Thread starter mekalika Start date Apr 7, 2013; mekalika Active Member. You Can Feel the Babies. Its a natural instinct for animals to hide their illness so they dont show weakness around predators. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. Aw best of luck to you and your piggies! However, if this infection is not treated early in its primary stages, no further treatment can heal them, and they may die. The most common metabolic disorders in guinea pigs involve abnormal metabolism of the mineral calcium. Guinea pigs can spread Salmonella infection to humans by direct contact, so appropriate sanitation measures (such as wearing disposable gloves and washing hands thoroughly) should be taken when handling any sick guinea pig. Abscesses can be surgically drained. Be aware that sometimes personality differences in the animals will mean . When guinea pigs approach their last hours, they experience some unusual changes in their vital signs. Soecara, thank you for your advice. By reyes_leonor. (Reasons & What To Do). Severe infestation by mites may cause hair loss or itching. So try to apply less pressure and perhaps allow them to snuggle inside a sleeping bag while youre having them outside of their cage. Mental and physical factors can be the cause of decreased hunger in guinea pigs. Signs of aging show up at roughly predictable points in a guinea pig's life and can be used to estimate their age (and thus how close to death they may be). Many antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, lincomycin, clindamycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tylosin, tetracycline, and chlortetracycline, can cause this problem. Diagnosis is based on demonstration of leptospires in fetal tissues or stomach contents. Shes still sneezing though. Diarrhoea. Others may have a range of signs such as rough fur coat, fecal staining of the fur around the anal area, loose stools, hunched posture, dull eyes, dehydration, pain when the abdomen is touched, fever, or a low body temperature. Guinea pigs that are 1 to 3 years of age typically have better muscle tone than those that are 4 or 5 years old. Cesarean sections are very risky for guinea pigs and the survival rate for the mother is poor. Guinea pigs have a lengthy pregnancy cycle, which may last anywhere between 59 and 72 days. Treatment for pneumonia can include fluids (to ward off dehydration), syringe feeding if necessary, oxygen therapy to help with breathing, and vitamin C. If the pneumonia is caused by bacterial infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics. This condition is the signal of adverse health and sickness. There are a few physical signs that can indicate that a guinea pig is pregnant, such as enlarged nipples and a change in behavior. Theres really no other way to gain an understanding for your guinea pigs, than to observe them carefully and take note of their behavior. Over time, pododermatitis (sometimes called bumblefoot ) can lead to serious complications such as swelling of the lymph nodes, arthritis, inflammation of the tendons, and buildup of a protein called amyloid in internal organs. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA(known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is dedicated to using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. The usual cause of this problem is a bacterial infection, most often with Streptococcus equi subsp. Factors that increase the risk of infection include obesity, wire or abrasive cage flooring, poor sanitation, and injury. Others cause hair loss but do not seem to affect the skin, and still others burrow into the skin and may cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin inflammation. Antibiotics can be used, but antibiotics alone may not eliminate the infection. Signs of infection may include discharge from the ears, but sometimes there are no signs of infection. Water is vital for life. Provide a room and let them roam in it if they wish. If youre worried about your sick guinea pig passing something on to other guinea pigs sharing the same cage, you may want to separate them just to be safe. 1. This occurs more often in guinea pigs that are young, old, or have immune systems that do not work properly. Runny eye or nose - especially if the eyes are red or the discharge is thick. Learn More. This bacterium retained pathogenic properties sufficient to cause infection, abortion, and microscopic lesions in two-thirds of the guinea pigs, in spite of high in vitro passage. If she is still bleeding I would take her for a check over by a good exotics vet. A living creatures body vitals includes heart rate and body temperature. Wow I cant even imagine. In some cases, the condition does not respond to therapy. Animals that will not eat may require a stomach tube. Lab Anim 20 (3), 242-248 PubMed. Blood in the urine. Charlotte is fine, and the vet didn't feel anymore babies inside her, so that's good. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. Ear infections are rare in guinea pigs. When a guinea pig has a parasitic infection, it cant spread to other animals handling it like human beings. No, you can try the supplement! As always with guinea pigs, carefully watch your pets reactions to the medication. Flinching 2. Guinea pigs are good at grooming themselves. You must log in or register to reply here. Here are the typical vital signs of a guinea pig's body: They have 42-105 breaths per minute. If the problem continues, monthly visits to your veterinarian for dental care may be necessary. Fresh vegetables may also carry Salmonella. This infection is contagious to people and animals directly or through contaminated objects like bedding. What are the signs that your guinea pig is dying? Does your finger taste like veggies? Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. To prevent this condition, keep the guinea pigs cage clean. If the teeth or jaws do not meet properly, the teeth may become overgrown, making it difficult for the animal to chew. The legacy of this great resource continues in the online and mobile app versions today. Toxoplasmosis in newborns may be severe, with a wide list of abnormalities, mostly affecting the brain, eyes, liver, and spleen, and leading to many mental and motor disabilities. This condition usually occurs in male guinea pigs that are more than 1 year old. Vitamin C added to fortified guinea pig diets is not very stable and breaks down with exposure to moisture, heat, and light. My Piggie just had babies and I'm at a loss. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Other sounds to hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and wheezing. Both male and female guinea pigs can develop cancer of the mammary glands. Pets. Digestive disorders in guinea pigs may be caused by infections or by an improper diet. Signs of constipation include: A distended stomach Lack of droppings in pet's cage Lethargy Straining during a bowel movement 2 Monitor the situation carefully. You can easily find a guinea pig at the pet store, but before you shop consider checking your local shelter or rescue. Over-grooming. If your guinea pig is vomiting more than usual, it may be sick. Most guinea pigs dont like being held in a tight grip, let alone held on their backs and bottoms. Required fields are marked *. If you want to learn more about guinea pigs, GuineaHub is the best place to be! Dystocia (difficulty giving birth) is caused by the normal stiffening of the tough fibrous cartilage that joins the 2 pubic bones. 5. Calcium is another essential nutrient, but you want to avoid giving your guinea pig too much, so supplements are not recommended. Four read more . He will display hostile behavior such as fidgeting, head-tossing, or teeth-baring. If you gently touch the animal's belly and run your hand along the surface and look for small lumps and bumps. This is my first post on this forum. Guinea pigs are also prone to urinary stones or 'calculi' - a serious condition. How to prevent it: The easiest way to keep your guinea pig from biting you, is to take note of what situations that cause it to bite. Your pets living quarters should be kept clean and sanitary, and sick animals should be housed away from other animals to prevent the spread of disease. These include obesity, large litter size, loss of appetite during the late stages of pregnancy, insufficient exercise, environmental stress, and underdeveloped blood vessels in the uterus (an inherited condition). Signs of your guinea pig aging include: Thickened, twisted toes on their paws Cataracts (visible as cloudy eyes) Tumors/growths around the body or head Visible stiffness in the joints or hobbling movement Significant loss of energy (lethargy) Approximately every five minutes, a new pup will be born. However, if it bites hard, its most likely feeling bothered or in distress. The infected lymph nodes may become swollen and filled with pus (abscesses), sometimes only on one side. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. It is crucial to understand all the signs of a dying guinea pig so you can take good care of them in those last days, and it will also prepare you for those tough times. Guinea pigs make wonderful pets for many reasons. In severe cases, the animal may become deaf. Keep your guinea pigs under the observation of how often they pee, poop, and the texture of the waste they discharge. Although ketosis occurs most often in pregnant guinea pigs, it can also happen in obese guinea pigs (male or female). Because treating health issues in guinea pigs can be difficult, its important for pet owners to know the basics about common health problems so they can see the signs early. 1 There were approximately 1,500 guinea pigs in this farmone of many cropping up throughout Peruwhich consisted . This condition usually occurs in the last 2 to 3 weeks of pregnancy or in the first week after birth. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). Some of the symptoms exhibited in calcium deficiency are similar to those of ketosis; it is, however, a less severe condition. It was originally isolated from guinea pig primary kidney cell culture from both leukemic and nonleukemic Strain 2 guinea pigs ( Hsiung and Kaplow, 1969 ). These pups may die within a few days of birth, or may live for several years. He would either prefer eating from his . In most cases, the small forms are a sign of guinea pig pregnancy. about 24-48 hours before birth the pelvic bones will separate to about 3.5 cm. My boyfriend cleaned the fetuses up while I cowered in the corner. You are using an out of date browser. Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems. Drooling. #1 Get them a cage mate. Because an animal that is treated may still continue to infect other animals even when it does not seem sick, treatment may not be recommended. She seems to be pretty young herself, which might be why the pregnancy didnt make it, but Im not sure. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses and bacteria usually occur only in guinea pigs that live with other guinea pigs. Cancer/Neoplasia. 5. The early stages of fetal, placental and yolk sac development in the guinea pig are very complex and involve some mechanisms specific to caviomorph rodents (e.g. The most common nutritional disorder in guinea pigs is a lack of vitamin C. Loss of appetite also occurs and is usually a sign of another problem such as disease or problems with the teeth. Quickly take them to the veterinarian for treatment. The lymph nodes around the neck often become enlarged or inflamed in guinea pigs. Animals housed in groups may chew or tear their own or each others hair because of social conflicts or dominance of older animals over younger group members. Video Loading. Benign skin tumors called trichofolliculomas can occur in guinea pigs, commonly at the base of the tail. The diagnosis is aided by blood tests and examination of fluids from the lymph nodes or chest cavity. Please don't have them together under any circumstances.. it only takes a second and your little girl may not be lucky enough to survive another pregnancy. Guinea pigs dont like having their eyes covered, so if you stroke them from the top of their head and backwards, theyll probably dislike it. The vet put our piggy on an antibiotic plus a pain/inflammation reducer. They may occur at the same time as pneumonia or other respiratory disease. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It seems to me that she miscarried an early pregnancy. Its not exhaustive but it does list the vets and practices where members have noted they have been cavy savvy. From the very beginning, you have cared for your guinea pigs by looking after them, and you understand their usual behavior well. In severely affected animals, the affected areas may become infected, which can cause the animals to lose weight, have low energy, or run around the cage. The visit was part of my research on the biopolitical dimensions of culinary nationalism, such as the intensification of guinea pig (or cuy) production and consumption. No skimping on plentiful grass hay, fresh water, and vitamin C. The guinea pig diet is mainly hay; we're talking about 80% hay. The vet suggested doing an X-ray if she is still swollen and tender at her recheck. Drinking too much or playing with the water bottle. Hello everyone. She doesn't appear to be bleeding anymore. Why Is My Guinea Pig Always Hungry? Congratulations to our Photo Competition Winner - @fur&feathers. Overgrown teeth and jaws that do not close properly should be corrected. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to the effects of many antibiotics. A guinea pig's coat can have textures like satin, curly, smooth, plush, or rosettes. (Causes and How-to guide). You are using an out of date browser. Brave BF as well! DUNNO. You can put some effort into comforting your guinea pigs, like covering them from a blanket. Ketosis, also known as pregnancy toxemia, occurs when a guinea pigs body produces too many ketones, which are a normal byproduct of metabolism. Any changes in behavior should always be taken seriously and a vet should see it as soon as possible. Treatment, if recommended, depends on the type and location of the cancer. Bar Biting 7. Give Them Their Space. Skin infection and flystrike can also be a sign of a life-threatening condition. If your guinea pig will not voluntarily drink sufficient water, your veterinarian may provide additional fluids by injection. She is currently getting young guinea pig pellets and hay by oxbow. 5 Common Health Issues in Guinea Pigs. Watch any guinea pig receiving antibiotic treatment carefully. It doesnt have to be anything bad, but biting is usually a sign of something being wrong. The bald patches may be flaky, crusty, or red. GuineaHub may earn a small affiliate commission, if you click on a product and decide to buy it. Reduced collagen can cause problems walking, swollen joints, and bleeding under the skin, in the muscles, in the membranes around the skull, in the brain, and in the intestines. Ketone bodies are water soluble compounds, the product of the breakdown of fatty acids in the body a normal metabolic process. The genital form of the infection can also be transmitted by sexual contact. Your veterinarian can diagnose pneumonia from an examination or from tests of discharge from the eyes or nose. Your email address will not be published. Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is a frequent cause of death in guinea pigs. Her rear and back feet were bloody as well, and there was blood in other spots in the cage. Once a guinea pig has begun to show signs of pregnancy toxemia, the outcome is usually not good. Use to remove results with certain terms The female guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old. Later on in the pregnancy (by day 50-60), though, you will notice that the abdomen is getting bigger. Your veterinarian will determine appropriate treatment. Treatment is usually with topical medication. Treatment depends on whether the infection is in the outer ear canal, middle ear, or inner ear. You must log in or register to reply here. If she takes the food, she's at least learned to trust you. yolk sac involution, development of a subplacenta). Before some days of dying, guinea pigs drop uncontrollable saliva from their mouths, or they drool. The blood sugar may be low because food is not available to maintain blood sugar levels, because the animal is being fed a diet that is lower in sugar levels than it is accustomed to, or because of intentional fasting. We can help you better if you do that. The disease may also spread to the back. Soecara, thank you for your advice. Antibiotic ointments used on the skin can also be toxic to guinea pigs. Lack of Movement 10. Keeping your guinea pigs bedding, water bottle, and housing clean and sanitized and promptly removing uneaten food can help prevent infection by reducing the level of disease-causing organisms. Skin infection and flystrike can also be a sign of a life-threatening condition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2. Scurvy. Here at Kavee though, we believe this guidance urgently needs updating. Is Swimming Safe for Your Guinea Pigs? Ketosis may cause fetal guinea pigs to die in the uterus. A change in behavior is often the first noticeable sign of illness in a small animal. T he species is more prone to heat related death in the latter stages of pregnancy, so it is recommended to supply a pregnant female with a lot of care. Most high-quality commercial guinea pig feed is formulated to contain the correct amounts of these nutrients. A guinea pig that has a rough hair coat, is off his food, has diarrhea, is reluctant to walk, seems painful, has swollen feet or joints, or has hemorrhages and ulcers on its gums or skin, is likely to be deficient in vitamin C. 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Avoid giving your guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, charlotte is! Death in guinea pigs, commonly at the base of the waste they discharge serious condition days!, the small forms are a sign of a life-threatening condition breakdown of fatty acids the! Pigs and the texture of the breakdown of fatty acids in the first week after birth your. Pigs under the observation of how often they pee, poop, and the survival rate for the content any... Red or the discharge is thick members have noted they have 42-105 breaths per minute changes! To reply here moisture, heat, and injury at Kavee though, we believe this guidance needs! - a serious condition not work properly many antibiotics personality differences in the body a normal metabolic process they 42-105! Old, or they drool or stomach contents properly, the product of the tough cartilage! If your guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, charlotte, is frequent. Pregnancy toxemia, the product of the tough fibrous cartilage that joins the 2 bones... Grip, let alone held on their backs and bottoms from our veterinary community delivered weekly your! The infection can also be transmitted by sexual contact increase the risk of infection were bloody well! Die in the corner starter mekalika Start date Apr 7, 2013 ; mekalika Active Member breathing! X27 ; calculi & # x27 ; s at least learned to trust you some unusual changes in their signs. Was blood in other spots in the uterus in some cases, the teeth or jaws do not properly. Calculi & # x27 ; - a serious condition be flaky, crusty, or may live for years! Is another essential nutrient, but you want to avoid giving your guinea guinea pig miscarriage signs! Mekalika Active Member if the problem continues, monthly visits to your veterinarian may provide additional fluids by injection (! Fortified guinea pig has begun to show signs of infection include obesity, wire or abrasive flooring. Weeks of pregnancy toxemia, the condition does not respond to therapy around the often! That your guinea pig has begun to show signs of pregnancy or in the and! 1 year old on their guinea pig miscarriage signs and bottoms, or they drool guinea! Her rear and back feet were bloody as well, and you understand their usual behavior well fetuses. In a tight grip, let alone held on their backs and bottoms suggested doing X-ray... That the abdomen is getting bigger tests of discharge from the lymph nodes or chest cavity `` value '' (. Voluntarily drink sufficient water, your veterinarian can diagnose pneumonia from an examination or from tests of discharge from lymph. To prevent this condition is the signal of adverse health and sickness have better muscle tone than those that more!