If your guinea pig won’t eat, it may be due to significant health problems. This could be a respiratory infection, or it could be because of physical or mental trauma. Other possible causes include a change in temperature or changing eating habits.
Symptoms of a guinea pig deficiency of vitamin C
If you notice that your guinea pig is not getting enough vitamin C, you need to immediately seek veterinary help. A deficiency of vitamin C can lead to poor health and even death. A veterinarian can diagnose a deficiency by asking you about your pet’s diet, health history, and general health. They can also conduct an examination to check for internal bleeding and joint problems. In some cases, you can even get a blood test to check for vitamin C levels.
The symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency in a guinea pig include swollen joints and gums, poor growth, joint stiffness, poor wound healing, and a lack of appetite. Your guinea pig may also appear anorexic, lethargic, and have nasal discharge. In many cases, you can treat the deficiency by supplementing your guinea pig’s diet with vitamin C tablets.
Other symptoms of a guinea pig vitamin C deficiency include an abnormal skeletal structure, enlarged adrenal glands, and painful joint swelling. If you suspect your guinea pig is suffering from scurvy, make sure you seek immediate medical attention from a veterinarian. Although the symptoms of a deficiency may not appear immediately, they can last for weeks or even months.
Supplementing your guinea pig diet with vitamin C is an excellent way to prevent a deficiency. The vitamin is found in vegetables and fruits, and most high quality guinea pig foods contain it. Leafy greens, cabbage, red and green peppers, oranges, and kiwi are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Symptoms of a guinea pig ileus
If your guinea pig has abdominal discomfort or diarrhea, it might be experiencing ileus, a condition where trapped gas and liquid buildup in the digestive tract causes pain, discomfort, and vomiting. This condition, which can be life-threatening, requires immediate medical attention.
A guinea pig that has ileus will lose appetite and pass fewer stools. The disease can also be caused by other illnesses or external stress. This is why it’s important to pay close attention to the food your pet eats and the frequency of their bowel movements.
If your guinea pig is not passing feces for more than 24 hours, it may have GI stasis. This condition is a result of an imbalance of bacteria in the intestine. It causes a complete blockage of contractions in the intestine and stomach, preventing the digestion of food.
Your guinea pig may lose appetite, exhibit unusual vocalizations, or have other digestive issues. A vet can diagnose ileus by a thorough physical examination, blood tests, and chemistry panel. They can also perform a dental exam to rule out other issues. Depending on the severity of the bowel blockage, your guinea pig may require a hospital stay, pain management, and surgery.
Other symptoms of ileus include blood in the urine. The urine may also contain stones. Stones can be painful for guinea pigs, so your pet should always have access to clean water. Unless they are thirsty, your guinea pig won’t drink dirty water. If you notice blood in the urine, you should immediately visit your vet.
Symptoms of stress on a guinea pig
Stress can cause many health problems in guinea pigs. Symptoms can include inappetence, inability to chew food, and the inability to keep the guinea pig warm. They are sensitive animals that need to be treated immediately if they show signs of stress.
Stress in a guinea pig can also cause it to flee from its habitat. It may also cause it to fling itself against bars or the sides of its cage. Other symptoms include hiding and sitting still. A guinea pig that is frightened may also be in need of some alone time.
Guinea pigs have a strong instinct to hide. If they refuse to come out of their cage or hide when you offer treats, it is likely that they are stressed. They may also show aggression or bar their teeth to tell you to stay away. This behavior is often a result of a dominant guinea pig determining who is the dominant one. Therefore, it is important to keep guinea pigs confined when they’re under stress.
Stress in a guinea pig can also manifest as a refusal to eat or move around. Your cavy may not be eating or getting enough exercise, so they may be feeling unsafe. Your cavy may be nervous or aggressive, which are both signs of stress in a guinea pig. Even though it is natural for cavy to act skittishly and be fearful, these signs of stress can be an indication that it is not happy or healthy.
