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Guinea pigs are standard, lovely pet rodents which have their very own distinctive well being issues. A few of these are extra ceaselessly encountered than others, and right here we’ll study eight of their frequent well being issues. Figuring out about these ailments may be useful to the diligent guinea pig proprietor by giving them good instruments for illness prevention and by being conscious of indicators to observe for in order that veterinary care may be sought out early.
So, let’s delve into some frequent well being points of those cuties!
The 8 Guinea Pig Well being Points
1. Dental Illness/Malocclusion
It’s possible you’ll be stunned to be taught {that a} guinea pig’s enamel develop repeatedly all through its life! In a traditional scenario, the enamel put on on one another—for instance, the highest enamel obtain a traditional size by carrying towards the underside ones to maintain their progress in examine. If the mouth or jaw shouldn’t be aligned correctly, usually on account of genetics, food plan, or trauma, the enamel that aren’t capable of put on accurately will overgrow. This may trigger a tough time for a guinea pig with consuming or consuming however drooling or slobbering may also be an indication that there’s a downside.
In instances the place the enamel are usually overgrowing, dental trimming will must be finished—this is usually a recurring want all through the guinea pig’s life. Pets with this situation shouldn’t be bred and a correct food plan may help in some instances.
2. Respiratory Infections/Pneumonia
Pneumonia, or irritation of the lungs, may be on account of a bacterial (extra generally seen) or viral respiratory an infection. This may be seen in animals which might be housed in damp or humid environments however publicity to others (each sick animals or different even wholesome species reminiscent of canines or rabbits) also can play a task. Stress, age, poor vitamin, or poor sanitation of their atmosphere could make guinea pigs extra inclined to this illness. Indicators seen can embody quick or tough respiratory, lethargy, decreased urge for food, and eye or nostril discharge though typically sudden dying is the primary and solely signal.
Remedy consists of antibiotics (for bacterial instances) and supportive care like intravenous (IV) fluids, oxygen remedy, vitamin C, and syringe feeding.
3. Pododermatitis
This illness can also be generally known as “bumblefoot” and is most ceaselessly present in guinea pigs which might be strolling on the wire bottoms of cages or an abrasive bedding materials—an chubby guinea pig can also be a threat issue. The affected ft will develop a thickened outer layer of pores and skin that then will ulcerate and type a secondary bacterial an infection. The an infection can then ascend via the thickened pores and skin up into the leg into the tendons and bone. Guinea pigs with pododermatitis are sometimes in excessive ache and infrequently vocal about their discomfort in addition to not eager to stroll.
Elimination of the broken tissue, antibiotics, ache medicine, foot soaks, and wound bandaging can be wanted. Regardless of this, therapeutic can nonetheless be a tough endeavor and a few pets could even want amputation. Prevention is essential by having a dry, clear, non-abrasive atmosphere coupled with weight administration.
4. Ovarian Cyst
Feminine guinea pigs over 1-year-old can usually develop cysts that happen spontaneously on their ovaries. They are often current on only one ovary however are most frequently current on each, are accompanied by a transparent fluid, and may proceed to develop in measurement. These cysts can signify diminished reproductive efficiency, however affected pets also can show hair loss, decreased urge for food, distension of their stomach, and lethargy.
X-rays and ultrasound are useful for diagnosing and remedy is surgical removing of the ovary and cysts through spaying.
5. Cervical Lymphadenitis
That is additionally generally known as “lumps” and may even be attributable to regular micro organism strains situated within the mouth and nasal areas of guinea pigs. If there’s an damage in these areas, (for instance, an abrasion injuring the liner of the mouth by overgrown enamel or one thing sharp reminiscent of hay), this could enable the micro organism to maneuver to and “take up store” within the cervical lymph nodes (situated slightly below the jaw on the underside of the neck). As soon as an an infection is underway, this causes an abscess (an contaminated, swollen space with pus) which causes giant swellings on the underside of the affected guinea pig’s neck.
Antibiotics can be wanted for remedy and in extreme instances, surgical procedure or draining and flushing of the affected lymph nodes may must be carried out. Prevention is essential by having a stress-free atmosphere, a great food plan, and correct dental hygiene.
6. Urolithiasis
Urolithiasis is one other time period for calculi (or stones) that type within the urinary tract which may embody the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Indicators can embody lethargy, poor urge for food, a huddled hunched posture, bloody urine, or not having the ability to urinate in any respect. Generally in bodily exams, they might be felt, however X-rays and/or ultrasounds are sometimes wanted for prognosis.
Relying on the situation, they can be flushed to stop full urinary obstruction or surgical procedure could must be carried out to take away the stones.
7. Dermatophytosis
That is extra generally known as a fungal an infection and is a reasonably frequent prevalence in these guys. Most frequently, the an infection happens on the face, again, or entrance ft. Hair loss is commonly the primary signal, and itchiness is surprisingly minor or usually not current in any respect. There may be variable inflammatory pink lesions with pimple-like bumps, crusts, or scaly pores and skin. Remedy ought to encompass an oral antifungal coupled with potential topical remedy and should final for just a few months primarily based on the pores and skin scrape lab outcomes.
You will need to deal with not solely the guinea pig but additionally their atmosphere as properly to stop reinfection. A fungal an infection can also be zoonotic, that means it could actually unfold from the affected animal to folks or vice versa!
8. Trichofolliculoma
A trichofolliculoma is the most typical pores and skin tumor seen in guinea pigs of any age or intercourse. There may be one or a number of tumors, and they’re sometimes 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches) in measurement. These growths could seem wherever on a guinea pig’s physique, however they’re most typical alongside the again and close to the hip areas. Whereas these are benign growths, a guinea pig could over-groom on and round these tumors which might trigger bleeding, ulceration, or a secondary pores and skin an infection.
Remedy of the tumor is surgical removing and resolves the issue.
Conclusion
Whereas guinea pigs are awfully cute, they arrive with their very own particular instances of medical points primarily based on their distinctive anatomy and physiology. And whereas there are nonetheless extra ceaselessly encountered guinea pig well being points to study, this listing of eight frequent ones can be an awesome beginning place to be taught a bit bit extra about your pet, what they want, and when to hunt additional medical care!
Featured Picture Credit score: rubyclement, Pixabay
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