Guinea Pig Health
Some of the most common sicknesses that affect guinea pigs are scurvy, diarrhea, respiratory infections and something called an abscesses. An abscesses is thick pus that can cause a lump often found in the neck, the cause is generally internal scratches from products like hay. Some times guinea pigs get lice and fungus.
Mange mites are common in guinea pigs, when this happens the fur is loss and other symptoms may appear such as scratching and a change in their behavior they be become a bit aggressive when they normally wouldn’t be. This is a treatable condition but if you see any signs of mites call the vet immediately because death can occur if not treated.
Guinea pigs can also have lice, just as in human; these lice are small white creatures that can actually be seen running through the fur. This can be treated as well by Advantage medications and/or Ivermectin. Fur loss is very common when your pet is experiencing some type of hormonal change or it may be something more medically wrong, if your pet is experiencing hair loss, take your pet o the vet.
Guinea pigs can’t tell you when there is something wrong, pay attention to them note any changes in their behavior and here is a small list of things that may not be right. If you see any of these symptoms in your pet call the vet, lethargy, any type either small or large amounts of blood, limping, chronic diarrhea, fur loss, sensitivity to your touch, wheeking while urinating, weight loss or excessive and rapid weight gain.
