▲ Guinea pigs are cute and fluffy, and are vulnerable to diseases like other small animals (photo = Max Max Pixel)
Guinea pigs are small and cute pets that can be placed on the palm of your hand. But like other pets, guinea pigs are also susceptible to certain diseases. Guinea pigs are affected by exercise, appetite, and other physical functions if they develop health problems. It is necessary to acquire knowledge about diseases that can be taken by guinea pigs so that they can cope well when they have other symptoms than usual.
In vitro parasite
According to Spruce Pete's article, one of the diseases that can cause guinea pigs is an in vitro parasite. A cruiser who is still active in veterinary certification in 2007 has more than 15 years of animal care experience. He is also an expert with Fear Free Level 2 certification.
Examples of external parasites include ticks and teeth. Common symptoms of infection include increased frequency of scarring, damage to the mattress, and extreme itching. It can cause loss of hair and itchiness when there is fungicide, mite, caterpillars, and teeth. You can see the egg that Iwai gave birth to around the hairless area behind the guinea pig ear. Mites can be considered to be distributed throughout the body of a guinea pig, but they are too small to be seen under a microscope.
These parasites can be transmitted from other guinea pigs and are highly contagious. In addition, the pet guinea pig may infect parasites from the bedding or food. Before completing a new guinea pig, you should first check for signs of external parasitic skin. It is also good to freeze food or bedding once before putting it in the cage. Freezing for a day removes the parasites that are hiding by cold temperatures, thereby preventing them from spreading to other guinea pigs.
Identifying skin conditions caused by external parasites can help treat them and prevent subsequent illnesses, so do not panic. Talking with a veterinarian about such a situation, you will be able to set the best treatment according to the severity of the external parasite infestation that the guinea pig suffers.
Ileus
A bowel disease is a disease that affects guinea pigs when the stomach contains more gas. The disease affects the diet and excretion of guinea pigs. Guinea pigs eat and excrete occasionally, but when they have bowel disease, both appetite and bowel movements will decrease. The disease is a discomfort for guinea pigs because the gas stays in the body of the guinea pig. Bowel obstruction can lead to fatal consequences and should never be overlooked.
The cause of bowel obstruction is that the guinea pig suddenly stops eating due to other diseases or stress factors. You may be stressed on simple activities such as meeting new guinea pigs, moving cages, infecting external parasites, or suffering respiratory ailments. Observe carefully the amount of food and bowel movements of guinea pigs. If you have suspected arthrosis, you should immediately bring it to your veterinarian to avoid complications.
Reproductive tract disease
Guinea pigs can be at risk for ovarian and uterine disease. Therefore, some owners have other advantages, even if they cost money, to perform an ovariectomy for guinea pigs. Ovariectomy eliminates the need to worry about increasing the population of guinea pigs by controlling breeding. Ovariectomy is highly recommended, especially when raising both male and female guinea pigs.
Female guinea pigs, which suffer from worsening of ovarian cancer and uterine disease, can often be treated by removing the site. However, the problem remains because the cancer may have already metastasized after successful removal of the uterus and ovaries. For that reason, guinea pigs often undergo ovarian hysterectomy, which is safer when guinea pigs are six months old.
Respiratory diseases
Guinea pigs can have bronchopneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection and even pneumonia. They are very sensitive to cold air and may carry disease from other animals such as rabbits, cats and dogs. To prevent respiratory illness, keep cages away from open windows and doors and vents. Likewise, it is recommended that you always wash your hands or disinfect with alcohol before touching the guinea pig, especially if you are touched by other pets.
boil
According to an article published by VCA Hospital, diseases that affect guinea pigs include boils. Boils are described as infectious swellings of body tissues and can affect various body parts of the guinea pig, including the jaw, face, muscles, teeth, skin, and lymph nodes.
If you see signs or symptoms of these diseases from guinea pigs, do not waste your time and contact your nearest veterinarian immediately. Of course, you should also remember the precautions to avoid getting guinea pigs in these diseases.
Guinea pigs can have abscesses (photo = ⓒ Wikimedia Commons)
