Illnesses
You are responsible for the health of your Guinea Pig. Please make sure you have a qualified exotics vet experienced in treating guinea pigs before you buy your Guinea Pig, not just any vet will do. Most vets are not trained in Guinea Pig care.

NEVER stand for a vet to just prescribe antibiotics (most common is baytril) of any sort without probiotics! We made this mistake with our very first Piggys and sadly lost one. She was a fighter and fought for 5 months with pneumonia.

You will no doubt know when your Piggy is unwell. First sign you should notice is a change in its behaviour.

The warning signs:


Illnesses

Bumble foot

Wire bottomed cages are not recommended because they are a known cause of Bumble foot. Bumble foot can also be caused by sitting on soiled bedding for too long. See an exotics vet.

Diarrhoea

If your Guinea Pig gets diarrhoea, make sure his bottom stays clean. (Use a damp flannel and rinse the bottom). Make sure you dry its bottom as a wet or soiled bottom will attract flies which will lay their eggs around your Guinea Pigs bottom. This will lead to "Fly Strike"

Fly strike

Fly strike is caused by flies laying their eggs in or around the Guinea Pigs bottom. These eggs will hatch into maggots in a very short period of time. The maggots will then eat their way into the Guinea Pig and eat it alive. The flys are attracted to damp fur, urine and poo. This is more common in the summer months. You can help prevent this by keeping cages clean. We also have fly paper hanging near the cages.

Abscesses

Abscesses occur when a sore or wound gets infected, or in the mouth, where food has been allowed to gather and has started to spoil. Abscesses on the skin can be treated by yourself. The abscess will need to be squeezed until all the puss is out and then cleaned with a mild TCP solution daily. Drip baytril into the open wound. Do this daily untill it has scabbed over and begins to heal by itself. It is a good idea to ask your exotics vet for help with this, as baytril is needed.












Fungal infection

Fungal infections often start on the face, you will notice bald patches. There may be multiple patches on the body. I have never seen this on the belly of a Guinea Pig. Sometimes you may find tufts of fur stuck together. (In fudge they were under his armpits and on his neck and ears). These tufts will fall out and hair will regrow in about a month.












We treat Fungal infections with nizoral which is a human anti dandruff shampoo and is very effective.

Parasites

Parasites are usually lice that can be seen under the microscope, the eggs can be seen under a magnifying glass. These lice cause hair loss around the bottom and belly of a Guinea Pig. The Guinea Pig will require a bath in special shampoo. (We can do this).
























Pneumonia

The most common bacterial diseases in pet Guinea Pigs is pneumonia. pneumonia is caused by bacteria that inhabit the respiratory tracts of Guinea Pigs. This disease is generally caused by stress, inadequate diet and being in a draft or a dirty cage. When a Guinea Pig contracts pneumonia it may experience labored or rapid breathing, fluid from the eyes and nostrils, laying down, rolling, refusal to eat and lethargy. Pneumonia is a killer and ruins the immune system, contact an exotics vet immediately. Treatment will be an antibiotic injection into the top of the back, baytril and probiotics. DO NOT accept anything less!

Head tilt with difficulty walking or falling over

If your Guinea Pig is tilting their head to one side and is having difficulty walking, it could be an indicator of a middle ear infection. This is a very serious condition. Head tilts can also be caused by poisoning. You should get your Guinea Pig to an exotics vet right away.

Head tilt - Hazel has a head tilt but it is not a permanent tilt. She sometimes has funny turns with her head tilt, we suspect it is either nurological or a type or seizure. She is fine in herself, no other worries.












Mange

Mange is a common parasitic disease that affects the skin. This parasite can cause hair loss in large clumps on the back of the Guinea Pig. Mange is treatable, but is often associated with other internal or external problems.

Cancer

Cancer is rare, most tumors are benign and involve the skin and respiratory tract lining. Cancer may also affect the reproductive tract, mammary glands (refured to as breast cancer) and blood (this is known as leukemia).

Ringworm

Ringworm is a skin parasite that can cause hair loss around the head, neck and nose. This is extremely contagious and can be passed onto humans. Wear disposable gloves and throw away after you have treated your Piggy. Quarantine is essential. You should get your Guinea Pig to an exotics vet right away.

Heat Stroke

Guinea Pigs are prone to heat stroke, they should not be left outside on a hot day. The cages should not be in direct sunlight. Protect them with an umbrella or canopy. If you witness your Guinea Pig laying unresponsive or having a seizure, take them to the vets as they may need fluids.

Teeth Problems

Teeth problems can be caused by many different things such as being dropped when young. Teeth problems can also be caused by bad diet. Hay is important to help naturally wear down their teeth and should be available at all times. Many people do not notice their Guinea Pigs teeth are not growing correctly so the Guinea Pigs teeth can grow into the mouth or into the lips and face. It is more obvious when the teeth start growing outwards. This is why you must check your Guinea Pigs teeth everyday.

Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)

Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, causing lethargy, weak and disfigured bone and teeth development, swollen joints, reluctance to move, and bleeding from the gums.

Guinea Pigs like humans do not produce vitamin C and therefore must consume an adequate supply of it from fresh fruits and vegetables. Using a hard feed nugget with added vit c will be a good source of vit c but must be topped up with vegetables everyday. The nuggets must be kept in a dark, cool place as the vit c deteriorates fast.

Hair Loss

Breeding females and weaning infants may experience hair loss, eventually the hair will grow back. The most common cause for hair loss is fungal infections and parasite infestations. See an exotics vet immediately.

If you suspect anything is wrong then you must seek advice from your exotics vet immediatly as Guinea Pigs can go downhill very very fast.

DANGErOUS DRUGS NEVER USE:

Clavamox - WARNING
Penicillin - WARNING
Any form of anesthetic can be dangerous.

I am not a vet and im speaking only from my experience and advice of others.
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