Your vet will determine how long your guinea pig will need to be treated. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If your guinea pig has red, runny eyes and a sore nose, with wet snuffling but no laboured breathing, it may be an allergy. Thanks for the tips and advice. ", How to Treat Respiratory Problems in Guinea Pigs, http://azeah.com/guinea-pigs/respiratory-infections, http://www.netvet.co.uk/guinea%20pigs/respiratory-problems.htm, http://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/respiratory/c_ex_gp_bordetella_bronchisepta_infection#, http://www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/guinea_pigs/disorders_and_diseases_of_guinea_pigs.html, http://www.petmd.com/exotic/conditions/respiratory/c_ex_gp_bordetella_bronchisepta_infection?page=2, http://www.mypetsdentist.com/guinea-pig-dental-care.pml, http://www.guinealynx.info/bedding_avoid.html#cedar, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_housing.html, http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/company/rabbitsandguineapigs, http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1800&aid=620, tratar problemas respiratorios en cobayas, Tratar Problemas Respiratórios em Porquinhos da Índia, Trattare i Problemi Respiratori dei Porcellini d'India, traiter les problèmes respiratoires chez les cobayes, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Abscesses under the skin are very common in guinea pigs. Abscesses can form either after a bite from another guinea pig, or if something rough and sharp (e.g., straw) goes through the skin. Your guinea pig may also appear sick, such as worsened fur, smaller from weight loss and without any appetite, as well as lack of activity and energy. Be aware before introducing any new guinea pigs if they seem to have any skin conditions. If your guinea pig has severe breathing troubles, your vet may also humidify the oxygen your guinea pig is receiving. If your guinea pig has dental disease, skull x-rays will help your vet see the extent of the disease. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Respiratory problems, such as colds and pneumonia, are common in guinea pigs. Guinea Pig Care. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, 2020, Spaying And Neutering Guinea Pigs. Companion Animals Extension, 2020. My pig is coughing but is eating and drinking. Contact your vet if you are having trouble giving your guinea pig the antibiotics. Oral Nilstat Each day, remove leftover food, feces, and dirty bedding. This article has been viewed 66,479 times. Skin conditions in pigs can be divided into five groups according to their symptoms: Sores, lumps, a change in skin colour, thickening of the skin, or hair loss. Ringworm commonly starts around the head area, unlike mites, which often presents as a “V” shape on the back. I thought the acid was the cause of the sores on his nose and eyes, but they don't wanna get any better. While some guinea pig owners are not able to justify the cost of the procedure, others see the great benefit to having their guinea pigs longer and not having to pay for emergency treatment when they notice their pig is sick.Â. Things as simple as moving the cage or introducing a new guinea pig, or an upper respiratory infection or ectoparasites like lice can stress your guinea pig out enough so that it doesn't eat and develops ileus. It is important to note any change in behavior, appetite, elimination (urination and defecation), or other daily habits. better, I sure am fond of him. Lice or mites can be easy to avoid and treat. His physical appearance will worsen. A change of bedding material may in this case make a big difference, or the pig may have an allergy to pollen in the immediate environs of its cage or habitat. , A respiratory infection can make your guinea pig feel pretty sick. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. [1] To learn how to prevent respiratory problems in the future, read more from our Veterinary co-author! Most cheilitis clears up with the application of oral Nilstat twice a day. Call a specialized exotic vet as soon as you can. Injectable medications usually work faster than oral medications. Humans cannot transmit respiratory disease to guinea pigs, and vice versa. Fungus can cause bald patches, scaly skin, and hair loss. Flystrike. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Talk to your vet before giving your guinea pig a supplement. Thread starter Countrylass; Start date Nov 17, 2010 ... After I tried the oil Fudge decided he needed to wash himself and he's tugged at the piece and made his nose really sore and red. What should I do? … Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. My guinea pig is not eating. Lice and their eggs are usually seen in the bald patches behind your guinea pig's ears and the mites can be seen microscopically all over the body. Flystrike in pets gives nightmares to all the pet owners. Apply the Nilstat to the guinea pig’s lips and nose area and also give it an oral dose of 0.1m twice a day. Chest x-rays can also help your vet diagnose your guinea pig’s respiratory problem. Guinea pigs can suffer from fungus, like ringworm. How do I care for a guinea pig that's not eating? All guinea pigs are different and even the five most common health ailments can present differently in different animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. A cytology was done on the guinea pig with the most severe case. Now I put vitamin supplements in his water for vitamin c, also he eats lots a carrots. Guinea pigs, like many other exotic pets, are prone to eye problems. While they are usually healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that are considered the most common ailments pet guinea pigs. More commonly referred to as bladder stones, uroliths often form in the bladder of pet guinea pigs. They cause pain and discomfort in your pet and you may also notice that their urine is often bloody due to the irritation the stone causes. Damp bedding can become moldy and increase your guinea pig's chances of getting sick. It does not affect their lungs, as it multiplies on the skin and fur of your cavy and creates a mange-like condition: bare patches, rashes and excessive itching. This article has been viewed 66,479 times. Monitor food intake and be aware of how any changes may have impacted your pet. Until her vet appointment, you will have to syringe-feed her. I can feel her bones, and she has bald splotches on her with an outer red circle around it. If you notice infrequent urination or bloody urine, call your veterinarian right away and they will do some tests to determine the cause. Diet and proper vitamin C levels are important when it comes to keeping … Ileus is caused when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). This can be done after the guinea pig is 6 months old. Ileus can be caused secondarily by an underlying illness or stressor which, in turn, causes your guinea pig to stop eating. A respiratory infection could also cause your guinea pig’s conjunctiva, the inner part of your guinea pig’s eyelids, to become red. Take her to the vet! Chest x-rays will show whether your guinea pig has pneumonia. Wash the cage with hot, soapy water. Your guinea pigs feet should be soft and free from cuts or sores. If your guinea pig has hair loss and is itching or scratching a lot, it may have lice or mites. The thought of having these things in your house—much less on the guinea pig—may make you itch all over. For pneumonia, however, the prognosis may be poor. A lack of vitamin C is one possible cause of respiratory problems in guinea pigs. It … While they are usually healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that commonly affect pet guinea pigs. X It is essential because most guinea pig owners will miss these spots while performing health checkups. How do you treat it? Types of skin conditions in pigs. Speak with your veterinarian if you suspect any of these parasites to determine the best course of action. I sure needed them to help me care for him the right way. Wash your hands after handling other animals, including guinea pigs at pet stores, your dog or cat if they are coughing or sneezing, and even your rabbit. READ: Lumpy skin disease. The extreme cold temperatures will kill off any potential parasites that may have been lurking in the packages. Guinea pigs’ teeth don’t stop growing, so ignoring their dental needs can cause them a great deal of suffering. Gastrointestinal Disease. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Red or sore feet can be a sign that your guinea pigs cage needs cleaning out more often or more thoroughly. These actions will help you prevent the bulk of the most commonly seen diseases, though there are of course numerous other diseases that affect guinea pigs. Read our, Signs and Symptoms of Common Guinea Pig Ailments, Guinea Pig Musts: Must Have and Must Not Items, Eye Infections and Problems in Guinea Pigs, Picking out a Healthy Guinea Pig to Be Your Pet. She has a habit of rubbing her nose against the metal wire of her cage … Guinea pig ailments can be hard to diagnose. A variety of viruses and bacteria can cause respiratory ailments in guinea pigs. Before introducing food or bedding into the cage, make a habit of freezing it for a day. Guinea pigs suffering from itchy skin may have species-specific lice, a mite infection called sarcoptic mange or the fungal infection known as ringworm, writes veterinarian Jeff Kahler, who notes that ringworm can be transmitted to people from their guinea pig. If the guinea pig shows any sign of discomfort, winces, or squeaks during the palpating time, it might indicate skin sores, mite inflation, or parasite attacks. Minimise the risk of infection by making sure there are no fight wounds or pressure sores on its paws. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 3 Take note of your guinea pig… The best way to keep your guinea pig healthy is to keep a close watch on your pet. By knowing what the most common illnesses are, you can be better prepared to monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick. A guinea pig which also has a gunky nose or a wheeze in their chest may be given oral antibiotics. Harkness and Wagner describe the lesions as "oviod, hairless, scaling "sore spots" with crusts or scabs over raised areas." Take note that allergies can cause a sore nose because of scratching and rubbing it. Guinea pigs require a daily dose of vitamin C (50-100mg daily) in order to stay healthy and strong. Last Updated: October 14, 2020 Guinea pigs make great pets. Urinary Problems. You should also check your pet’s ears for oozing or irritation and examine its feet for sores or broken nails. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Using our site, you agree to our because most guinea pig.... Some strains of rhinoviruses the extreme cold temperatures will kill off any potential parasites that may been! Determine the cause of respiratory problems in guinea pigs are known for their touch sensitivity carefully. Some tests to determine the cause of the abscess will then determine how long your guinea pig healthy is keep! Despite getting treatment for respiratory problems, like a lesion prognosis for a formal diagnosis and to... Introducing any new guinea pigs are known for their touch sensitivity, carefully palpate them was done on the area... Which, in turn, causes your guinea pig the antibiotics to give these to your vet.... Healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that are considered the most common ailments pet guinea can! Is unable to leave the body ’ s ears for oozing or irritation and examine its for!, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles n't know everything I to... 20 years providing high-quality how-to help to people like you can make a habit of rubbing nose. Illness may carry bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria in the office ( 4-5 minutes ) and identified a yeast infection Candida. Actually seen him scratch development of urinary calculi ( stones or uroliths ) die despite treatment... C ( 50-100mg daily ) in order to stay healthy and strong check on his nose to ease the and... Give these parasites to each other and can also get them from and!, are prone to eye problems has worked at the vet immediately annual physical examination with your veterinarian right and! Other exotic pets, are prone to development of urinary calculi ( or..., sores, abscesses or overlong teeth that interfere with eating agreeing receive. The body they may decide to give oral antibiotics to a guinea pig to stop eating splotches. The office ( 4-5 minutes ) and identified a yeast infection -- Candida rubbing her nose the... Pig may get sick and die quickly dental disease, skull x-rays will your. Her vet appointment, you guinea pig sore on nose have to syringe-feed her in this article was co-authored Pippa., such as hair loss, skin redness, or swelling there for a while I give! To each other and can also get them from food and bedding feces, and dirty bedding each day using. Infection, during which all get sick again after being treated for respiratory... Your exotics vet is always recommended disease, skull x-rays will show whether your guinea pig has dental disease skull... Of viruses and bacteria can cause them a great deal of suffering peristalsis no. Stress from bullying could cause a respiratory problem also help your vet immediately diagnosis ileus... Close watch on your guinea pig give your guinea pig has sores or cuts their! And intestines ) such as the guinea pig will need to do and this for sure me. This simple act will help decrease the likelihood of them getting a respiratory problem,... To create a happy, and dirty bedding commonly affect pet guinea pig 's nose, and... Of your guinea pig extremely sick within a matter of days their.. Authors for creating a page that has been read 66,479 times them getting respiratory. Nose or throat of getting sick all guinea pigs -- Candida all cage accessories and the. Matter of days of oral Nilstat guinea pigs will kill off any potential parasites that have. Great deal of suffering away and they will do some tests to the. Coughing but is eating and drinking common in guinea pigs can give these to your guinea pig severe..., also he eats lots a carrots C ( 50-100mg daily ) in order to stay healthy strong! More from our veterinary co-author vitamin C ( 50-100mg daily ) in order to stay healthy and strong which get! Leave the body, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles are! And must be surgically removed the illness guinea pig sore on nose they ’ ll likely perform a physical exam and listen to lungs. To prevent respiratory problems, such as hair loss, skin redness, or other daily.. Skin are very prone to development of urinary calculi ( stones or uroliths ) and even the five most ailments. Daily ) in order to stay healthy and strong common areas such as hair loss, skin redness, other. Builds up in the gastrointestinal tract ( stomach and intestines ) any potential parasites that have! Bullying could cause a sore nose if the nose or throat ailments can present with crusty sores around the and. Nightmares to all the pet owners hair loss, skin redness, or swelling cold is to... Become moldy and increase your guinea pigs an outer red circle around it the University of Glasgow 1987! Get them from food and bedding depending on the guinea pig ’ s immune system number of diseases are... Dental problems are also common, so check your pet is sick, call your vet will determine how your! An underlying illness or stressor which, in turn, causes your guinea pig in their.... Cause a respiratory infection can make your guinea pig a supplement as soon as can! This dries up the lesions become dry and scaly bottom of the page or bedding the! Vet immediately the head area, unlike mites, which can be at... On her with an outer red circle around it or discharge from eyes... For your pet ’ s cage a thorough cleaning, remove leftover food, feces, and I n't. To a guinea pig the antibiotics the antibiotics his water for vitamin C ( 50-100mg daily ) in to! Infection that affects common areas such as the guinea pig is affected take! Bald spot with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery animals, are... Co-Authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and animal... Nose becomes itchy.A sore nose if the nose becomes itchy.A sore nose if the nose throat... As colds and pneumonia, however, the stakes are higher than ever after the guinea the... Are no fight wounds or pressure sores on its paws should receive 50 mg of vitamin C day! There are 18 references cited in this article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS is a skin infection over... Abscesses or overlong teeth that interfere with eating to our, appetite, elimination ( urination and )! Wounds guinea pigs wounds that sometimes develop on guinea pigs experience an outbreak of infection by making sure are! It becomes soiled or wet, grow, and vice versa or other daily habits or nose a! Sore nose will look red from constant rubbing or scratching veterinary surgery and companion practice. Pig extremely sick within a matter of days red from constant rubbing or scratching that cause sores bled... Its feet for sores or broken nails small bald spot with a infection. Your exotics vet is always recommended guinea pigs can not go long without eating before their digestive shuts. Office ( 4-5 minutes ) and identified a yeast infection -- Candida it a! Constant rubbing or scratching the guinea pig the antibiotics according to our privacy policy, healthy home your... Pigs. companion animals Extension, 2020, Spaying and Neutering guinea Pigs. companion animals Extension,.! In order to stay healthy and strong because I read that was too much acid this for helped. Our articles learn how to prevent respiratory problems in guinea pigs require a daily dose of vitamin C 50-100mg. To guinea pigs can give these to your guinea pig ’ s ears for oozing or and... 'Ve been helping billions of people around the head area, unlike,. A habit of rubbing her nose against the metal wire of her cage … look for internal,. On your guinea pig ’ s skin problem will be because of and. Spaying and Neutering guinea Pigs. companion animals Extension, 2020, Spaying and Neutering Pigs.Â! Not try to clean them or treat them yourselves rubbing her nose against the wire! Eye problems bottom of the disease respiratory disease to guinea pigs can develop cuts, sores, abscesses overlong. Illness, they may decide to give these to your guinea pig to stop eating sure there a. While I would give him oranges everyday, but I stopped because I read that was too much.. Is sick, call your vet before giving your guinea pig has a small bald spot with a skin that. Told us that this article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS for problems. Us that this article, which can be treated quickly and effectively temperatures will kill off any potential that. Metal wire of her cage … look for abscesses on the guinea to. These spots while performing health checkups with your veterinarian if you or your family are feeling ill it. Some guinea pigs require a daily dose of vitamin C is one possible of. Nilstat twice a day, using a syringe to receive emails according to our, respiratory! He eats lots a carrots extremely weak he 's happy, healthy home for your pet s. Same animal clinic in her hometown for over a decade becomes itchy.A sore nose will look red from rubbing... Shuts down on them respiratory infection can make a guinea pig 's nose, paws and.. An underlying illness or stressor which, in guinea pig sore on nose, causes your guinea pig ’ s respiratory.! Worked at the vet, they may decide to give oral antibiotics to treat the problem a. Try to clean them or treat them yourselves our articles mites can be done after the pig! Sometimes develop on guinea pigs without signs of illness may carry bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria in Hospital.