Guinea pig (scientific name: Caviaporcellus), also known as a domestic guinea pig. Guinea pig is a tailless rodent with a compact and stout body. It has small petal-shaped ears on both sides of the head and a small triangular mouth. Guinea pigs like to live in groups, have a habit of scratching people, do not like to climb and jump, have a gentle nature, are easily frightened, and sometimes make squeaky screams. They like dry and clean living environments. They have collective behaviors during activity, rest, and feeding, and sleep tightly together. When kept in single cages, they are prone to pododermatitis. There are autocratic social behaviors within the group, with 1-2 male guinea pigs in dominant positions, and a group consisting of one male and multiple females forming a stable structure. They mainly eat the green parts of plants, with weeds (such as dry Timothy grass, alfalfa, oat hay, barley grass, wheat grass, etc.) as their main food. They also like to eat fresh fruits and vegetables such as green peppers, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. However, foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables, should not be overfed, as it can cause diarrhea in guinea pigs, and cruciferous vegetables and starchy foods should be avoided.
The first record of guinea pigs in the Western world dates back to 1554 and was made by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner. This scientific name, consisting of two words, was first adopted by Oxleben in 1777 and is a combination of the species name and genus name in zoology. They are kept as pets worldwide and used as food in South America. In addition, they are often used as subjects for biomedical research on diseases such as scurvy, tuberculosis, juvenile diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Due to their domestication, guinea pigs do not suffer from natural predation. Guinea pigs are extinct in the wild and can only live in captivity. They inhabit rock slopes, grasslands, forest edges, and swamps.
1. Tumors
Pet symptoms: When pet is touched, there is an obvious bump on a certain part of the body, and the bump gets bigger over time.
Like humans, guinea pigs can develop tumors when their body cells become abnormal. Tumors can be benign or malignant. When a tumor is found on a guinea pig's body, a tissue slice examination is needed to diagnose the nature of the tumor. If the tumor is malignant, surgery is necessary. However, after surgery, there is still a chance for malignant cells to spread to other parts, causing tumor metastasis and recurrence.
2. Skin diseases
Pet symptoms: Guinea pigs may have hair loss, scratching, redness, and shedding of the skin.
First, keep the environment clean and dry, actively consult a veterinarian, and seek good medical advice. Finally, conduct relevant examinations such as skin microscopy for the pet to determine the corresponding medication after judging the skin problem.
3. Heart disease
Pet symptoms: Loss of appetite, poor activity, and difficulty breathing.
If a guinea pig experiences the above symptoms, it may be suspected of having heart disease. Consult a veterinarian actively, and after a professional consultation by the veterinarian, conduct detailed examinations according to the veterinarian's advice. For example, an X-ray examination can be performed to observe if there is left ventricular hypertrophy and other diseases. After the condition is diagnosed, in order to stabilize the condition, treatment can be given using drugs such as cardiac glycosides and vasodilators.
4. Malocclusion
Symptoms: Drooling, inability to close the mouth completely, loss of appetite, etc.
Suggested treatment: To prevent malocclusion in guinea pigs, regularly provide them with harder foods or mineral stones for them to chew on. If malocclusion is found in a guinea pig, a veterinarian should be consulted to file down their teeth.
5. Constipation
Pet symptoms: Obvious reduction in bowel movements, even no stool.
When the pet's living environment changes, guinea pigs may experience constipation. In addition, guinea pigs may also suffer from constipation due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
First, keep the cage clean. Secondly, provide the pet with fresh and fibrous food and enough water. Under the guidance of a professional veterinarian, use specific medications. For severe cases, timely medical treatment is required.
6. Cold
Pet symptoms: Drooping ears, lethargy, wet nose, decreased activity.
If a guinea pig catches a cold, it should not be delayed and should be treated as soon as possible. If the problem is not very serious, one can try using some anti-inflammatory drugs for treatment. However, the dosage must be controlled. Guinea pig colds can be prevented by feeding them foods that are rich in vitamin C on a daily basis. At the same time, take appropriate measures to keep them warm and avoid placing the cage in a place with strong winds.
After preparing a basin of warm water, you can put the guinea pig in the water. Pay attention to the water level being lower than its head, that is, below the mouth position. Hold the guinea pig's hands or chest with one hand, and hold its hindquarters with the other hand, then slowly put it into the water. Because its fur is thick, it needs to be rubbed or combed against the hair to reach deep areas that can be wetted thoroughly.
Then put the guinea pig on a flat bathing tray, apply specialized bath liquid, just like we take a bath, pay attention to avoiding the eyes, mouth, nose, ears, etc. When applying, be gentle and try to reach every part. Of course, you can also use a specialized comb. When cleaning the belly, you can lift its front paws higher so that you can wash the belly. At the same time, clean the anus, paws, and other small parts.
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