Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the merck vet manual. Prompt, competent veterinary care is crucial to saving the life of a sick guinea pig. If eatingdrinking habits changequantity of droppings reducestop, consult your vet immediately they could be seriously ill. Cataracts are an eye condition characterized by the clouding of the cornea, the lens that covers your pigs iris and pupil. The words guinea pig are synonymous with scientific experimentation, but much less is known about this species than many other laboratory animals. One of the main problems is that guinea pigs come from a dry climate and cannot always cope with the humidity they often experience in captivity. The course materials are provided in the form of 3 modules. Many of the most widely used antibiotics can be toxic for your guinea pig. When transplanted into guinea pig hearts, human heart muscle cells. To prevent colds, wash your hands before handling your pig, and if you have a cold, avoid contact until your are well. If those itchings get disturbing, you can start to worry. Guinea pig descendants were native to the andes mountains of south america and are said to have been domesticated between 5000 and 2500 bc. However, she didnt eat much, and quickly went back to the wall.
Sep 08, 2017 the word cavia is dutch for guinea pig. An example of a condition that affects guinea pigs is bumble foot, which is unfortunately something owners need to look out for its an infection that. Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs do not catch colds. Were your expert guinea pig vet clinic in perth, melbourne. The experiments continue to be carried out on the poor children of new york city. Husbandry, handling, and common diseases of guinea pigs, rats. Successful completion scoring 80% or better on the endofcourse test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course.
Cataracts are an eye condition characterized by the clouding of the cornea, the lens that covers your pig s iris and pupil. Robert koch may not have developed his 5 postulates of infectious disease. Neutering if male, unless intended for breeding and provisions made to care for both parents and offspring. Where and how to eat guinea pig, or cuy, in lima and rural. The guinea pig or cavy cavia porcellus is a large herbivorous rodent indigenous to south america. Guinea pigs very seldom get over an illness without help. Some of these can be very serious and will require veterinary advice and. Your veterinary surgeon can provide suitable treatment. If your guinea pig exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately. Guinea pig health problems illnesses symptoms treatment.
This course covers the basics of guinea pig ownership and husbandry, as well as an overview of a general clinical approach to the species, discussing common diseases and their treatments. Sequence analysis of a guineapig parainfluenza virus 3 isolated in 1998 from a colony of guinea pigs in japan indicates that it has 95. Influenza virus infection in guinea pigs raised as. Diarrhea then causes dehydration, hypothermia, and loss of appetite. Jul 21, 2010 respiratory infections are quite common in guinea pigs, and often they are a result of a bacterial infection. A guinea pig s health can deteriorate very quickly. At roadside stops, however, cuy roasted on a stick is the most common. The vitamin c becomes deactivated over time so we recommend that once a bag of pellets is opened, it should be used within 30 days and should be stored in an airtight container in a dark place.
With respect to the pathophysiologic and immune response to these diseases, the guinea pig, recently designated a nonrodent species, 60,108 is often more representative of human infection than models such as the mouse. Guinea pig narnia 1 aslan narnia 1 exclude relationships exclude additional tags fluff 1 wood between the worlds 1. Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Special considerations for guinea pigs all other pets merck. Identify guinea pig diseases and medicate it correctly. Usually liver disease is a symptom or result of something else in guinea pigs. Today the guinea pig is used as a model for a number of infectious. This book provides a comprehensive text covering all aspects of guinea pig medicine.
A guinea pig with a cold must be treated promptly by a veterinarian. They can even get bordetella bronchiseptica from your dog, cat, or pet rabbit. Some common guinea pig ailments guinea pig illnesses. The most common species is cavia porcellus which is the domesticated guinea pig used for pets and biomedical research. Guinea pigs may be picky eaters, so new foods should be introduced gradually. Nov 30, 2004 in the film guinea pig kids, we follow jacklyns story and that of other parents or guardians who fear for the lives of their loved ones. Unlike most other animals, guinea pigs do not produce their own vitamin c and require it in their diets. Correct diets help prevent lots of common diseases e. It is important that your guinea pigs are well cared for to ensure they live a healthy life. I came in thursday from a long afternoon and evening away from home to find my abbymix, ruffles, nose to the wall between the hay racks. Health problems with guinea pigs chicago exotics animal. I slid it inside a heavy vinyl sleeve for protection. Keep your guinea pig free from drafts, as stressfree as possible, and feed it plenty of foods high in vitamin c. Parasites, fleas and ticks come first in the skin diseases.
A mighty guinea pig on a rock, surveying his kingdom. Mar 16, 2006 certainly, any time you see discharges from the nose, or the guinea pig regularly wiping its nose, it is most likely related to a respiratory or sinus infection. This occurs when a guinea pig s teeth become overgrown, making it difficult to swallow or chew, and causing the animal to salivate more than necessary. In guinea pigs, conjunctivitis is usually caused by infection by bacteria, such as bordetella or streptococcus species, that cause general upper respiratory disease see disorders and diseases of guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have unusual sensitivities to many commonly used antibiotics when given orally, by injection, or rubbed on in creams.
Guinea pig diseases most common skin diseases list. Guinea pigs are prone to antibioticassociated enterotoxemia, a severe bout of diarrhea that occurs after treatment with antibiotics. Health problems in guinea pigs vca animal hospital. They belong to the family cavidae, which contains 14 species of animals commonly known as cavies and patagonian hares or maras. Some believe that guinea pigs can be used to diagnose illnesses black. Dec 09, 2015 guinea pig descendants were native to the andes mountains of south america and are said to have been domesticated between 5000 and 2500 bc. The abnormally long fur of the peruvian guinea pig is due to an autosomal recessive gene. Disorders and diseases of guinea pigs all other pets veterinary. Guinea pig kids was broadcast on tuesday, 30 november, 2004, at 1930 gmt on bbc two uk. Guinea pigs are typically very healthy animals when kept properly. In order to prevent this condition, always consult. This will also help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. My husband said she hadnt moved when he put their nightly vegetables in the cage, but did eat when he picked her up and put her in front of the plate.
There are a few complaints which guinea pigs are prone to. Guinea pigs can itch sometimes thats a normal acting and sometimes they can even irritate their skin. A stocky build, large head, short legs, and unfurred, short ears characterize. By the time problems become apparent, illnesses may be lifethreatening. On average, the life span of a guinea pig is 7 years. Take notice of your guinea pigs cage location and be sure to keep them away from drafts, open doors, and open windows. Heart disease in guinea pigs has become more and more common, but unfortunately it.
The centers for disease control and prevention cdc has reported nine cases of salmonella infection connected to pet guinea pigs across. As prey animals, guinea pigs hide signs of illness. Certainly, any time you see discharges from the nose, or the guinea pig regularly wiping its nose, it is most likely related to a respiratory or sinus infection. Journal of developmental origins of health and disease. Guinea pigs get various tumors, particularly skin and mammary tumors. Guinea pig heart disease information exotic animal care. However, with typical human flulike illness in humans 6, 7 that may be unrecognized, these less pathogenic animal viruses can develop the. Mite infestations mange intestinal parasite problems.
Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. A normal guinea pig diet should consist of guinea pig specific pellets, fresh veggies, and freechoice grass hay. Respiratory infections are quite common in guinea pigs, and often they are a result of a bacterial infection. Guinea pigs also get abscesses accumulations of pus and bacteria in lymph nodes, skin, muscles, teeth, bones, and internal organs. In that case, you should be suspicious about diseases. If your guinea pig is itching uncomfortably, there could be the reasons. Before breeding, seek veterinary advice to ensure health and personality suitability careful consideration.
Since cavies are sensitive to many antibiotics, good supportive care might be. Footpad infections bacterial pododermatitis intestinal infections bacterial enteritis viral diseases. Guinea pigs are highly susceptible to infection with brucella spp. To learn more about the requirements for earning a noninteractive ce certificate, please. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the guinea pig cavea porcellus was a popular experimental animal for studying prevalent bacterial diseases such as tuberculosis 153 and diphtheria, 287 both of which efforts led to nobel prizes. Characterization of an intratracheal aerosol challenge model of. Guinea pigs are sensitive to cold air drafts and can easily develop an upper respiratory infectionor worse, pneumonia. It is most commonly transmitted from one guinea pig to another when droplets are sprayed into the air by sneezing or coughing.
The guinea pig was taxonomically classified by linnaeus in 1758. That means by the time your guinea pig, or cavy, shows any signs of disease, he might already be very sick. Too much scratching results from skin problems and is often caused by lice or mites. Managing the disease is the only solution to date, and treatments are available to help reduce the symptoms and allow your guinea pig to live a happy and comfortable life. However, many heart pigs also have respiratory disease including pneumonia. Guinea pigs, like many other exotic pets, are prone to eye problems. Indeed, as youll see, many of the more common guinea pig diseases are easily avoided with the right husbandry. Causes cushings disease often develops in response to benign tumors located at the pituitary or adrenal glands located near the kidneys. Unfortunately, sometimes the first hint of illness is a dead cavy in the cage. Special considerations for guinea pigs all other pets. We talk to a child who spent years on drugs programmes which made them and their friends ill, and we discover that incarnation is not an isolated case. In 1895, theobald smith reported that guinea pigs died of a peculiar hemorrhagic disease when fed on a cereal diet without succulent vege tables.
The guinea pig as a model of infectious diseases rti. Four digits on the forepaw and three on the hindfoot characterize cavidae. Oncornavirus particles in neurons of guinea pig trigeminal ganglion. Here are three eye diseases that your new guinea pig may develop. Guinea pigs with a slight vitamin c deficiency may show no visible signs of disease. Another popular local dish is cuy chactado where the meat is flattened and then deepfried. A guinea pig that does not get enough vitamin c in its diet is more prone to infections, skin problems, and may even become lame. A good diet, including some dry food that contains vitamin c is generally sufficient, but if you are not sure, particularly in the winter, you can add extra. The guinea pig is a rodent that derives from south america. Guinea pigs can suffer from foot problems originating from injury, obesity, and disease. Providing the best veterinary care for your pet guinea pig. How to treat eye infections and problems in guinea pigs.
Common illnesses in guinea pigs dakota hills veterinary. Respiratory bacterial disease in guinea pigs petmd. More than 10 years later, holst and frolich directed attention to the similarity between this malady in the guinea pig and human scurvy. This animal model has been used for approximately 200 y and was the first to be used in the study of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and diphtheria. They may be very sick, but unless you are looking for specific symptoms, you may not realize he is ill until he is very ill. If they wont touch their food, or is pooping less than usual or not. Heart disease in guinea pigs has become more and more common, but unfortunately it is not readily addressed in many text books. Whether or not your rabbit caught something from your pig, he probably needs to see a vet. Guinea pigs have been a traditional food source for some native tribes of south america, being one of the main reasons for their domestication, while in 2004, it was estimated that in peru, 65 million of. Guinea pigs, either vaccinated with bcg or unvaccinated, were infected with a low dose of mycobacterium tuberculosis by the aerosol route and. Jul 14, 2015 guinea pigs are susceptible to a wide range of health problems, including problems with their eyes. They have a pregnancy length of 65 days similar to dogs and wean their young at several weeks. The two people who landed in the icu had guinea pigs as pets, and those pets had been sick with respiratory symptoms. Therefore it is important to identify diseases of your guinea pigs as early as possible and let check it from a.
One of the main problems is that guinea pigs come from a dry climate and cannot always cope with the humidity they often experience in. Go only to a vet familiar with heart disease in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs suffer from a number of skin complaints and it is the general belief among guinea pig owners that skin issues account for most if not all of their trips to the vet. Sep 23, 2008 guinea pigs suffer from various kinds of dental diseases, the most common being improper alignment of teeth, otherwise known as malocclusion. They are docile and easily cared for and make good pets for children. Guinea pigs have unusual sensitivities to many commonly used antibiotics when given orally, by. One such bacteria is bordetella bronchisepta, which mainly affects the respiratory tract. Guinea pigs, like chinchillas, are hystricognath rodents. All bookmarks are printed on heavy paper stock with a matte finish.
I have been treating guinea pigs since 1990 in fact in veterinary school i did my grand rounds project on a guinea pig with bladder stones that i helped treat while working in new york. Disorders and diseases of guinea pigs all other pets. Guinea pigs exotic and laboratory animals merck veterinary. Guinea pigs are susceptible to a wide range of health problems, including problems with their eyes. For western blot wb analyses 8, serum samples were pooled into groups of 5 groups 14, 56, and 78 were. They cannot make their own vitamin c and require supplementation or they may develop scurvy.
This is a reproduction of my king of the castle, painting, made into a a small bookmark. That said, there are a number of ailments which guinea pigs seem more prone to, which is the focus of this article. Husbandry, handling, and common diseases of guinea pigs. There are a variety of diseases and issues that can affect the health of your guinea pigs eyes but some of these problems are seen more commonly than others. Some of limas top chefs are preparing cuy dishes without the feet and head attached. Guinea pigs can harbor a hidden health hazard cbs news. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. A guinea pig requires fresh pellets made specifically for guinea pigs because they have added vitamin c.
Guinea pig model for evaluating the potential public health risk of. Guinea pigs were domesticated around 2000 bc and became an important part of the cultural heritage of native south americans morales, 1995. In order to keep your guinea pig in the best possible condition, you will need to handle him daily, check him over for signs of illness and injuries. Do not use antibiotics or products containing antibiotics on your guinea pig without the guidance of a. This updated edition will be of value to veterinary surgeons and students, veterinary nurses, breeders and all those working in the animal care industry. They may develop wasting disease and gradually fade away. In such cases, the pads of the feet wont be pink and healthy, and your guinea pig may be limping. Comparison of guinea pig cytomegalovirus and guinea pig herpeslike virus. Check guinea pigs eat daily, passing plenty of dry droppings. It is good to know in advance about the health problems that are most common in guinea pigs so that if they become ill you will be in a better place to respond quickly. Guinea pigs are not susceptible for diseases but if a cavy is ill a visit to your veterinarian is most likely inevitable because cavies are not very tough and refuse food soon. In most cases the treatment for cystic ovarian disease is to sterilise the patient by performing an.