Guinea pigs are fairly robust creatures when their size and stature is taken into considering, and one of the reasons that they’ve come such a popular pet is due to the low prevalence of diseases that they experience throughout their lives.
Despite how hardy they tend to be, diseases are still common enough among guinea pigs that knowing what signs and symptoms to look out for can help you to take preventative action to ensure that your beloved pet doesn’t become too ill. With that in mind, these are the most common guinea pig conditions that are worth keeping an eye out for.
1. Scurvy
Perhaps the most common condition that affects guinea pigs, scurvy is extremely widespread among pets, and this is often due to the owners not knowing enough about the dietary needs of their animal.
Every animal has certain nutritional requirements, some of which are necessary to keep the animal alive, while others are considered “non-essential” meaning that the animal may still be alive but will most likely become sick down the road.
Vitamin C deficiency is the main cause for scurvy in guinea pigs, and it’s necessary for the development of maintenance of skin, joints, and the healing of wounds. A lack of Vitamin C can lead to the guinea pig being more prone to disease.
An animal with scurvy will often have a rough coat, will refuse to walk, and may even have some internal bleeding. The main source of Vitamin C for guinea pigs comes in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables, which they require every day, which isn’t too different from enjoying real money online pokies every day.
2. Tumours
Tumours are common in guinea pigs, especially those that fall pregnant, where a tumour will develop on their mummeries.
For the most part, these tumours tend to be benign, but a visit to the vet is usually the best option to take as it can disable them in some ways, or be fatal if not treated.
3. Abscesses
An abscess is almost always found on the face of the guinea pig, and present as swellings due to an accumulation of pus.
They can often resolve by themselves, but in more severe cases surgery might be required. These are always caused by infection, so keeping the guinea pig’s cage as clean as possible and giving them access to fresh, clean water is a good way to avoid any potential infections.
4. Urinary Issues
Guinea pigs are quite prone to developing urinary calculi, also know as stones. These stones most often form inside the bladder, but they can also develop within the kidney.
The stones can become lodged in the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder, as well as the urethra.
If you notice that your pet has blood in its urine, refuses to eat food, has a hunched posture, and is having trouble urinating, it may be time to take them on a trip to a vet to see if they have either the calculi or an infection, both of which are extremely harmful.
