The guinea pig is an excellent human companion – it becomes very attached to its owner and loves to be stroked. Guinea pigs are also very delicate animals, so it is worth knowing the most common ailments that affect them and appreciate the role of prevention.
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Guinea pig diseases – what is worth knowing?
Even the most well-groomed guinea pigs can get sick. A responsible caregiver will therefore make every effort to gain basic knowledge of their ailments and quickly contact a specialist if necessary. Proper diet and preventive measures are also of great importance. What should be kept in mind to minimize the risk of guinea pig disease ? Guinea pig cages should be placed in an optimal location – away from drafts and constant sunlight. It is important to clean them regularly. The guinea pig should have constant access to fresh water. It is important to pay attention to what the guinea pig eats – whether it is high-quality food, and to store it properly so that it does not become soggy.
Guinea pig skin diseases
Skin diseases are quite common in guinea pigs and can take dangerous forms – an example is ringworm. Ringworm in the guinea pig is caused by the same fungi as in humans, which means that both a human can infect their pet and a guinea pig can infect a human. It is an infectious disease that develops quickly, and its onset is difficult to recognize – there is localized baldness, scaly skin or scratching. To minimize the risk of contracting an infectious disease such as ringworm, the guinea pig should be kept in a regularly cleaned cage. On the other hand, when we notice that our pet’s coat is matting and excessively moulting, it may indicate a poor dietary combination. It is also not uncommon to observe fur plucking. This is often caused by boredom – chews and toys for the guinea pig should improve the situation.
Guinea pig internal parasites
The most common are tapeworms and nematodes. A guinea pig can become infected with food that has been contaminated with parasite eggs. Infection with internal parasites can cause a guinea pig’s lack of appetite, diarrhea and sometimes even coughing and shortness of breath. Such a condition, when untreated, is not uncommonly fatal. The vet will usually prescribe a suitable remedy in a single dose that will kill the parasites. Fleas or lice can also nest in the fur of guinea pigs. It will then be necessary to disinfect the cage and replace the bedding. Meanwhile, the guinea pig is sprinkled three times with a special preparation at 5-day intervals.
Eye diseases of guinea pigs
A healthy guinea pig has shiny and clean eyes. One of the most common ailments of these small animals is conjunctivitis. A purulent discharge then appears, which escapes from the conjunctiva and glues the eyelids together. The easiest way to remove it is with gauze soaked in saline serum. Another common ailment is ulcerative keratitis, which is sometimes caused by trauma to the eye. Its cause can be hay, litter, or hard plant parts. Eye diseases in guinea pigs are manifested by excessive tearing, swollen eyelids and foggy eyes. A visit to the vet, who will prescribe soothing eye drops, is essential.
Guinea pig diseases transmitted to humans
Both the dog, cat and guinea pig can carry diseases that are transmitted to humans. An example of such an ailment is ringworm – so if you notice any signs of it, you should limit contact with the animal and carefully disinfect the area where it resides. Another disease transmitted by rodents is lymphocytic choroiditis and meningitis. It can be contracted through contact with the animal’s urine, feces or throat secretions. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain hygiene in our pet’s cage and to visit the vet regularly.
Other guinea pig diseases
Guinea pig diseases not infrequently also affect the digestive tract. Our pets may develop constipation, which is caused by too dry a diet, or diarrhea. Most often they are caused by improper nutrition, poisoning or bacterial disease. A change in diet or antibiotics can then help.
Among guinea pigs oral ailments are common. A deficiency of vitamin C in the diet can cause bleeding and swelling of the gums. On the other hand, a diet poor in hard food contributes to excessive length of the teeth, i.e. tooth overgrowth. This is a dangerous condition, as it makes it difficult for the animal to ingestion of food and can lead to emaciation. It is necessary in this situation to visit a veterinarian.
Clara is an avid rodent and rabbit enthusiast with over a decade of experience in caring for these charming creatures. Her passion for small animals began in her childhood, sparked by the adoption of her first pet hamster, and grew as she added rabbits, gerbils, and guinea pigs to her furry family. Through her articles, Clara shares insightful tips on care, nutrition, and enrichment activities to help fellow hobbyists enhance the lives of their pets. Her writing combines personal anecdotes with practical advice, making the world of small pets accessible and engaging for readers of all levels.
