Diseases of guinea pigs

Guinea pigs live about nine years. As a rule, these rodents are immune to infections and therefore rarely get sick. However, if you notice any symptoms of the disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Only he correctly recognizes the disease.

All diseases of guinea pigs can be divided into the following categories:

• Defects due to heredity;
• Diseases that were caused by improper maintenance or feeding;
• Infection caused by viruses or bacteria;
• Parasitic diseases;
• Various mechanical injuries.

What signs should I pay attention to?

• Changes in behavior;
• The guinea pig lies with closed eyes;
• cough;
• Breathing fast, difficult;
• Increased thirst;
• The wool of a guinea pig is disheveled and coalesced;
• With a simple touch, the hair falls out;
• The eyelids and eyes are festering;
• On the skin are formed sores;
• Runny nose, various discharge from the nose;
• A small tremor;
• A loose or dry stool;
• Paralysis and convulsions;
• Presence of fine blood-sucking insects in the coat.

Virtually all diseases of guinea pigs are accompanied by a decrease in physical activity. The sick animal tends to hide, seclude and lie down. In the event that you are sure that the infection has nowhere to take, then give the animal a gnawing pomegranate crust or the root of the Kalgan. From medicines it is possible to advise a preparation "Etazolum" (promotes removal of an inflammation) and "Ftalazolum" on one eighth tablet two times a day.

The normal temperature ranges from 37 to 39 degrees. Many animal diseases are often accompanied by a change in temperature. If it has increased, it indicates that the guinea pig has become unwell. To measure the temperature, it is necessary to slightly press the finger of the left hand on the groin area, and rightly insert a thermometer in the rectum, previously oiled with petroleum jelly. First it is held in an upright position, and then in a horizontal position. The thermometer is needed either by special veterinary medicine or by ordinary medical.

The most common and known diseases of guinea pigs:

1. Pseudotuberculosis is the most common among swine. Animals are infected through feed. Symptoms: poor appetite, diarrhea, exhaustion, paralysis. The patient should be referred to a doctor.
2. Paraffin is caused by microbes. In acute form, the animal refuses to eat, inactive. When chronic, the appetite is reduced, the mumps become sluggish, the coat is ruffled, diarrhea appears. Bacteriophage and antibiotics are given for their intended use.
3. Pasteurellosis. First, only the moistening of the hairs around the nostrils is noted. Then there is a sneeze. Breathing with wheezing, very heavy. Animals with strong symptoms should be put to sleep. Specific treatment does not exist.
4. Diseases of the respiratory system develop during hypothermia. Signs: general weakness, shortness of breath, decreased appetite, increased thirst, weak reaction to irritants.
5. Diseases of the digestive system are treated with a spoon of castor oil or vaseline oil. Then they give means "Ftalazol", "Sintomycin", "Biomitsin", "Levomycetin" or "Enterosperol".
6. Rickets are observed, as a rule, in young individuals in the winter.
7. Mechanical wounds are treated with antiseptic treatment. It is necessary to clean the wound from wool and dirt.

Also common diseases of guinea pigs are conjunctivitis, parasites (endoparasites, destructive organs internal, and ectoparasites, negatively affecting the coat and skin of the animal), viral and bacterial diseases, diarrhea (indigestion).

Some of the most common pets are guinea pigs. For this reason their diseases should be cured. Be attentive to your pet, if there are any disturbing symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.