Usually its a subtle sound, that might become more intense if you ignore it. From the very beginning, you have cared for your guinea pigs by looking after them, and you understand their usual behavior well. Lymph nodes are glands located throughout the body that help fight infection. As always with guinea pigs, carefully watch your pets reactions to the medication. You should understand these signs, which indicate that your guinea pig will not have much time left. You can see the lice by looking at a piece of your pets hair under a magnifying glass. If you keep their heads free and pet them behind their ears or beneath their chin, theyll have no reason to push their head upwards. He will display hostile behavior such as fidgeting, head-tossing, or teeth-baring. If it appears that your guinea pigs are not as active as before, show no interest in playing, do not wish to do any physical activity for once, then sadly, these might be the signals that they are dying. 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. Mite infestations are treated with injections or topical medications. One guinea pig can infect another by direct contact or by sneezing or coughing. zooepidemicus. Treatment consists of several weeks of oral antifungal medication and sometimes also antifungal shampoos or rinses. This is my first post on this forum. Female guinea pigs that reproduce have shortened lifespans and tend to live approximately 3.5 years. They also shiver because the fear of death has frightened them. Factors that increase the risk of infection include obesity, wire or abrasive cage flooring, poor sanitation, and injury. 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. Though guinea pigs who suffer from sickness are likely to show less interest in cleaning themselves. It may not display this or other websites correctly. That being said, you need to be a responsible pet owner and provide for your guinea pigs needs to keep him healthy. Overgrown teeth and jaws that do not close properly should be corrected. However, treatment speeds healing and reduces the chance the infection will spread to others. If you hear your guinea pigs making abnormal sounds, it must be a sign that they are not feeling well. (Causes, Signs & Remedy), Why Is My Guinea Pig Coughing? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. 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. Guinea Pig Behavior Myths They usually emit a series of characteristic squeaks which will alert you that labor has begun. (Causes & What to Do), What Should Guinea Pig Poop Look Like? Skin rashes, flaky skin or hair loss. Maybe this infection brought on the miscarriage. Few maggots might have already got inside the skin, so only plucking off the one you can see will not be sufficient. It is important that your pet drink enough water. Here at Kavee though, we believe this guidance urgently needs updating. Should I try it out or test something else out. 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. Limping. Quickly take them to the veterinarian for treatment. Signs of aging include: [3] Thickened, twisted toes Cataracts (cloudy eyes) Tumors/growths on the body or head Stiffness in the joints/hobbling 3 The affected guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. Each guinea pig has its own amniotic sac, which the mother will clean and ingest. Sudden death can occur when outbreaks occur among groups of guinea pigs. Copyright 2000 - 2023, Guinea Pig Cages. 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. Veterinarians diagnose this infection by laboratory tests and examination of the sick guinea pig. Ketone bodies are water soluble compounds, the product of the breakdown of fatty acids in the body a normal metabolic process. Ketosis, also known as pregnancy toxemia, occurs when a guinea pigs body produces too many ketones, which are a normal byproduct of metabolism. MeSH terms Abortion, Veterinary / microbiology* Animals Female 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. In addition, guinea pigs with pneumonia may have conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, weight loss, depression, or loss of appetite. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As noted above; Guinea Pigs are highly vocal and use their voice to express their personality. They belong to the family Cavidae, which contains 14 species of animals commonly known as cavies and Patagonian hares (or maras). The outlook for survival is poor; most guinea pigs only live a few weeks after diagnosis. They seemed very knowledgeable. Cesarean sections are very risky for guinea pigs and the survival rate for the mother is poor. Ketosis, which may be irreversible, can develop even in guinea pigs that begin to eat again. Changing their feeding or toileting habits. Register for free to enjoy the full benefits. Watch any guinea pig receiving antibiotic treatment carefully. Scratching or hair loss. And is it normal for their tummies to be tender while pregnant? As per studies, elder guinea pigs show less interest in eating than younger guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have an interstitial, antimesometrial implantation between days 5 and 6 post conception. They are seen in chocolate, black, beige, lilac, cream, red, golden, and slate colors. 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. Is Swimming Safe for Your Guinea Pigs? Hello everyone. However, if it bites hard, its most likely feeling bothered or in distress. A guinea pig who appears to be dying soon will be upset and breathe noisily; even the breathing will be in short gaps. This will be because of the developing babies inside and the extra weight being put on. 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. Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. Ear infections are rare in guinea pigs. Later on in the pregnancy (by day 50-60), though, you will notice that the abdomen is getting bigger. Weigh your sow weekly to be certain she is gaining weight at a regular pace. It is observed that before dying, guinea pigs eliminate excessively. The skin underneath the affected fur may be dry or oily and thickened or crusty. She still acts like her tummy is tender, and the vet said she thought there might be another fetus inside. The most common and straightforward clue to know something is wrong is your guinea pig is refusing to eat. The baby guinea pigs can be physically felt 2 to 4 weeks into pregnancy. Suppose you found that your guinea pigs have not excreted and not passed out urine for 6 hours. Joined Nov 13, 2012 . If the problem continues, monthly visits to your veterinarian for dental care may be necessary. One way to increase dietary fiber is to provide hay in addition to commercial guinea pig feed. Provide her with a supply of alfalfa hay, [4] which is an excellent source of calcium. Pets. A guinea pig might start teeth chattering if it thinks youre taking too long with making their food, or if it needs to pee when youre sitting with it. ???? The bacteria can also enter a guinea pigs body through cuts or scrapes in the skin or through inhalation. Why does it occur: When a guinea pig becomes impatient or feel agitated, theyll start teeth chattering. Guinea pigs are refusing to eat might be because their food lacks sufficient amounts of nutrients. Theres really no other way to gain an understanding for your guinea pigs, than to observe them carefully and take note of their behavior. 5. Infection spreads between guinea pigs through bite wounds, cuts or scrapes in the skin or in the mouth, sneezing, coughing, or genital contact. Urinary tract disease: Urinary calculi are stones that form within the urinary system. Guinea pigs may also develop vitamin C deficiency even if the dietary level of vitamin C is appropriate. If it changes, it could be a sign your guinea pig is distressed, bored, ill or injured. Signs, if they are seen at all, can include weight loss, muscle or joint stiffness, and increased urination (because of kidney failure). Can Guinea Pigs Have Straw in Their Cage? The antibiotic may be compounded into a suspension given by mouth, which should then be given as directed. Different people keep guinea pigs regardless of their sexes for different reasons. These bacteria can cause sudden illness in previously healthy guinea pigs when they become stressed or stop eating; this can lead to death. 1. Soecara, thank you for your advice. Although it occurs most often in pregnant female guinea pigs, ketosis can also develop in obese guinea pigs, male or female. The primary sign of ringworm is the presence of bald, scaly patches, usually starting on the face (nose, around the eyes, and ears) and head. This latter type of mite usually infects the inner thighs, shoulders, and neck. xD, I went to the vet this morning! Sickness causes guinea pigs to be stressed; if your pet is sick, hold it as little as possible. Guinea pigs that are 1 to 3 years of age typically have better muscle tone than those that are 4 or 5 years old. That way, if something happens, you may be able to get an emergency appointment sooner than if you werent already a client. Although it occurs most often in pregnant female guinea pigs, ketosis can also develop in obese guinea pigs, male or female. And this state occurs when the body of guinea pigs is dirty due to urine and their discharged waste. You must log in or register to reply here. Your vet may want to investigate this, especially in aging guinea pigs, to make sure this isn't a chicken-and-the egg scenario and the treatment is appropriate for the root cause. Lack of Movement 10. Sometimes groups of guinea pigs experience an outbreak of infection, during which all get sick and die quickly. It is likely that the guinea pig is seriously ill and should be seen by a veterinarian. The female guinea pig I adopted just two weeks ago, Charlotte, is 11.5 weeks old. A metabolic disorder associated with improper calcium levels may also occur during pregnancy. Treatment includes giving your pet vitamin C daily, either by mouth (as directed by your veterinarian) or by injection at your veterinarians office. Mum not being well is very worrying. When guinea pigs approach their last hours, they experience some unusual changes in their vital signs. Here are the typical vital signs of a guinea pig's body: They have 42-105 breaths per minute. Drinking or peeing more. Scurvy. Ok, I thought we'd be able to tell if the piggy had the pregnant "pear" shape. Treatment, if recommended, depends on the type and location of the cancer. 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. Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Treatment does not usually help, but your options may include giving your guinea pig the medications propylene glycol, calcium glutamate, or steroids. [5] Alfalfa hay is high in calories and calcium. Your veterinarian will determine appropriate treatment. 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. Affected lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed. Lymphosarcoma is a malignant cancer; it causes what is sometimes referred to as cavian leukemia. If your pet is dehydrated, your veterinarian may provide fluid treatment. Recommended treatment is usually a spay surgery to remove the ovaries. Near the top of the list, however, is the fact that they are fairly low-maintenance pets and generally not expensive to keep. No, you can try the supplement! Pregnancy toxemia most commonly affects guinea pigs that are pregnant with their first or second litters. Left untreated, convulsions and death may result. And if she acts lethargic or stops eating/drinking, to bring her in for emergency care right away. What are the signs that your guinea pig is dying? Hope both are okay x. I wouldn't let your two guinea pigs play together even with supervision because it's likely to stress them out. Many types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites can upset a guinea pigs digestive system. Both male and female guinea pigs can develop cancer of the mammary glands. Infection can cause infertility, stillbirth, or sudden death of guinea pig fetuses in the uterus. Some guinea pig diseases affect more than one body system. But do not just fix it around them. Affected areas can become inflamed and more severely infected. The life span of guinea pigs generally lies between 5-8 years. 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. Guinea pigs might be stressed because of hearing loud sounds, being in a congested environment, fear of predators, and being held in hands uncomfortably. Other sounds to hear actively are breathing sounds, including sneezing, puffing, snorting, and wheezing. Unfortunately, that means pet owners often miss the signs before its too late. Signs of streptococcosis include difficulty breathing, wheezing, discharge from the nose, and coughing. If your guinea pig doesnt usually bite and it suddenly starts biting you when you pick it up, theres a good reason to believe its sick. (Reasons & What To Do). Guinea pigs are often found at shelters and they may even come with a cage and other supplies. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses and bacteria usually occur only in guinea pigs that live with other guinea pigs. You Can Feel the Babies. Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Matted Guinea Pig Hair? The affected guinea pig may die suddenly of ketosis without ever demonstrating signs of illness. A proper diet that does not change from day to day, clean water, bedding materials that are gentle on your pets skin, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of the cage, a low-stress environment, and sufficient exercise all help prevent illness. Preventing exposure to stress in the last few weeks of pregnancy may also help. Hi, if you are in the UK we have a vet locator in the top bar. Also see professional content regarding diseases of guinea pigs Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs, like chinchillas, are hystricognath rodents. Inadequate nutrition and vitamin C deficiency can make your pet more likely to develop these problems. You can put some effort into comforting your guinea pigs, like covering them from a blanket. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues. Essential Oils and Guinea Pigs: Are Essential Oils Safe for Guinea Pigs? (Hay, Veggies, Pellets), Why Is My Guinea Pig Drinking So Much? (Normal & Abnormal Poop). Abscesses can be surgically drained. 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