Once youve learned to understand their warning signs, youll most likely see a more relaxed guinea pig that loves cuddle times even more than usual. Though, if your guinea pigs have health issues and sickness accompanied by the below-mentioned signs, then that means their life will come to an end soon. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs, Last review/revision Nov 2019 | Modified Oct 2022. Signs of dehydration include dry stools, dark urine, or skin tenting (skin that returns to its normal position slowly after being pinched). As per studies, elder guinea pigs show less interest in eating than younger guinea pigs. Use for phrases Guinea pigs can live up to 14 years in human care but live an average of 8 years. Please take a photo of your guinea pig from above and post it here. This infection is contagious to people and animals directly or through contaminated objects like bedding. Your veterinarian can diagnose pneumonia from an examination or from tests of discharge from the eyes or nose. Has she had her baby yet? These can be removed surgically. o [alopecia OR hair loss ], , BVSc, DVP, DACLAM, DABVP(ECM), The Kenneth S Warren Institute. No, you can try the supplement! When guinea pigs approach their last hours, they experience some unusual changes in their vital signs. The safest option is to prevent pregnancy altogether by housing male and female guinea pigs separately or by spaying and neutering them. Required fields are marked *. Consult your veterinarian about any special dietary requirements your guinea pig may have during the recovery period, as well as any other recommendations that may be helpful in helping your guinea pig to recover quickly from the pregnancy toxemia. Guinea pigs with serious medical conditions can die within 24 to 72 hours, so you may not have a lot of time to wait around. In addition, pregnant guinea pigs ketosis may lead to death of the fetuses while still in the uterus. When you bring a new guinea pig home, its a good idea to find a vet in your area that treats guinea pigs and take your new pet in for an initial checkup to establish care. And this state occurs when the body of guinea pigs is dirty due to urine and their discharged waste. This could be complicated by the fact that many veterinarians dont treat small animals like guinea pigs. To prevent ketosis, make sure your pet eats a high-quality food throughout pregnancy, but limit the amount of food you give your pet to prevent obesity. All guinea pigs require a sufficient amount of food like hay, fresh veggies, and fruits. You might observe swollen faces or mouths of your guinea pigs, mainly caused by drooling. Why Is My Guinea Pig Breathing Fast? She has one week to go yet on her meds. Guinea pigs that receive these antibiotics may develop diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, or a drop in body temperature. Any thoughts on that gel? Infection can be transmitted from one guinea pig to another when droplets are sprayed into the air by sneezing or coughing. Does your finger taste like veggies? Soecara, thank you for your advice. To prevent ketosis, make sure your guinea pig eats a high quality food throughout pregnancy, while limiting the amount in order to prevent obesity. Signs may include a scruffy hair coat or enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen. A guinea pig's pregnancy lasts about 9 or 10 weeks. As we've already explained, guinea pigs need lots of space to stay healthy and happy. Guinea pigs affected by these illnesses may die suddenly without seeming sick. Irregularities in these are a sign that you shouldnt ignore. Though guinea pigs who suffer from sickness are likely to show less interest in cleaning themselves. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , below). That really isn't necessary if you read the rest of the thread. When your guinea pigs are turning aged or falling ill, you might get worried, assuming that they will die. The male and female guinea pigs go by different names. If your guinea pigs make noises like they are having a cold, they might show hints of sickness and that sickness, which can cause death. If you gently touch the animal's belly and run your hand along the surface and look for small lumps and bumps. JavaScript is disabled. By reyes_leonor. Skin rashes, flaky skin or hair loss. According to the Guinness book of the world record, the guinea pig named Snowball lived the longest, 14 years, whereas the average life expectancy of guinea pigs is 5-8 years. Sneezing and some drainage from her nose. One-fourth of tumors in guinea pigs affect the reproductive tract. While it is certainly important to clean their cage and move them to other spots within the cage, giving a dying guinea pig space is another crucial way to bring them comfort. 2x5 C&C = 12ft2. Charlotte is doing fine right now! This type of hair chewing is referred to as barbering and may also occur in bored guinea pigs housed alone. They seemed very knowledgeable. Attempt to remove all those possible things that cause your guinea pigs to be under stress and then observe if your guinea pigs turn back to be happy and in comfort. There are a few physical signs that can indicate that a guinea pig is pregnant, such as enlarged nipples and a change in behavior. This is my first post on this forum. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. All guinea pigs that are infected with these bacteria or that have lived in close quarters with an infected guinea pig must be euthanized, and the living quarters must be thoroughly sanitized and disinfected. We are sadly still very limited when it comes to things going wrong during pregnancy and birth. You should regularly check your guinea pig to ensure he/she is eating well, urinating, defecating normal droppings and walking around easily. The only supplement your guinea pig is likely to need is vitamin C, but even that can be provided through leafy green vegetable and small amounts of certain fruits. 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. I believe it is technically possible for a guinea pig to miscarry some pups but the pregnancy to continue with others as guinea pigs have two horns in their uterus. Supplement the mother guinea pig's diet with calcium. They also shiver because the fear of death has frightened them. o [pig guinea] Water is vital for life. One guinea pig can infect another by direct contact or by sneezing or coughing. 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. Barbering may be prevented by separating affected animals, minimizing stress, weaning baby guinea pigs from their mothers early, and feeding animals long-stemmed hay. Ketosis, which may be irreversible, can develop even in guinea pigs that begin to eat again. Infection spreads between guinea pigs through bite wounds, cuts or scrapes in the skin or in the mouth, sneezing, coughing, or genital contact. Affected lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses and bacteria usually occur only in guinea pigs that live with other guinea pigs. Charlotte is fine, and the vet didn't feel anymore babies inside her, so that's good. You can easily find a guinea pig at the pet store, but before you shop consider checking your local shelter or rescue. Know when a pig is going into labor. Most guinea pigs dont like being held in a tight grip, let alone held on their backs and bottoms. The male guinea pig is called a boar while the female is called a sow. Eyelid agenesis, a congenital disease more commonly seen in cats, occurs when the animal is essentially missing its eyelid, often resulting in damage to the cornea . Symptoms and Types. I didn't think to ask at the time if she thought it was alive. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues. One possible deadly skin infection that can attack guinea pigs is named myiasis, also known as flystrike. That means making stifling noises is a bad health signal. Hello everyone. Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition by examining your guinea pig and possibly performing laboratory tests. Signs of conjunctivitis (pink eye) include watering, crusting, and redness of the eyes. This helps me keep vet costs down as the specialist charges quite a bit more. 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. Even if your guinea pig seems healthy, its your responsibility as a pet owner to keep up with annual checkups. Any changes in behavior should always be taken seriously and a vet should see it as soon as possible. Other sounds to hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and wheezing. Here are some common signs of illness in guinea pigs: If your guinea pig is showing signs of illness, its important to see a veterinarian sooner rather than later. Female guinea pigs that are used for breeding should be bred for the first time before they reach adulthood. I know I have already highlighted some of the things you can do to alleviate depression in guinea pigs, but below is a brief overview to make your guinea pig happy. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may want to consult a vet if your guinea pig is acting in either of these manners. Maybe this infection brought on the miscarriage. Your veterinarian may soak the affected paws in a mild cleansing solution and apply bandages to the feet. Wheek wheek! Usually its a subtle sound, that might become more intense if you ignore it. Sorry for your loss of the pups. Guinea pigs, especially boars, don't like being touched on their backs or bottoms because they take it as a sign of being dominated, as guinea pigs will usually mount each other to assert domination. Aggression. Infections of the respiratory tract should be treated. Antibiotics can cause problems in guinea pigs digestive tracts, so your pet may not tolerate these medications. She doesn't appear to be bleeding anymore. This is critical in maintaining their comfort. The lymph nodes around the neck often become enlarged or inflamed in guinea pigs. Introduction. It doesnt have to be anything bad, but biting is usually a sign of something being wrong. [5] Alfalfa hay is high in calories and calcium. (Causes and How-to guide). These are also known as multisystemic or generalized diseases. Before some days of dying, guinea pigs drop uncontrollable saliva from their mouths, or they drool. Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is a frequent cause of death in guinea pigs. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. How to prevent it: When stroking your guinea pig, try stopping at the middle of their back or just pet them behind their ears instead. Think it would be all right to mush up a veggie or fruit like a cucumber for example to help her out to stay healthy until tomorrow when I'll take her to the vet? You Can Feel the Babies. Miscarriage. How to prevent it: This is the easiest one to get out of, simply by not covering your guinea pigs eyes with your hand. The cause of this condition is uncertain but is probably related to diets that contain too much calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D and not enough magnesium. Your guinea pig is making some unusual noises, How Long Can Guinea Pigs Go Without Food? Change in activity level or lethargy. 5. Guinea pigs who are fit and healthy do not make noises while breathing, as they only breathe from noses, not by their mouths. Guinea pigs make wonderful pets for many reasons. Treatment does not usually help, but your options may include giving your guinea pig the medications propylene glycol, calcium glutamate, or steroids. (Normal & Abnormal Poop). Guinea pigs without signs of illness may carry Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria in the nose or throat. No skimping on plentiful grass hay, fresh water, and vitamin C. The guinea pig diet is mainly hay; we're talking about 80% hay. Sometimes groups of guinea pigs experience an outbreak of infection, during which all get sick and die quickly. In other cases, a sick guinea pig may display signs such as: Ketosis, also known as pregnancy toxemia, often occurs when a guinea pig's body produces too many ketones, an otherwise normal byproduct of metabolism. The vet I took her to is exclusively an exotics vet. There is nothing to worry about when your elder guinea pigs do not eat much like they used to eat when they were young. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses read more , above), certain antibiotics are safer than others, and your veterinarian may select one of these if needed. This condition usually occurs in male guinea pigs that are more than 1 year old. It is likely that the guinea pig is seriously ill and should be seen by a veterinarian. Hi again, I really appreciate the help you've been providing. Probiotics (supplements that contain live bacterial cultures) may help to restore the healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Ringworm usually goes away on its own in healthy guinea pigs. However, the fur of guinea pigs soaks some saliva, but still, it gets messy. Also check your guinea pig has a healthy coat, clear bright eyes, a nose free of any discharges, normal length nails (that are not too long) and normal healthy footpads. Thread starter mekalika Start date Apr 7, 2013; mekalika Active Member. If your guinea pig must take antibiotics, you will need to monitor its health carefully. Skin infection and flystrike can also be a sign of a life-threatening condition. All of these infectious agents can cause illness without leading to pneumonia (see below). Guinea Pig Feeding Mistakes To Avoid. So, it is crucial that your guinea pigs must take care of their grooming. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 . W hat can cause a female guinea pig to have a miscarriage? Ketosis usually occurs in the last 2-3 weeks of pregnancy, or in the first week after a guinea pig has given birth. The affected guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. So if you see maggots on the body of your guinea pigs, immediately take them to a professional vet. Fever is a common sign of a serious illness in guinea pigs as . As much as you'd want to, you can't be with them all day. Some teeth may need to be clipped or filed to help your pets jaw close properly. xD, I went to the vet this morning! They are seen in chocolate, black, beige, lilac, cream, red, golden, and slate colors. Guinea pigs may carry Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria without seeming sick. Diarrhoea. Some of the symptoms exhibited in calcium deficiency are similar to those of ketosis; it is, however, a less severe condition. (Hay, Veggies, Pellets), Why Is My Guinea Pig Drinking So Much? For this article well walk you through some of the most common warning signs, and what they usually mean. Because watching them interact, seeing their differences in personalities, and catching them cuddling together is much more rewarding than looking at one pig with a blank look on its face who is terrified of me. 1 There were approximately 1,500 guinea pigs in this farmone of many cropping up throughout Peruwhich consisted . Veterinarians diagnose this infection by laboratory tests and examination of the sick guinea pig. Guinea pigs have a lengthy pregnancy cycle, which may last anywhere between 59 and 72 days. Severe infestation by mites may cause hair loss or itching. This condition by examining your guinea pig of the symptoms exhibited in calcium are. Diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, or they drool this of. Your responsibility as a pet owner to keep up with annual checkups severe infestation by may! 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