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Boredom (add more items to habitat; give more attention to animal)
Possible infection
Minor bleeding
Minor wound or scratch from fighting with rival; sharp object in habitat
Clean minor wounds with antiseptic, but for severe cut see veterinarian
Not eating
Environment too cold and/or damp; draft; overheating; not enough to gnaw
Teeth are too long, or possible malocclusion (upper and lower teeth meet improperly when chewing).
Rapid breathing
Panting due to high heat, shock, fear, or stress
Heat stroke
Sneezing or throat rumbling
Draft; temperatures too hot or too cold
Viral or bacterial infection
Sore on foot pad
Housing with wire bottom; fecal soiling of cage bottom (cleanliness)
Abscess on ball of foot
SYMPTOMS WHICH WARRANT A TRIP TO THE VET ASAP: If your guinea pig has any of the following symptoms, you should take it to the vet immediately.
* Injury due to a fall or other accident
* Refusal to eat or drink
* Diarrhea
* Constipation or bloat
* Weight loss of more than 2 ounces
* An obvious cold (which could develop into pneumonia or an upper respiratory infection)
* Labored breathing, wheezing, frequent sneezing, crusty eyes
* Blood in the urine, or whining while urinating
* Lethargy, hunched posture, failure to respond to you as usual
Remember – prompt, competent veterinary care is crucial to saving the life of a sick cavy. Unfortunately NONE of the symptoms above are universally safe to treat at home … so please know that if you choose not to take your piggy to the vet, there is always a risk.
Chapter 11
Special Section on Breeding Guinea Pigs & Pregnancy Issues
So many homeless guinea pigs live in rescue shelters that the choice to bring more guinea pigs into the world should be considered and reconsidered very carefully. Breeding guinea pigs always puts the mother’s life at risk and takes a vast amount of time and attention on your part.
If you have decided to breed for show purposes, then consult a professional breeder. This is an expensive and intensive process.
Note that a female guinea pig cannot be younger than four months or older than eight months when she is first impregnated. After eight months, her hip bones fuse together creating a dangerous situation that may require a caesarian section and/or lead to death of her and the cavies. If you do not know how old your female is, it is probably not a good idea to go forward with a pregnancy.
Guinea Pigs Previous Page (36)
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