Prey animals are wired to suppress illness
Early warning signs
Prey animals are wired to suppress signs of illness
As guinea pigs are prey animals, they often continue to act as 'normal' even when they are unwell, as in the wild they would be picked off by a predator if they showed signs of weakness. Unfortunately this can make it hard for us as guinea-pig owners to notice when a piggy may be unwell. If you see signs of illness, your piggy is likely alread rather unwell. Unlike with larger pets you often can't wait for days or weeks before you need a guinea pig seen by a vet.
Some early warning signs
1. Sitting 'puffed up' in the corner - often the guinea is huddled up into a ball, hair slightly on end (head in corner is a classic sign of a poorly pig!)
2. Dull, sunk or weepy eyes
3. Dribbling, wet under the chin
4. Loose poops or discoloured wee
5. Weight loss - which is why it's so important to weigh your guineas and keep a note regularly, as they can lose significant weight without appearing much smaller under all that hair!
6. Any change in or loss of appetite; eating less, drinking more or less
7. Change in behaviour - i.e not coming forward for food, less active than usual, tender to pick up
8. Change in coat / skin - hairloss, bald patches, scratches, any lumps or bumps
9. Swelling or ballooning up in stomach area
10. Limping or hopping walk
You know your guinea pig best and if they're not acting normally it could be cause for concern. Observe, monitor and seek veterinary attention if necessary as early diagnosis could save your guinea's life.
Here are more forum resources for learning what is normal and what not, how monitor health and how soon to see a vet:
Guinea pig body quirks - What is normal and what not?
Weight - Monitoring and Management
Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
First Aid Kit: Easily available non-medication support products for an emergency
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
Hope this helps
Sophie
x
Early warning signs
Prey animals are wired to suppress signs of illness
As guinea pigs are prey animals, they often continue to act as 'normal' even when they are unwell, as in the wild they would be picked off by a predator if they showed signs of weakness. Unfortunately this can make it hard for us as guinea-pig owners to notice when a piggy may be unwell. If you see signs of illness, your piggy is likely alread rather unwell. Unlike with larger pets you often can't wait for days or weeks before you need a guinea pig seen by a vet.
Some early warning signs
1. Sitting 'puffed up' in the corner - often the guinea is huddled up into a ball, hair slightly on end (head in corner is a classic sign of a poorly pig!)
2. Dull, sunk or weepy eyes
3. Dribbling, wet under the chin
4. Loose poops or discoloured wee
5. Weight loss - which is why it's so important to weigh your guineas and keep a note regularly, as they can lose significant weight without appearing much smaller under all that hair!
6. Any change in or loss of appetite; eating less, drinking more or less
7. Change in behaviour - i.e not coming forward for food, less active than usual, tender to pick up
8. Change in coat / skin - hairloss, bald patches, scratches, any lumps or bumps
9. Swelling or ballooning up in stomach area
10. Limping or hopping walk
You know your guinea pig best and if they're not acting normally it could be cause for concern. Observe, monitor and seek veterinary attention if necessary as early diagnosis could save your guinea's life.
Here are more forum resources for learning what is normal and what not, how monitor health and how soon to see a vet:
Guinea pig body quirks - What is normal and what not?
Weight - Monitoring and Management
Signs of Pain in Guinea Pigs
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
First Aid Kit: Easily available non-medication support products for an emergency
All About Syringe Feeding and Medicating Guinea Pigs with Videos and Pictures
Hope this helps
Sophie
x
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