Guinea pig health checks: teeth, weight, skin, breathing and when to see a vet

TUREFF• •0

Guinea pigs are prey animals, and prey animals hide weakness. By the time a guinea pig looks obviously unwell, it is often quite ill. That is why a quick routine check at home, and a vet who knows guinea pigs, make such a difference. This guide explains what to look for. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice, and nothing here should be read as a treatment plan.

Weigh them weekly

A sudden change in weight is often the first sign of illness, before anything else is visible. Weigh each guinea pig once a week on kitchen scales, at the same time of day, and write it down. A steady downward trend over a couple of weeks, or a sharp drop, is a reason to call your vet even if they seem fine.

Teeth

Guinea pig teeth grow throughout life and need constant wear from chewing hay. When they do not wear evenly, the cheek teeth can overgrow, form sharp spurs or trap the tongue.

Look at the front teeth: they should be even and not overgrown or broken.
Watch eating: dropping food, chewing slowly, choosing only soft food, or seeming hungry but not eating are warning signs.
Check for a wet chin or drooling, and for weight loss.

You cannot see the back teeth at home. A vet examines them properly and may need X-rays. Never try to clip or file teeth yourself.

Eyes, ears and nose

Eyes should be bright and clear, with no discharge, cloudiness or swelling.
Ears should be clean, without crusting or a smell.
The nose should be dry, with no discharge or crusting.

Breathing

Breathing should be quiet and regular. Any of these needs a vet promptly:

Wheezing, clicking or rattling sounds
Sneezing that persists, or discharge from the nose or eyes
Laboured breathing, with the sides heaving
Lethargy combined with any of the above

Respiratory infections can progress quickly in guinea pigs.

Skin and coat

Part the fur and look at the skin, especially on the back and around the rump.

Healthy: a clean, even coat and smooth skin.
Worrying: intense scratching, hair loss, scabs, flaky skin, sores, or a guinea pig that cries out when touched. Mites and fungal infections are common causes and need a vet's diagnosis and treatment.

Feet and bottom

Check the soles for redness, swelling or sores. Bumblefoot is linked to dirty or hard flooring and being overweight.
Look at nails, which may need regular trimming. Ask your vet to show you how if you are unsure.
Check the rear end is clean. A dirty bottom can lead to flystrike in warm weather, and older boars can develop impaction that needs veterinary advice.

Droppings and urine

Droppings should be plentiful, firm and oval. Fewer or smaller droppings, diarrhoea, or no droppings at all are warning signs. Blood in the urine, straining or squeaking while weeing can point to bladder stones or infection.

Emergencies

Call a vet the same day if a guinea pig:

Has stopped eating or drinking, even for a few hours
Has produced no droppings
Is hunched, lethargic or unwilling to move
Is breathing with difficulty
Has diarrhoea
Shows signs of heatstroke or has had an injury or fall

Finding the right vet

Not every vet practice sees guinea pigs regularly. Look for one with an exotics or small mammal interest, ideally before you need it. Ask how often they treat guinea pigs, whether they do dental work under anaesthetic, and what happens out of hours. Many owners keep the details of an emergency practice that sees exotics in their phone. Do not give guinea pigs medicines intended for people or other pets. Some common antibiotics are dangerous to them, so any medication should only come from a vet who has examined your guinea pig. What does your weekly health check look like? Share tips, or ask questions about something you have noticed, in the comments.