Some of these can be very serious and will require veterinary advice. Many guinea pig owners are exposed to this pathogen, but few are going to. This paper is not for diagnostic purposes but simply to make guinea pig owners aware of potential or common diseases in their pets. Dec 16, 2014 guinea pigs can be source of serious strep infection. If you can see the backbone, hip bones or ribs, the pig is too thin. Skin diseases are usually treatable with early intervention. The words guinea pig are synonymous with scientific experimentation, but much less is known about this species than many other laboratory animals. Health problems in guinea pigs vca animal hospital. M 1007 maple avenue lisle, il 60532 630 7371281 guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are friendly rodents from south america that cavia porcellus were domesticated between 500 and a. Health problems with guinea pigs chicago exotics animal. Rats are easy to handle, especially if you take the time to make friends first. Richardson is the author of diseases of domestic guinea pigs, 2nd edition, published by wiley. The diseases are discussed in an alphabetical order based on the taxonomic groups to which the organisms belong and are independent of the order of perceived importance of the various diseases.
Understanding the anatomy of ears from guinea pigs and rats. 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. Sep 01, 2016 common diseases that affect pet rodents guinea pigs, rats and mice include respiratory diseases, anorexia and lethargy, overgrown teeth and tumours. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Similarly, the 32 rabbits with diseases not affecting the skin and the 17 rabbits with skin disease had negative fungal cultures. However, the guinea pigs cochlea is bigger and the ossicular chain. Health and disease department of primary industries. The guinea pig or cavy cavia porcellus is a large herbivorous rodent indigenous to south america. We have a lot of useful information about guinea pigs care,diseases and other useful guides. If a guinea pig does not eat, even for a day, then they are in danger of developing other complications, particularly in their liver. Jul 14, 2015 guinea pigs are susceptible to a wide range of health problems, including problems with their eyes. Go only to a vet familiar with heart disease in guinea pigs.
If you notice that your guinea pig is having difficulty breathing, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Nutritional diseases of pigs merck veterinary manual. It is important that your guinea pigs are well cared for to ensure they live a healthy life. While they are usually healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that commonly affect pet guinea pigs. Learn about the veterinary topic of nutritional diseases of pigs. The 10 most common pig diseases and how to prevent them. Can have serious consequences for trade, production or human health. Nitric oxide and ion channels in lower urinary tract dilip k deka assam agricultural university, india. Disorders and diseases of guinea pigs all other pets. The facts and conclusions presented may have since changed and may no longer be accurate. Respiratory infections are quite common in guinea pigs, and often they are a result of a bacterial infection.
Husbandry, handling, and common diseases of guinea pigs, rats. 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. However, many heart pigs also have respiratory disease including pneumonia. 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. Guinea pigs are easy to care for and, if handled frequently and gently, make great family pets. Many of the diseases guinea pigs get, occur as a direct result of poor housing and feeding. Of the 25 guinea pigs with diseases not affecting the skin, trichophyton spp. Owner stated that the guinea pigs behavior had not changed during the preceding week. There are a few complaints which guinea pigs are prone to. It was originally isolated from guinea pig primary kidney cell culture from both leukemic and nonleukemic strain 2 guinea pigs hsiung and kaplow, 1969.
Get a printable copy pdf file of the complete article 601k, or click on a page image below. Caring for guinea pigs the animal welfare foundation. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the merck vet manual. The abyssinian is a breed of guinea pig that is relatively common as both a pet and show animal. The abyssinian is set apart from other breeds of guinea pig by its coat, which is marked with radially growing swirls or cowlicks of hair referred to as rosettes. Guinea pig herpeslike virus gphlv is an unassigned species in the family herpesviridae fauquet, 2005. The guinea pig neither comes from guinea, nor is it a pig. In order to have healthy pigs, it is important to know about the common diseases of pigs, so that you can prevent and treat them malnutrition poor condition. If you notice a scratch on your guinea pigs foot during handling or your regular health check, dab a bit of antiseptic cream onto it and keep a close eye on your pet, so that you may catch an infection quickly if one develops. A common problem of guinea pigs especially those over 3 years old results when the upper and lower premolar teeth the most forward cheek teeth meet improperly while chewing. A guinea pig with a cold must be treated promptly by a veterinarian.
If you dont know that a vegetable is safe to feed, dont feed it. See if separation from other household pets is not an issue, an opentopped enclosure will allow you to pet and interact with your cavy more easily. However, its important to be aware of the signs nonetheless, especially if you regularly introduce new pigs to the farm. Pigs grow rapidly, and you should be able to notice this growth easily. They may develop wasting disease and gradually fade away. Pigs raised in confinement are the most likely to develop swine dysentery. To prevent colds, wash your hands before handling your pig, and if you have a cold, avoid contact until your are well. Nitric oxide and ion channels in lower urinary tract.
Justine hammond, dvm photos and edited by susan horton, dvm. Common pig diseases, symptoms, prevention and treatment. Husbandry, handling, and common diseases of guinea pigs. Your guinea pigs can get injured in a number of ways, from trips and slips to fights and bickering. The only exception is the more superficial and anterorostral location of the facial nerve in the rat when compared to guinea pigs and humans. Inject hormone oxytocin to speed up the expulsion of pus and dead tissues from the uterus. The following is a brief description of some of the more common problems of guinea pigs, which include respiratory infections, diarrhea, scurvy vitamin c. The guinea pig was taxonomically classified by linnaeus in 1758. Pet store products are not effective in eradicating guinea pig skin infections that are fungal or parasitic.
Common diseases of guinea pigs, mice and rats common diseases that affect pet rodents guinea pigs, rats and mice include respiratory diseases, anorexia and lethargy, overgrown teeth and tumours. 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. They are generally hardy, healthy animals but are susceptible to certain problems and diseases. Guinea pigs have a very small chest cavity and trachea wind pipe as well as a highly complex upper respiratory tract all of which make them more prone to. Guinea pigs can harbor a hidden health hazard cbs news.
Contact a vet or call the animal biosecurity emergency hotline on 1800 675 888 if you see symptoms or deaths in animals that may be due to a prohibited matter pest or disease of animals notifiable animal diseases in nsw. Contact a vet or call the animal biosecurity emergency hotline on 1800 675 888 if you see symptoms or deaths in animals that may be due to a prohibited matter pest or disease of animals. Jul 21, 2010 in some cases, guinea pigs may just be carriers of b. As prey animals, guinea pigs hide signs of illness. When compared to the guinea pig, the rats middle ear anatomical structures are more similar to those from human beings. Care of guinea pigs introduction guinea pig is the common name for a cavy.
Pigs grow quickly if they receive adequate nutrition. The guinea pig as a model of infectious diseases rti. Full text is available as a scanned copy of the original print version. Aug 29, 2012 malnutrition, or undernourishment, is a common problem in pigs. Spotlight prohibited matter pests and diseases of animals. Guinea pigs are typically very healthy animals when kept properly. Guinea pig disease information the unusual pet vets. 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. This disease most commonly occurs postweaning and causes diarrhea. Talk to your vet about exactly which foods and plants are safe. Guinea pigs are often used as laboratory animals, but they are also popularly kept as pet animals. Nov 09, 2016 skin diseases are usually treatable with early intervention. Your guinea pig is a herbivore, which means he eats only plant material.
Diseases of domestic guinea pigs wiley online books. The satin syndrome in guinea pigs ghent university. If your guinea pig becomes ill, dont delay in seeking veterinary care. The federation of european laboratory animal science associations recommends monitoring for guinea pig adenovirus. Herrera gm, heppner tj, nelson mt 2000 regulation of urinary. Read below to learn what to feed your guinea pig, as well as other. This is not a common pig disease except for hogs raised in confinement. Respiratory diseases in guinea pigs can quickly become serious. Many people think of guinea pigs as easy starter pets, but unfortunately, thats not the case. Some common guinea pig ailments guinea pig illnesses. Fortunately, most can be treated if caught in time.
Many are safe such as broccoli, cabbage and spinach but not all foods are ok and some garden plants like daffodils and foxgloves are also toxic. The pig can then be held upright so that your rump hand is supporting it, with the. Zoonotic diseases from guinea pigs go pets america. Guinea pig the guinea pigs endearing personality provides delightful companionship for both adults and families. In a healthy, wellnourished pig, the only bones that should be visible are the shoulder blades.
Pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, is a frequent cause of death in guinea pigs. We have a lot of useful information about guinea pigs care, diseases and other useful guides. The guinea pig is likely the natural host for the parasite. Husbandry, handling, and common diseases of guinea pigs, rats, and hamsters.
Respiratory bacterial disease in guinea pigs petmd. Some of these can be very serious and will require veterinary advice and. Avoid offering fruits because they are high in sugars and can quickly make guinea pigs overweight if given too often. Never leave a guinea pig unattended in the presence of a dog, cat, ferret or any other predatory animal size. Common illnesses guinea pig illnesses guinea pigs guide. Guidelines for the housing of guinea pigs in scientific. Dermatophytes in pet guinea pigs and rabbits sciencedirect. Any of these diseases may be introduced to the us as a consequence of international trade in swine, pork products, and other contacts. Feed unlimited amounts of hay and 18 cup of pellets per day as well. It is currently considered a part of the family, rodentia, and comes from the high plains of south america. Health problems with guinea pigs cavia porcellus dr.
If your guinea pig exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately. A basic knowledge of these diseases is a good defense against us epidemics. Ph 02 6391 3682 fax 02 6391 3570 sydney office ph 02 9872 0570 fax 02 9871 6938. A section on exotic foreign to the us diseases is provided for ready reference. This in turn causes entrapment of and continual injury to the. Cataracts are an eye condition characterized by the clouding of the cornea, the lens that covers your pig s iris and pupil. Animal hospitals usa offers a wide assortment of useful animal health care information to help pet owners care for their animals. 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. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common and is a significant pathogen in aids patients, people with weakened immune system, as well as travelers, children, and the elderly. Guinea pig health problems illnesses symptoms treatment.
Some symptoms of a respiratory infection include listlessness, lack of movement, lack of eating, a puffed up coat, sneezing, coughing, wheezing. Of the 14 microsporidian species pathogenic to humans, enterocytozoon bieneusi has been reported to occur in several species of domestic and wild animals, including dogs, cats, pigs, and cattle. Repeat the injection after 20 minutes if no effect is seen, i. A rabbit or guinea pig with anaemia will generally show signs of being lethargic, off their food and a decreased exercise tolerance. But animaltohuman transmission of this bacteria is rare, researcher says. Therefore it is important to identify diseases of your guinea pigs as early as possible and let check it from a. Care of guinea pigs ness exotic wellness center robert d. Here are 9 of the most common guinea pig health issues to be aware of. Respiratory infections are common and signs include discharges from the nose and eyes.
With proper care and nutrition guinea pigs can live up to 10. By knowing what the most common illnesses are, you can be better prepared to monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick. The favourite hobby of guinea pigs is eating, and any guinea pig that does not want to eat should be taken very seriously. Indeed, as youll see, many of the more common guinea pig diseases are easily avoided with the right husbandry. First, 2153 samples collected from pet guinea pigs n 12 and rabbits n 1021 with suspected dermatophytosis and submitted to three different laboratories for fungal culture were analysed. Keep your guinea pig free from drafts, as stressfree as possible, and feed it plenty of foods high in vitamin c. The only other member of this suborder which would be familiar to most canadians is the chinchilla which, although rarely encountered in. Many diseases can be avoided by keeping a small number of pigs. Once settled in their new home they are inquisitive, friendly and talkative. Fresh fruit and vegetables feed at least one cup of fresh vegetables per guinea pig daily.
Identify guinea pig diseases and medicate it correctly. Unfortunately, sometimes the first hint of illness is a dead cavy in the cage. Jul 25, 2017 llnesses and diseases are unavoidable among humans and our little cavy friends. Guinea pigs can be source of serious strep infection. Here are three eye diseases that your new guinea pig may develop. The pig can then be held upright so that your rump hand is supporting it, with the thumb of the chest hand placed under the jaw to restrain the head. Guinea pigs were domesticated around 2000 bc and became an important part of the cultural heritage of native south americans morales, 1995. Zoonotic diseases from guinea pigs microsporidia are intracellular organisms that infect humans and animals and are now considered to be fungi. Sep 08, 2017 guinea pigs can harbor a hidden health hazard. It is most commonly transmitted from one guinea pig to another when droplets are sprayed into the air by sneezing or coughing.
Subsequently, healthy guinea pigs and rabbits, animals with skin lesions and with noncutaneous diseases were examined prospectively for dermatophytes. Since cavies are sensitive to many antibiotics, good supportive care might be. Cavy is short for the species name cavia porcellus. Oxbow has provided this basic care guide to help you keep your pet guinea pig healthy and happy. Respiratory infections with more severe infections you may notice wheezing, coughing, and openmouthed breathing if pneumonia is present. Keep your guinea pig free from drafts, as stressfree as possible, and. In time, this problem results in abnormal wear of these teeth. This book provides a comprehensive text covering all aspects of guinea pig medicine. This updated edition will be of value to veterinary. Understanding the anatomy of ears from guinea pigs and.
Inject antibiotic like penicillinstreptomycin into the muscle of hip or neck. Guinea pig owner is the biggest community of guinea pigs owners. Guidelines for the housing of guinea pigs in scientific institutions. That means by the time your guinea pig, or cavy, shows any signs of disease, he might already be very sick. Guinea pigs are the only members of the rodent suborder hystricomorpha that are widely used as laboratory animals. At least one guinea pig friend of the same sex is recommended. They were raised by the incas and used as food and in religious ceremonies. Animal welfare branch nsw department of primary industries, locked bag 21, orange nsw 2800. There have been few publications describing the particular disease or organ pathology prevalence in pet guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are susceptible to a wide range of health problems, including problems with their eyes. That said, there are a number of ailments which guinea pigs seem more prone to, which is the focus of this article. One such bacteria is bordetella bronchisepta, which mainly affects the respiratory tract.
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