🏥 guinea pig Common Disease Lookup

Overview

Scurvy is one of the most common and dangerous diseases in guinea pigs, caused by proliferative ileitis, mainly affecting young guinea pigs. It has acute onset and rapid progression; without timely treatment, mortality can reach 90%. Scurvy is contagious, and affected guinea pigs need immediate isolation.

Causes

• Bacterial infection (primarily Lawsonia)
• Environmental stress (cage changes, transport, noise)
• Sudden or improper diet changes
• Low immunity during weaning
• High density causing cross-infection

Key Symptoms

• Tail and fur continuously wet with foul odor
• Watery or mucous diarrhea, abnormal stool color
• Extreme lethargy, curled up motionless
• Complete refusal of food and water
• Rapid weight loss
• Abdominal bloating or pain
• Hunched back walking, weak hind legs

Treatment

Prevention

• Reduce environmental stress, avoid frequent cage changes
• Quarantine new guinea pigs at least 7 days
• Keep cage clean and dry
• Stable diet, do not change food arbitrarily
• Avoid disturbing young guinea pigs

Overview

guinea pig colds are common respiratory diseases, usually caused by temperature changes or humid environments. Colds themselves are not fatal, but if not treated promptly they may develop into pneumonia, which is life-threatening. Guinea pig are very sensitive to temperature changes and need special attention to warmth.

Causes

• Sudden temperature changes or too low temperature
• Humid cage or poor ventilation
• Bedding dust irritating respiratory tract
• Not drying promptly after bathing or water contact
• Exposure to pathogens when immunity is low

Key Symptoms

• Frequent sneezing
• Nasal discharge (clear or yellow-green)
• Rapid breathing or clicking sound
• Eyes half-closed, possible discharge around eyes
• Significantly reduced activity
• Decreased appetite
• Fluffy fur (attempting to stay warm)

Treatment

Prevention

• Maintain stable temperature (20-26°C)
• Avoid sudden temperature changes
• Use low-dust bedding
• Keep cage dry and ventilated
• Pay attention to warmth during season changes

Overview

Diarrhea is a common digestive problem in guinea pigs with various causes, from improper diet to bacterial infection. Mild diarrhea can be improved by dietary adjustment, but severe diarrhea quickly leads to dehydration and requires prompt intervention. Distinguish between regular diarrhea and wet tail.

Causes

• Overfeeding vegetables and fruits (too much water)
• Spoiled or unclean food
• Sudden food change
• Bacterial or parasitic infection
• Stress response
• Gut flora imbalance after antibiotics

Key Symptoms

• Stool soft, watery or unformed
• Fur around tail stained with feces
• Increased bowel movements
• Decreased appetite
• Water intake may increase
• Dehydration symptoms in severe cases (poor skin elasticity)

Treatment

Prevention

• Feed vegetables and fruits in moderation
• Food changes should be gradual (7-day transition)
• Keep food fresh, clean leftovers promptly
• Regularly clean food bowls and water bottles
• Avoid feeding processed human foods

Overview

Constipation is relatively common in guinea pigs, usually caused by insufficient fiber in diet or inadequate water intake. Mild constipation can be improved by dietary adjustment, but chronic constipation may lead to more serious intestinal problems.

Causes

• Insufficient water
• Too low fiber in food
• Lack of exercise
• Intestinal blockage from eating bedding
• Weakened intestinal motility in elderly guinea pigs

Key Symptoms

• Significantly reduced bowel movements
• Small, hard dry stool
• Possible abdominal bloating
• Decreased appetite
• Possible discomfort during defecation
• Reduced activity

Treatment

Prevention

• Ensure adequate water supply
• Provide high-quality high-fiber staple food
• Ensure exercise equipment works properly
• Avoid bedding that can be easily eaten
• Regularly observe bowel movements

Overview

guinea pig skin diseases are mainly caused by fungal infections or mite infestations, common skin problems. Fungal infections are contagious, and mite infections will worsen without treatment. Keeping the environment clean and dry is key to prevention. Diagnosis requires skin scraping at a veterinary clinic.

Causes

• Fungal infection (most commonly dermatophytes)
• Mite infestation (sarcoptic mites, fur mites)
• Humid and unclean environment
• Bedding not changed promptly
• Contact with infected animals
• Low immunity

Key Symptoms

• Red skin, red spots or papules
• Frequent scratching of specific areas
• Significantly increased dandruff
• Localized hair loss，Exposed skin
• Scabbing or oozing skin
• Possible crusting on ear edges (mite characteristic)
• May have odor

Treatment

Prevention

• Regularly clean cage and change bedding
• Keep environment dry, avoid humidity
• Quarantine new guinea pigs upon arrival
• Provide balanced nutrition to boost immunity
• Avoid contact with animals of unknown health status

Overview

Hair loss is a common skin manifestation in guinea pigs with various causes, from normal seasonal shedding to skin diseases or malnutrition. Causes need to be determined by combining other symptoms. Seasonal shedding is normal, but abnormal hair loss requires attention.

Causes

• Seasonal shedding (normal in spring/fall)
• Natural hair loss in elderly guinea pigs
• Malnutrition or protein deficiency
• Skin disease (fungi/mites)
• Stress response (excessive stress)
• Allergic reaction (bedding, etc.)
• Excessive rubbing against cage

Key Symptoms

• Overall fur thinning
• Bald patches exposing skin in specific areas
• Skin may be red, swollen, or have dandruff
• Even shedding during molt period is normal
• Localized hair loss outside molt period requires caution
• Accompanied by scratching may indicate skin disease

Treatment

Prevention

• Provide balanced high-quality staple food
• Appropriately supplement protein and vitamins
• Keep environment clean
• Avoid irritating bedding
• Reduce environmental stress

Overview

guinea pig eye inflammation is a common eye problem that may be caused by bedding dust, bacterial infection, or trauma. Prompt treatment usually has a good prognosis, but delayed treatment may affect vision or even require eye removal. Proper bedding selection can effectively prevent this.

Causes

• Bedding dust irritation
• Bacterial infection
• Eye trauma (scratch or collision)
• Dental problems compressing tear ducts
• Unclean environment
• Allergic reaction

Key Symptoms

• Eyelid redness and swelling
• Increased eye discharge (clear or purulent)
• Cannot fully open eyes
• Frequent eye rubbing with paws
• Eye area fur loss or matting
• Photophobia, hiding in dark places

Treatment

Prevention

• Use high-quality low-dust bedding
• Regularly clean cage
• Avoid sharp objects in cage
• Regularly check dental health
• Keep environment well-ventilated

Overview

guinea pig teeth continuously grow; without enough chewing opportunities, teeth overgrow and prevent normal eating. This is a common oral problem in guinea pigs. In severe cases, overgrown teeth may pierce oral soft tissue causing infection. Providing adequate chew materials is key to prevention.

Causes

• Lack of chew materials
• Only feeding soft food prevents teeth grinding
• Genetic factors causing misaligned teeth
• Single tooth loss causing opposite side overgrowth
• Malocclusion

Key Symptoms

• Front teeth overgrown or curved
• Drooling，Wet fur around mouth
• Difficulty eating or complete inability to eat
• Continued weight loss
• Frequent pawing at mouth
• Food drops or is spat out
• Possible wounds inside mouth

Treatment

Prevention

• Continuously provide apple branches
• Feed appropriate hard foods
• Regularly check teeth length
• Avoid only feeding soft foods
• Choose high-quality staple food with coarse fiber

Overview

Cheek pouch inflammation is a guinea pig-specific disease caused by food spoilage or injury infection in cheek pouches. Guinea pig store food in cheek pouches; if food stays too long and spoils, it causes inflammation. Severe cases may form abscesses requiring professional treatment.

Causes

• Food retention and spoilage in cheek pouches
• Sharp foods piercing cheek pouch mucosa
• Foreign objects like bedding in cheek pouches
• Bacterial infection
• Low immunity

Key Symptoms

• Abnormal swelling in one or both cheeks
• Frequent pawing at face
• Refusal to eat or immediate spitting after eating
• Obvious bad breath
• Cheek pouch area feels warm
• Lethargy
• Possible purulent discharge from mouth

Treatment

Prevention

• Avoid sharp foods (spiny seeds)
• Avoid sticky foods
• Regularly observe if cheek pouches empty normally
• Keep food fresh
• Do not overfeed causing cheek pouch over-expansion

Overview

Pododermatitis, also called "cage bottom dermatitis", is pressure injury from prolonged contact with rough or wire mesh cage floors. Common in guinea pigs with wire-bottom cages. Mild cases can recover on their own, but severe cases may become infected and purulent, requiring professional treatment.

Causes

• Wire mesh cage bottom pressing foot pads
• Cage bottom too rough
• Insufficient bedding, foot pads directly touching hard surface
• Obese guinea pigs have greater foot pad pressure
• Poor hygiene causing secondary infection

Key Symptoms

• Red, swollen foot pads
• Limping or unwillingness to walk
• Foot pads develop ulcers or sores
• Possible purulent infection
• Frequent licking of feet
• Toe swelling in severe cases

Treatment

Prevention

• Use solid-bottom cage, avoid wire mesh bottom
• Provide sufficient soft bedding
• Keep cage clean and dry
• Control guinea pig weight within healthy range
• Regularly check foot pad condition

Overview

Guinea pig are prone to tumors, especially those over 2 years old. Tumors are classified as benign or malignant; benign tumors have better prognosis after surgical removal, while malignant tumors have poorer prognosis. Any body surface lumps should be examined by a vet as early as possible.

Causes

• Age increase (common in elderly guinea pigs)
• Genetic factors
• Hormonal influence (especially mammary tumors)
• Environmental factors
• Viral infection (some types)

Key Symptoms

• Palpable body lumps (gradually enlarging)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Reduced activity
• Fur loss at lump site
• Lumps may rupture and bleed
• Compression of surrounding organs causing symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

• Provide healthy diet and living environment
• Regular checkups (especially elderly guinea pigs)
• Avoid contact with harmful chemicals
• Maintain appropriate exercise
• Reduce unnecessary stress

Overview

Fractures and trauma are usually caused by accidents such as falls from heights, cage pinching injuries, or attacks by other animals. Fractures require professional treatment, and open wounds need prompt care to prevent infection. Prevention key is eliminating safety hazards in the environment.

Causes

• Falls from heights
• Cage pinching injuries
• Fighting with other guinea pigs
• Attacked by other pets
• Improper wheel size causing spinal injury
• Stepped on or crushed

Key Symptoms

• Limb deformity or abnormal angle
• Unable to walk normally or bear weight
• Swelling at injury site
• Obvious pain response
• Open wound bleeding
• Vocalizing when moving
• Injured limb avoiding ground contact

Treatment

Prevention

• Avoid placing guinea pigs at heights
• Choose safe cages without pinch points
• Strictly prohibit co-housing
• Isolate from other pets
• Choose appropriately sized wheel
• Sit low when handling guinea pigs

Overview

Guinea pig are very sensitive to high temperatures; ambient temperature above 28°C may cause heatstroke. Heatstroke progresses very rapidly and can be fatal in a short time. Summer is peak heatstroke season; proper cooling measures are essential. Heatstroke is completely preventable.

Causes

• Ambient temperature too high (above 28°C)
• Direct sunlight on cage
• Poor ventilation
• Insufficient water
• High temperature during transport
• Power outage stopping air conditioning

Key Symptoms

• Rapid breathing，Open-mouth breathing
• Body feels hot to touch
• Lethargy, slow response
• Excessive drooling
• Unsteady shaky walking
• Seizures and coma in severe cases
• Body temperature above normal (36-38°C)

Treatment

Prevention

• Keep room temperature below 26°C in summer
• Avoid direct sunlight on cage
• Ensure adequate water supply
• Maintain good ventilation
• Prepare cooling equipment (air conditioning, fans)
• Reduce transport on hot days

Overview

Pseudo-hibernation is a stress response in guinea pigs when temperature is too low, not true hibernation. Guinea pig cannot safely hibernate; if pseudo-hibernation is not awakened promptly, they will die from organ failure. Immediate slow warming is required, a race against time.

Causes

• Ambient temperature too low (below 15°C)
• Insufficient heating in winter
• Cage near windows or doors
• Sudden temperature drop at night
• Power outage stopping heating

Key Symptoms

• Cold, stiff body
• Almost motionless, appearing dead
• Extremely weak breathing
• Very slow heartbeat
• Slow response to external stimuli
• Whiskers may twitch slightly (only sign of life)

Treatment

Prevention

• Keep room temperature above 20°C in winter
• Keep cage away from windows and doors
• Provide sufficient warm bedding
• Increase nest bedding thickness
• Prepare emergency heating equipment
• Monitor temperature at night

Overview

Diabetes is not rare in guinea pigs, especially Campbell guinea pigs (Dwarf type) have genetic predisposition. Diabetes affects quality of life and lifespan, but with proper dietary management and necessary medication, affected guinea pigs can still have good quality of life. Early detection and management are very important.

Causes

• Genetic factors (common in Campbell guinea pigs)
• Too high sugar in diet
• Obesity
• Pancreatic dysfunction
• Age factors

Key Symptoms

• Significantly increased water intake
• Frequent urination, increased urination
• Sweet or thick urine
• Weight loss or fluctuation
• Appetite may increase but weight does not
• Declining fur quality
• Reduced activity
• Prone to infections (especially skin and urinary tract)

Treatment

Prevention

• Choose high-quality low-sugar staple food
• Control sugar intake in snacks
• Avoid high-sugar fruits
• Maintain appropriate exercise
• Control weight
• Regularly test urine sugar in Campbell guinea pigs

Overview

Pneumonia is a serious disease resulting from untreated colds, or caused by bacterial or viral infections. Pneumonia is very dangerous for guinea pigs with high mortality, requiring immediate vet antibiotic treatment.

Causes

• Cold worsening
• Bacterial infection (Pasteurella, etc.)
• Viral infection
• Humid and cold environment
• Low immunity

Key Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Open-mouth breathing
• Increased nasal discharge, may be purulent
• Gurgling sound when breathing
• Extreme lethargy
• Complete refusal to eat
• Possible elevated body temperature

Treatment

Prevention

• Treat colds promptly without delay
• Maintain stable ambient temperature
• Avoid humidity
• Bedding dust should be minimal

Overview

Ear mites are common ear canal parasitic infections in guinea pigs caused by ear mite insects. Contagious between guinea pigs. Symptoms are obvious and treatment is relatively simple, but delayed treatment may cause secondary infections.

Causes

• Ear mite infection
• Contact with infected guinea pigs
• Unclean environment
• Bedding not changed promptly

Key Symptoms

• Frequent pawing at ears
• Dark brown or black crusty discharge in ear
• Red swollen ear canal
• Ears may have odor
• Frequent head tilting
• Balance may be affected

Treatment

Prevention

• Quarantine new guinea pigs upon arrival
• Regularly clean cage
• Avoid contact with guinea pigs of unknown origin

Overview

guinea pig flea infestations are relatively rare, but when they occur they cause intense itching and skin problems. Fleas may come from other pets or contaminated bedding. Both guinea pig and environment need treatment.

Causes

• Contact with other pets that have fleas
• Contaminated bedding
• Used cage equipment not disinfected
• Grass toys carrying fleas

Key Symptoms

• Frequent scratching all over body
• Visible small red spots on skin (flea bites)
• Black small particles at fur roots (flea feces)
• Localized hair loss
• Red skin

Treatment

Prevention

• Stay away from pets with fleas
• Choose reliable bedding brands
• Disinfect grass toys before use

Overview

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites in guinea pigs, relatively rare. After infection, guinea pigs may have normal appetite but continued weight loss, with white segments visible in stool. Requires deworming medication.

Causes

• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Contact with intermediate hosts (fleas, mites)
• Unclean environment

Key Symptoms

• Normal appetite but weight loss
• White rice-like segments visible in stool
• Abdominal bloating
• Declining fur quality
• Occasional diarrhea

Treatment

Prevention

• Clean food and water sources
• Regular deworming
• Choose reliable bedding brands

Overview

Stomatitis is inflammation of guinea pig oral mucosa, possibly caused by bacterial infection, vitamin deficiency, or dental problems. Guinea pig will refuse to eat due to pain; prompt treatment is needed to avoid dehydration.

Causes

• Bacterial infection
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Dental problems piercing oral cavity
• Sharp bedding scratches
• Low immunity

Key Symptoms

• Excessive drooling
• Wet fur around mouth
• Difficulty eating or refusal to eat
• Red swollen ulcers inside mouth
• May have bad breath
• Weight loss
• Frequent pawing at mouth with claws

Treatment

Prevention

• Provide adequate vitamins
• Regularly check teeth
• Choose bedding without sharp objects

Overview

Malocclusion means guinea pig upper and lower teeth cannot bite normally, which may be congenital or caused by trauma or malnutrition. Regular teeth trimming or surgery may be needed.

Causes

• Congenital developmental abnormality
• Trauma causing tooth displacement
• Malnutrition
• Long-term chewing on hard objects causing uneven tooth wear

Key Symptoms

• Upper and lower teeth significantly misaligned
• Front teeth overgrown or curved
• Difficulty eating, frequently dropping food
• Drooling
• Weight loss
• Mouth cannot fully close

Treatment

Prevention

• Provide sufficient chew toys
• Avoid inbreeding
• Balanced nutrition

Overview

Kidney disease is common in elderly guinea pigs, kidney function gradually declines causing metabolic waste buildup. Early symptoms are not obvious, usually already serious when discovered. Treatment mainly supportive care, prognosis depends on early detection.

Causes

• Age factors (common in elderly guinea pigs)
• Chronic infection
• High-protein diet increasing kidney burden
• Genetic factors
• Poisoning

Key Symptoms

• Significantly increased water intake
• Frequent urination with large volume
• LethargyReduced activity
• Continued weight loss
• Dull fur
• May cause edema
• Later complete loss of appetite

Treatment

Prevention

• Regular checkups for elderly guinea pigs
• Dietary protein moderate, not excessive
• Keep adequate water supply

Overview

Heart disease is relatively rare in guinea pigs, more common in elderly. May show rapid breathing, obvious fatigue after exercise, abdominal fluid accumulation, etc. Requires cardiac ultrasound for diagnosis, treatment mainly medication control.

Causes

• Age factors
• Genetic factors
• Chronic infection
• Malnutrition

Key Symptoms

• Rapid breathing especially after activity
• Significantly reduced activity, easily fatigued
• Appetite may decrease
• Possible abdominal bloating (fluid accumulation)
• Mucous membranes may turn purple
• Severe cases fainting

Treatment

Prevention

• Regular checkups for elderly guinea pigs
• Avoid obesity
• Maintain appropriate exercise

Overview

Low winter temperatures may cause frostbite on guinea pig ears, toes, and other extremities. Severe cases may require amputation. Prevention key is winter warmth.

Causes

• Ambient temperature too low (below 10°C)
• Prolonged exposure to cold
• Cage location improper near windows or doors

Key Symptoms

• Ear edges turning black or discolored
• Toes red swollen or turning black
• Frostbitten skin discoloration
• Sluggish movement
• Cold body
• Severe cases tissue necrosis and shedding

Treatment

Prevention

• Keep room temperature above 15°C in winter
• Keep cage away from windows and doors
• Provide warm bedding

Overview

Dehydration is a common acute condition in guinea pigs, caused by diarrhea, refusal to drink, high temperature, and more. Small guinea pig bodies dehydrate quickly, which can be life-threatening. Prompt detection and fluid replacement is key.

Causes

• Diarrhea causes fluid loss
• Water bottle malfunction preventing drinking
• High temperature causing water evaporation
• Illness causing refusal to drink
• Vomiting (rare)

Key Symptoms

• Skin slowly springs back when pinched
• Sunken dull eyes
• LethargyReduced activity
• Significantly decreased concentrated urine
• Dry sticky mucous membranes
• In severe cases, limbs become cold

Treatment

Prevention

• Check water bottle works properly daily
• Replenish fluids promptly during diarrhea
• Increase water points in high temperature environment