guinea pig in good health is catch a condition before it becomes serious. Honestly, this is really important as once a guinea pig develops a problem sometimes it goes from not serious to serious incredibly quickly.
Bloody Urine
Bladder stones occur when your guinea pig consumes too much calcium from sources such as alfalfa and dried food. Why is this? Certain foods contain a form of calcium called calcium carbonate which would not be eaten by guinea pigs in large quantities in the wild. Once it enters the system the calcium can break down and then reform into small solids before being excreted. What are signs that your guinea pig is affected by bladder stones? Pink or red urine. Note: Red urine can also be caused by eating beets. If you are concerned your guinea pig may have bladder stones, please contact your veterinarian.
Foot Calluses
Guinea pig calluses are a lot like foot calluses you might get, small hard bumps on the feet. However, unlike humans, if these calluses are not removed serious problems can develop, such as infection. What causes calluses? Daily wear and tear for the most part. Sometimes this is an indicator bedding is too rough or that you guinea pig needs special creams and foot treatment.
Foot Infection
Bumblefoot is the result of a callus neglected to the point it becomes infected, pus filled, and sometimes swollen to the point that your guinea pig has trouble walking. Bumblefoot is a life threatening condition and if spotted must be treated by a veterinarian right away.
Overgrown Teeth
One of the unique qualities of rodents is that their teeth continue to grow over the course of a lifetime. If one’s guinea pig does not have enough abrasive food (timothy hay and or fibrous vegetables) or chew toys the teeth can grow to a point where they are a health problem. Problems can include difficulty eating and the permanent deformity of the jaw. Please do not attempt to file your guinea pig’s teeth on your own. This is a job for a qualified veterinarian.
Matted Grease Gland
Your guinea pig has a scent gland located above his or her anus which exudes a sort of sticky substance. Sometimes this grease production becomes excessive and the hair can begin to tangle and a scab can form. The best way to deal with this problem is to wash the grease gland with a oil removing soap like Dawn.
Blocked Oil Glands
This is a bump of skin filled with thick waxy oil. This is a normal condition and not serious unless infection occurs or the cyst refuses to heal. This condition is most commonly dealt with by removing the blockage.
Constipation (also known as impacted stomach)
Symptoms of an impacted stomach include discomfort and a lack of bowel movements. Contact a veterinarian for treatment advice. Some people have good luck with supplementing their guinea pig’s diet with probiotics. You can use specially formulated products or just break open a portion of a dietary gel tab and sprinkle into food or water. Make sure you do not treat with yogurt as guinea pigs should not consume animal products.
Itching, Bumps, and Hair Loss
All signs of parasites such as mites or lice. While over the counter treatments are available, it is best to contact a veterinarian first to determine the right course of treatment.
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