What is the most common cause of death in guinea pigs?
What is the most common cause of death in guinea pigs?
Pneumonia. Pneumonia is actually the leading cause of death in Guinea pigs. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include wheezing, trouble breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth, weight loss, reddish eyes, and depression.
What foods cause bladder stones in guinea pigs?
Crystals or stones composed of calcium salts can form anywhere within the urinary tract. Most often, stones form in the bladder or urethra. Guinea pigs that develop urinary stones are more likely to be fed a diet high in overall percentage pellets, low in percentage hay, and less variety of vegetables and fruits.
Is guinea pig poop toxic to humans?
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a rare viral disease that can be transmitted through the urine, droppings, saliva, or cage material of infected wild and domestic rodents, including hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and other small rodents. Human infections with LCMV are rare, especially from pet rodents.
How do I know if my guinea pig is in pain?
We recommend a vitamin C supplement such as Oxbow's GTN50 be given every day to keep your guinea pig healthy.
Can guinea pig urine make you sick?
What can you do for a sick guinea pig?
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
How do bladder stones dissolve in guinea pigs?
The bladder stones of guinea pigs cannot be dissolved with special medications or diets. In order to reduce the risk of bladder stones, make sure your guinea pig drinks plenty of water. Provide bottled drinking water (without a vitamin C additive) low in mineral content if you live in areas with hard water.
How do you know if your guinea pig is dying?
These pets can carry salmonella; lymphocytic choriomeningitis; Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which causes an infection that mimics appendicitis; Campylobacter; Trichophyton mentagrophytes; Hymenolepis nana; and Trixacarus caviae, a parasitic skin infection found particularly in guinea pigs.
What foods are high in calcium for guinea pigs?
Hay and grass should make up the majority of your piggy's diet. As a baby (or pup) Alfalfa hay is best for your Guinea Pig because it contains more calcium. However, as your Guinea Pig grows you should switch to a hay with a lower calcium content. Too much calcium can lead to problems like bladder stones.
What antibiotics are safe for guinea pigs?
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, and enrofloxacin are safe to use in guinea pigs.
What causes cystitis in guinea pigs?
Calcium sludge accumulates in the urinary bladder resulting in cystitis, and causes urethral irritation when urinated. Non-obstructive factors including genetics, dehydration, inactivity, obesity, urine retention, cystitis, and changes in urine pH may also predispose rabbits and guinea pigs to urolithiasis.
Do guinea pigs need shots?
Routine Health Care of Guinea Pigs. While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.
Why does my guinea pig have a wet bottom?
Cavies usually keep themselves clean, but if yours has a wet, smelly bottom, he could have a urinary tract infection or diarrhea. This requires a trip to the veterinarian.
Why is my guinea pig not eating or moving?
A: It does sound like your guinea pig is very, very sick. When a guinea pig does not eat, no matter what caused the anorexia, it also develops liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. Not eating, not moving and decreased fecal production are all considered non-specific signs of disease.
Can guinea pigs get wet tail?
Hamsters: Like guinea pigs, hamsters are prone to diarrhea following antibiotic treatment. They can also develop diarrhea due to infection with the bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis. This infection is called “wet-tail” and usually breaks with stress (ie.