Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates - Guinea Pig Guidance Web Page

BBVA Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates

230 Main Street * Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 * Tel: 508-759-2521 * Fax: 508-759-6782

Guinea Pig Guidance

Tiffany J. Rule, DVM

The guinea pig or cavy is an herbivorous rodent from the Andes Mountains of South America. It was a species originally domesticated and raised by the Inca Indians as a food source as early as 1000 B.C.E. Fortunately they never became a popular food source outside of South America! They were brought to Europe by Dutch Explorers about 400 years ago where they have made great contributions to science as laboratory animals and have been bred by fanciers and kept as pets. Guinea pigs are docile, friendly pets that have remained a favorite among families with small children. With proper care, guinea pigs can live to be five or six years of age when kept as pets.

There are four primary guinea pig varieties. A Shorthair or English has a short hair coat. An Abyssinian has whorls or rosettes in a short, rough, wiry, coat. The silky is a large variety with very long silky hair. Peruvian guinea pigs have long silky hair and are less common in pet stores. Male guinea pigs are called boars and females are called sows. They can be safely housed together, but unless you desire more guinea pigs, it is suggested that you keep boars and sows separate. In fact, if you do plan to breed your guinea pig, it is critical that you breed any female between four and seven months of age for the first time. This is because the pelvis of the guinea pig fuses at an early age which narrows the birth canal and can inhibit the babies from being born. The treatment is an emergency C-section. Allowing an older female guinea pig who has never had a litter to live in the same housing as an un-neutered male guinea pig is a recipe for disaster.

Guinea pigs should eat a good quality diet similar to what they eat in nature: Leaves, seeds, and roots. One of the biggest health problems that pet guinea pigs face is scurvy due to lack of vitamin C. A close approximation of the diet found in nature is a small amount of a pelleted rodent diet containing 20-22% protein and a daily “guinea pig salad” made of fresh fruits and veggies high in vitamin c, such as red and green peppers, kale, parsley, beet greens, chicory, asparagus, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes. Introduce young guinea pigs to fresh produce early, as once they have developed a preference for pelleted diets, they may not accept fresh fruits or vegetables later. Be certain to use a pelleted formula labeled for guinea pigs as this contains additional vitamin C. As vitamin C will degrade in pelleted diets around 90 days of the milling date (not the purchase date!), buy small amounts of pellets at a time and store it in a light and air-tight container in order to prevent the vitamin C concentration in the diet from dwindling. Also, guinea pigs should have free access to grass hay such as timothy or coastal Bermuda (avoid alfalfa) to promote intestinal motility. Avoid the seeds and sugary treats for guinea pigs sold in pet stores. These can cause obesity and problems with diarrhea in some cases. A small piece of kiwi fruit or orange make the tastiest, healthiest guinea pig treats as well as being high in vitamin C. Water should always be available to your guinea pig either in a water bottle or a weighted bowl. Water bottles are preferable to bowls, which can be easily tipped over. Water should be changed daily as guinea pigs are notorious for playing with the bottles and emptying them or clogging them up by “backwashing” or salivating into them. Finally, your guinea pig should have a round salt or mineral lick attached to his or her cage with a wire fastener to ensure proper electrolyte intake.

Guinea pigs are most active at night and appreciate extra space to explore their surroundings. As they typically cannot jump more than twelve inches, the top of their enclosure does not need to be covered. That is, unless you have other pets such as a cat or dog that could potentially harm your guinea pig. Smooth cage bottoms are ideal. The wire bottoms can lead to foot or leg problems as toes can become trapped and even broken in the wire mesh. A large rabbit cage is ideal for a guinea pig. Be certain to give them an area in which to take refuge and hide. A cardboard shoebox works well for this and doubles as a chew toy. You also may consider a flower pot which has been cut in half or a piece of PVC pipe for potential refuges. For bedding, avoid cedar shavings as these can be not only harmful to the liver but serve as a respiratory or skin irritant. Guinea pig fanciers prefer absorbent, pelleted bedding, corn cob bedding, shredded paper, or straw. We specifically recommend Care-Fresh brand paper bedding. This can be purchased at local pet stores. Also, be certain to keep the cage away from extremes of temperature. The Andes Mountains are approximately 65-70 degrees – This is the ideal range for your guinea pig. Do not keep the cage or enclosure in direct sunlight. Be certain that you do not allow your guinea pig to become overheated; they are exquisitely susceptible to heat stroke. Finally, try to keep the environment quiet and stress free.

Guinea pigs are very hardy pets that have very few serious problems when kept properly. The best disease prevention is proper diet and housing. The following reviews a few common guinea pig maladies:

Respiratory Infections:

Guinea pigs who are exposed to stress or are kept in poor environmental conditions or fed a poor diet are most susceptible. Guinea pigs normally carry Bordetella bronchiseptica, the bacteria which causes “kennel cough” in dogs. It can be dangerous for guinea pigs to be co-housed with rabbits as the rabbit could end up with Bordetella pneumonia from the guinea pig. The House Rabbit Society has commented in the past that usually this happens in cases of poor nutrition and sanitation. I would not add a guinea pig to your family if you own a rabbit, but if you are already in this situation, I would suggest attention to keeping cages and roaming areas disinfected and all animals on high quality diets with lots of fresh, dark, leafy green vegetables. Pneumonia is one of the most common diseases of guinea pigs. Signs may include difficulty breathing, discharge from the nose or eyes, lethargy or inappetance. Sudden death can occur without any of these signs. A culture, x-rays, aggressive antibiotic therapy and supportive care should be attempted in these cases.

Diarrhea:

The most common cause of diarrhea in the guinea pig is bacterial enteritis. This can be caused from feeding contaminated vegetables or water. It is extremely important to wash all vegetables or fruits given to your guinea pig. Also, as previously mentioned, change the water supply daily after cleaning the water container with hot, soapy water. One of the most common bacteria causing enteritis is Salmonella. In addition to diarrhea, you may notice weight loss or lethargy.

Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency):

This is the same disease that early explorers faced while crossing the Atlantic Ocean to “discover” America. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, and thus must rely on it from the diet. Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in nurturing connective tissue. A lack thereof can cause bleeding from teeth and gums with the potential for the teeth to fall out. Painful, swollen joints and ribs, which can cause a reluctance to move as well as a poor appetite, can be signs of scurvy. This disease can be fatal to young, growing guinea pigs or pregnant sows. It also predisposes your guinea pig to other disorders. This disease is also 100% preventable with the appropriate diet.

Skin Diseases:

Guinea pigs suffer a myriad of skin problems. They are susceptible to lice and mites. These are usually specific to the guinea pig (can be spread between guinea pigs) and cannot infect humans. These parasite infections are easily treated by your veterinarian. Fleas and ticks can also plague your guinea pig if exposed to them in the environment. Speak to your veterinarian before attempting ANY flea or tick treatments as these can be very dangerous. Guinea pigs can get a skin infection commonly referred to as “ringworm.” This is a fungus and not a worm which people can also succumb to from handling their guinea pig. Signs of ringworm usually include hair loss. Hair loss can also occur if other cage mates are chewing the hair off of the patient in question. This is a part of the social “pecking order.” The dominant guinea pig can be identified by his or her full haircoat in these cases! Finally, feet are covered by skin. Guinea pigs housed on wire flooring can get infections of the skin of their feet. The front feet seem to be the most vulnerable. Signs of this problem include lameness, swelling of the feet, and reluctance to move. These infections can be so serious that the consequences are debilitating arthritis.

Slobbers:

This condition is named because it is characterized by wet fur on the neck under the jaw due to constant salivation. Slobbers is the result of overgrown molars and premolars. These teeth are very difficult to reach as the guinea pig’s mouth opening is very small. Correction of the problem requires trimming or filing of the teeth under anesthesia. This often needs to be repeated. It is thought that this condition may result from an elevated selenium level in the diet. Also, vitamin C deficiency can play a role in some of these cases. Changing the diet may be appropriate. Finally, these animals should not be bred as it is thought that this condition may be inherited.

To help your guinea pig live the longest life possible, take him or her to the veterinarian at least once per year. Twice per year is ideal as problems can arise quickly. Have your veterinarian perform a complete physical examination to inspect for any skin problems or external parasites; to examine the check teeth with an otoscope (as one cannot readily see them by opening the mouth); to discuss the diet and housing; and to demonstrate proper nail trimming to be done once monthly. When cared for properly, guinea pigs can provide hours of enjoyment as a family pet!

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