Guinea Pig Health - Respiratory Problems

Guinea Pig Health - Respiratory Problems
By Amanda Toop

Guinea pigs are a little more delicate than some other pets. If one wants to prevent serious health conditions it is best to monitor your guinea pig on a daily basis as some potentially life threatening symptoms can progress faster than one might think. Here is a list of common respiratory problems and an explanation of what each symptom may mean. Remember that if you are worried that your guinea pig may be ill, it is always best to visit a veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and treatment.

Runny nose
Nasal discharge and/or nose rubbing are a sign that your guinea pig needs to see a doctor. Keep in mind that guinea pigs are not like humans and thus not susceptible to the common cold. For this reason make sure your guinea pig gets checked out as this could be a sign of a bacterial infection.

Sneezing
Sneezing in and of itself is not inherently bad. Inhaling a little dust here or particle there can cause us all to sneeze. However if you suspect an irritant is responsible for the sneezing be sure to rule out bedding allergies. Many types of commonly sold guinea pig bedding can cause problems such as soft wood and hay that has gathered dust. Consider changing the bedding to a recommended type of bedding like Timothy hay, careFresh, or crown pellet bedding. Avoid known problematic bedding like pine or cedar shavings. Also note that known safe bedding such as corn cob bedding can easily grow mold so make sure you are keeping the cage area clean and sticking to a routine of cleaning once per week. If the sneezing persists after switching out bedding and cleaning your guinea pigs' cage please have this checked by a professional.

Coughing
Coughing, like sneezing, can be a sign of breathing in something one shouldn't. Light coughing should be perceived as normal unless taken to an extreme. In many cases this can be a sign, like sneezing, that your guinea pig is having trouble with his or her bedding. Lots of coughing can be a sign of infection or illness. Be especially careful if you notice you piggy is struggling to breathe as this can indicate serious problems.

Struggling to breathe
Struggling to breathe is a very serious condition which must not be ignored. Lung congestion is likely the cause and can lead to infection and pneumonia if left untreated.

Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great guinea pig health information, visit http://www.guineapigresource.com/guinea-pig-health/

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Pregnant Guinea Pig Care

Pregnant Guinea Pig Care
By Amanda Toop

Guinea Pig Pregnancy
Female guinea pigs become fertile beginning as early as four weeks although pregnancy is not recommended until body weight has reached one pound. If the female is too small she may have trouble delivering the babies and special steps will need to be taken. Consult your veterinarian on the methods you can use to safely help a young sow if you find a pregnant one on your hands.

The average guinea pig pregnancy can last from 64 to 72 days. A female can give birth to one to six babies with three to four being average. Some sources indicate that the longer the gestation period the smaller the litter. By the time birth is eminent, the weight of the babies will account for 30% of the female's total body weight.

In order to support this growth expect your guinea pig to require more food and water as she could be supporting up to six babies. Be sure that the food being fed is particularly high in vitamin C as requirements double to 20 mgs per day during pregnancy. If food pellets are being used this is a good time to double check the quality of the product - look for 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C as well as 20% crude protein and 16% fiber. Supplement her as usual with fresh fruits and vegetables focusing on foods high in vitamin C. Recommended foods include parsley, cabbage, and dandelion.

During this time be sure and remember to continue to let the pregnant female out for exercise and play. Be careful to avoid unnecessary stomach squeezing as well as stress on the female.

Advice about when to move the pregnant guinea pig into a separate cage is mixed. What is known for sure is that by the time the female gives birth, she'll need to be moved into a separate cage. Male guinea pigs will be a threat to the puppies and the female will be fertile again immediately. No female should have back to back litters as it is cruel and detrimental their health. Some sources indicate that if neutered the father of the puppies can remain in the cage with the mother. If the father is in the cage during birth he may assist with delivery by cleaning and warming the babies. Cooperation is not guaranteed and if the female appears distressed by the presence of the male - remove him from the cage. How early the female is moved is dependent on how much room there is in the existing cage and whether or not the pregnant female appears to be enjoying the company of others. If worried, move the female. In general though, a week before birth should be the minimum.

Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great guinea pig information, visit http://guineapigresource.com/pregnant-guinea-pig/

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Guinea Pig Health - Malocclusion

Guinea Pig Health - Malocclusion
By Amanda Toop

Malocclusion is a serious condition that occurs when teeth become so overgrown that the guinea pig cannot eat. As guinea pigs teeth will continuously grow over the course of a lifetime, if not worn down this condition will occur. There are two types of malocclusion t look out for - molar and incisor. Malocclusion cannot be conclusively diagnosed without an exam done by a veterinarian. In some cases if the oral cavity must be examined this will require sedation and special tools.

Molar Malocclusion

If the molar teeth become too long the guinea pigs moth will not be able to close. This will force the jaw forward resulting in a misalignment of the molars and incisors. When this happens the incisors will begin to lose shape and the molars will overgrow - ultimately trapping the tongue and preventing normal swallowing from happening. In some cases this angled growth can lead to the tooth of the teeth growing into the sinus or eye. Tooth spikes, which are bone spurs, can also form on the side of the molars resting against the tongue. The sharpness of the tooth spike can actually cut the tongue.

Prevention

Make every effort to feed one's guinea pig grass, greens, timothy hay, and other abrasive foods. In some cases malocclusion has been seen to be genetic and it can develop at a young age despite one's best efforts.

What are symptoms of Malocclusion?

Look for signs of weight loss despite the fact that your pet is actively interested in food. Look for changes in food preferences as well. Is your guinea pig suddenly eating primarily soft foods? Do you hear a grating noise as your guinea pig chews? What about the speed of chewing? Does it seem abnormally slow? Is food falling out of your pet's mouth? Do you see signs of diarrhea and extreme weight loss?

Treatment

If malocclusion is allowed to develop for a very long time it can be impossible to treat. Treatment can require sedation, removal of overgrowth and tooth spikes, as well as x-rays to see the extent to which roots may have overgrown. If the jaw has been permanently damaged - meaning it is stuck in this position despite tooth length correction, euthanasia is frequently carried out as the animal will not be able to feed itself and will slowly waste away.

Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great guinea pig information, visit http://www.guineapigresource.com/guinea-pig-health/

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Pregnant Guinea Pig Complications

Pregnant Guinea Pig Complications - Abortion and Toxemia
By Amanda Toop

Spontaneous abortion can have many causes including litter developmental defects, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. Usually the entire litter will be lost but in some cases a single baby will die in the womb and be born with the rest of the litter. This baby can easily be identified as it will be shriveled and dry. Sometimes the dead fetus is not delivered but instead remains in the womb. Treatment in this case usually involves x-rays for diagnosis and then surgery - otherwise this condition can result in infertility.

Abortion if it occurs in the first trimester can frequently go unnoticed as the fetus and uterine contents are simply reabsorbed. This condition is not unusual nor evidence of existing problems. Rather there was some type of developmental problem and this was the body's natural way of dealing with in. In other cases, reabsorption can be brought on by malnutrition or mange and so if concerned make sure these conditions are ruled out.

The primary symptom of abortion in the second trimester is vaginal bleeding. The dead litter is usually aborted without excessive discomfort or illness. Do not be alarmed if you see your guinea pig consume signs of the birth. This is normal.

Third trimester abortion is most likely to be a sign of life threatening conditions. Look for bloody vaginal discharge or pus. This could be signs of a uterine infection and lead to other conditions such as pregnancy toxemia. Treatment is usually antibiotics and in some cases surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus.

Pregnancy toxemia is the most dangerous of all pregnancy complications and can frequently result in the death of both the mother and the litter. There are two types of pregnancy toxemia - primary and secondary. Primary toxemia is caused by physical factors such as the weight of the full uterus pressing on the stomach and preventing the mother from eating enough. The weight of the uterus can sometimes actually block off its own blood supply - this can result in suffocation of the litter. Secondary toxemia is more common and frequently brought on by stress. Stress can have many causes and is best avoided by creating a quiet environment and checking regularly for health problems.

Why is pregnancy toxemia so dangerous? If the mother's body is unable to provide enough resources for the litter her body will start to draw resources from her own reserves. This can lead to a chain of reactions in the body that lead to the mother feeling sick, not eating, liver and kidney failure. Eventually the litter will die inside the mother further escalating her condition.

Symptoms of pregnancy toxemia include loss of appetite, lethargy, hunched posture, cold ears and feet, and a noticeable loss of body weight. Treatment includes glucose infusions, injections, and oral solutions. Many experts suggest that the condition once developed cannot be treated and that treatment in fact just extends the suffering of the mother. Avoidance is considered the only cure - so skip any unnecessary stress, transportation, or food changes. Also remember to move the pregnant mother into her own cage as being too crowded can also bring on unnecessary stress.

Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great guinea pig information, visit http://www.guineapigresource.com/pregnant-guinea-pig/

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