Health Problems

Dental Problems: Sometimes guinea pigs teeth can grow out of line, causing drooling, saliva and difficulty in eating. As rodent teeth grow continually, once they overgrow they're likely to need regular attention.

Constipation: If a guinea pig is finding it hard to pass motions, it could be due to dry motions, it could be due to hard dry motions causing a blockage. Mild cases may respond to dosing orally with liquid paraffin, but more severe cases may need an enema by a vet.

Diarrhea: There are many different types and causes of diarrhea. A particularly bad case of diarrhea is due to a disease called Aflatoxicosis, due to eating moldy hay or peanuts. In any case of diarrhea remove all fresh fruit and veg from their diet and feed mainly on dry food and hay. Some cases of diarrhea in guinea pigs can be contagious to humans, so remember to take precautions when handling your guinea pig. If your guinea pig has diarrhea take it to the vet straight away.

Breathing problems:  Pneumonia is the biggest guinea pig killing illness. This can cause chronic breathing difficulties or in the most severe cases sudden death. This condition often starts when the guinea pig is very young and has low resistance. Sadly the chance of recovery is very slim and the guinea pig will always have difficulty breathing.

Scurvy: This is caused by lack of vitamin C in the guinea pigs diet. There are many clear ways to see that your guinea pig has scurvy, Loss of weight, limb joints swell and painful because of bleeding into the joints, and the results can be fatal. To treat this you will need to introduce a daily dose of vitamin drops and increase the daily intake of greens in your guinea pigs diet.

Wounds: To treat small wounds simply apply warm water and treat with an antiseptic such as savlon cream. Try to find out the cause of the wound such as a sharp object that it keeps getting court on or even if it keeps getting bitten by other guinea pigs.

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