Q: How do I know my guinea pig is ill and that I should take him to the vet?
A: Guinea pigs are generally very hardy animals, but, like all rodents, they are very vulnerable to stress associated with poor care, the wrong diet or even temperatures that are too warm or too cold.
Your sick guinea pig will often be reluctant to eat and can even start losing weight. He may have a rough, unkempt appearance with hair sticking up, and display a hunched posture.
Sick guinea pigs typically appear tired, reluctant to move, and may seem disinterested in their surroundings. Discharge from his eyes and nose can also be present, or in severe cases he may have diarrhoea.
Owners often describe their sick guinea pig’s eyes as being ‘dull’. No one knows your pet as well as you do, and any change in normal behaviour might be a sign of disease warranting a visit to your vet.
Dr Johan Jordaan, veterinarian
