window.templatePath = 'http://www.guinea-pig-information.co.uk/'; Shop Herbivore Treats ... Palatino Guinea Pig Health Guinea pigs tend to be fairly robust and healthy creatures if fed and housed correctly and provided they originate from healthy stock themselves. I have heard a number of tales of woe where guinea pigs were bought from a pet superstore and fell sick within days, incurring large vets bills. The signs that a guinea pig is healthy are fairly obvious - eyes, ears, mouth and bottom should be free from soiling or discharge. Feet should be clean. Coat should be in good condition without scabs or patches of fur missing. Teeth should align nicely The main health problems guinea pigs suffer from tend to be parasitic or fungal skin problems which commonly occur during major seasonal changes such as occur in Spring and Autumn Other things that guinea pig owners worry about, but which are quite common and not too serious, are sticky bottom in boars and a build up of waxy material around the 'grease spot' of guinea pigs of both sexes. If this waxy build up on the grease spot becomes excessive, it can be removed using a solvent cleaner designed for use on human skin, such as the stuff used to remove bandaid type plasters available from pharmacies or even Swarfega hand gel. A gentle wash in mild soapy water and then rinsing to remove any residue is recommended. Another common problem affecting guinea pigs seems to be urinary tract problems including gravel or stones in the urinary tract or cystitis. These heath problems seem to me to have both a dietary and an environmental factor. The prevalence of urinary calculus, or lithiasis, in guinea pigs is almost certainly connected with some imbalance in the calcium and other mineral levels in the diet. A healthy urinary tract requires correct levels of fluid in the diet and there are some guinea pigs who do not drink enough from a standard water bottle to compensate for the lack of moisture in a predominantly dry diet. In the wild, guinea pigs consume moisture as part of the plant material which forms their natural diet. | |
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