[Gpdd] Care: gp diseases

[Misti Sefcik]

1. Guinea pigs, also called cavies, may suffer from vitamin C deficiency 
(also called scorbutus or scurvy). Signs of vitamin C deficiency include 
hemorrhage in the joints, gums, loose teeth, malocclusion, rough hair coat, 
loss of appetite, diarrhea, teeth grinding and vocalizations from pain, 
delayed wound healing, lameness and increased susceptibility to bacterial 
infections. Fractures of bones may spontaneously occur. Young, growing 
animals are most susceptible to scurvy. Diagnosis is usually made based on 
evaluation of the diet and the clinical signs, although a blood test to 
measure vitamin C levels is available. Most often, response to 
supplementation with vitamin C is the best way to confirm the diagnosis. 
Many ill guinea pigs will be suffering from subclinical scurvy, and will 
benefit from administration of supplemental vitamin C given by injection or 
orally.

2. Guinea pigs are prone to bladder stones (also called urolithiasis or 
urinary calculi). Females may develop bacterial bladder infection that leads 
to stone formation in the bladder. In some cases, a stone or stones can be 
palpated in the bladder by an experienced veterinarian, but often a 
radiograph may be necessary to diagnose this. In dogs and cats, it may be 
possible to dissolve a stone in the bladder by the administration of urinary 
acidifiers, but this generally won't work in guinea pigs. Antibiotics may be 
necessary to treat any infection, but surgery is usually required to remove 
stones. Unfortunately, there is little one can do to prevent stones from 
recurring (in dogs and cats, special diets can be given to prevent stones 
forming), and often repeated surgeries are necessary to remove stones as 
they form.

3. Guinea pigs may suffer from skin disease. A type of skin mite can cause 
severe disease, including intense itching, red, inflamed skin and hair loss. 
Often the skin is crusty and thickened, and it may have a bad odor. Lice may 
also infest cavies, also causing lesions, hair loss and rough hair coat. 
Diagnosis may be made by skin scrapings, biopsy of the skin or by the 
history and clinical signs. Some mites can temporarily infest humans. 
Treatment with medicated shampoos, dips safe for cats, pyrethrin-based flea 
powder or spray for cats or ivermectin (oral or injectable) can be 
administered by your vet. The environment should be thoroughly cleaned and 
disinfected as well.

4.Cavies can also become infected with ringworm, which is actually a fungal 
disease. The skin may appear crusty and itchy, and the hair loss pattern may 
be patchy. Ringworm can be cultured from lesions, or skin scrapings can be 
examined under the microscope. Treatment can be prescribed by your 
veterinarian using topical or oral medication.

5.Guinea pigs can suffer from heat stroke, which can be very serious, even 
fatal. Cavies have developed heat stroke at temperatures as low as 70-75 
degrees F. They cannot tolerate high temperatures, especially if they have 
been housed indoors with air conditioning. Temperatures above 80-85 degrees 
F can be fatal, especially in non-acclimated cavies. Guinea pigs suffering 
from heat stroke salivate profusely in their attempt to lower their body 
temperature. The diagnosis of heat stroke can be made based on the history 
and clinical signs. The body temperature will be elevated above the normal 
rectal temperature of 101.5-103 degrees F. The cavy will have shallow, rapid 
breathing, pale gums and it will be unresponsive. This can rapidly progress 
to coma and death. If a guinea pig is discovered that is showing signs of 
heat stroke, it should receive immediate emergency care. Before to taking it 
to the vet it should be given a cool bath and placed on a towel wet with 
cool water for transportation to the vet. The vet will give additional 
emergency treatment, but the prognosis for recovery is very poor.

                       God Bless,
                       Misti

_________________________________________________________________
Compare high-speed Internet plans, starting at $26.95.  
https://broadband.msn.com (Prices may vary by service area.)