Pure Black Guinea Pig has shiny black fur all over its body, also known as Dutch Pig, Dutch Guinea Pig, Cavy, Porcupine, Guinea Pig. Their ancestors came from the Andes Mountains in South America and were brought to the Western world by European merchants in the 16th century. People liked this small animal as a pet. They are gentle, cute, and easy to care for, and are still common pets. Some organizations around the world are dedicated to breeding guinea pigs, and they have cultivated various breeds with different colors and shapes.
Pure Black Guinea Pig, named because its fur is all black. This guinea pig is small in size, with a total body length of no more than 40mm and a weight of no more than 700g. It has big round eyes and small round ears. It has three lips and split upper lip. It has short limbs with four toes on the front foot and three toes on the back foot, and no tail. It has a lively and lovely personality and a daring and charming temperament, so it has become a favorite of many guinea pig enthusiasts. The Pure Black Guinea Pig is medium-sized, weighing 1-1.5 kg and measuring 20-30 cm in length. It has a large head, short neck, round ears, no tail, short and stout body, and short limbs. Its compact body shape helps to retain heat and is resistant to cold but not to heat. Its fur is hard and shiny, like fine thorns, with limbs contracted, four toes on the front foot, three toes on the back foot, and no tail. Its entire body is pure black and shiny, making it a very popular fur color. 1. It cannot synthesize vitamin C internally (in the liver and intestines) and must obtain vitamin C from dry feed. Humans, primates, and guinea pigs lack the enzyme to synthesize vitamin C, so when keeping guinea pigs, it is necessary to add vitamin C to the feed or drinking water, or give fresh vegetables. When vitamin C is deficient, symptoms of scurvy appear, one of which is semi-paralysis of the hind limbs. It is especially prone to occur in winter and the symptoms disappear after supplementing vitamin C. 2. The ear canal is sensitive, and dry guinea pigs are used for auditory experiments. Guinea pigs are most sensitive to pure tones of 700-2000 Hz. For example, 2000 Hz audio is commonly used to observe the ototoxicity of neomycin in the inner ear.
Recommended for small pet lovers, there are many tiny blood vessels on the ears for heat dissipation, and they have good hearing. The eyes have a good field of view and can see clearly. The nose has a sensitive sense of smell and is dry and soft. There are two long teeth (front teeth) in front of the mouth, each about 1 cm long, mainly used for biting/cutting food, and also as a weapon for aggressive attacks during fights.
Scabies Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) - caused by a low level of vitamin C in the diet. This can lead to defects in collagen formation. There is immature bone formation and increased bone resorption. Fractures (most commonly in the proximal tibia) and swelling, deformed, joint flattening. Bleeding can be seen throughout the body (due to vascular collagen defects). Animals become lethargic, anemic, and reluctant to move. Joints may swell and may fracture, requiring supplementation of vitamin C in drinking water and diet.
Streptococcal lymphadenitis - the lymph nodes in the neck become filled with purulent swelling, eventually rupturing and oozing. Has a high infection rate and high mortality rate. It may cause bacteremia and systemic infections that cannot be resisted. Streptococcus zooepidemicus is the main culprit (but other pyogenic bacteria can also be seen). It is recommended to reintroduce clean animals into the population.
Antibiotic Toxicity - like most rodents, almost all antibiotics cause diarrhea, ultimately leading to death. Traditionally, it was believed that death was caused by moderate growth of Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have shown that toxins produced by Clostridial bacteria, which belong to Gram-positive bacteria, are also important factors in death. Therefore, antibiotic treatment can only last for a short period of time (no more than seven days).
Spontaneous diabetes mellitus - Abyssinian guinea pigs commonly have this disease, which may be caused by a virus (retrovirus). C-type retrovirus particles have been detected in the urine of infected animals.
Guinea Pig Leukemia - can be found in both strains of animals, infected animals are in poor condition and can have splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. The number of blood leukocytes may be as high as 250,000/mm3. It is a lymphoid leukemia and will progress to weakness before virus-induced death.
Foot Skin Disease - foot injuries are due to floor materials or walking on feces. It is difficult to treat effectively. Prevention is the key.
Pneumonia - Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common pathogen. Rabbits, pigs, dogs, and other species of animals that carry asymptomatic Bordetella bronchiseptica should not be mixed with guinea pigs in the same house.
Ringworm: very common. Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the most common pathogen causing guinea pig ringworm.
But be aware that stimulating foods such as garlic, chili, onions (green onions, shallots), ginger, and non-vegetables should not be fed to them. In addition to carrots, sweet potatoes, small cucumbers, and cucumbers, they like leafy vegetables: cabbage, water spinach, sweet potato leaves, Chinese cabbage, qingjiang vegetables, celery, and western lettuce, among others. They also like corn and cauliflower. As for potatoes, we all know that potatoes produce toxins when they sprout, and if consumed in large quantities, they can be fatal. Therefore, special attention should be paid when feeding guinea pigs potatoes. Fruits such as apples, pears, papayas, and watermelons are also suitable, but be careful not to give them fruits with high sugar content or give them too much at once, as they might go bad quickly or attract ants. If you have an empty space or balcony at home, you can grow some vegetables or grass for guinea pigs to eat. You can buy seeds from flower shops or seed stores, or use the leftover roots of plants or carrot tops for planting. In addition to sprouted vegetables, the nutritional value of ordinary sprouts is not high, so it is best to wait until the leaves are large enough before picking them for them to eat. Hay provides the necessary nutrition for guinea pigs. The large amount of fiber in it not only allows guinea pigs to chew, but also helps maintain their digestive and excretory system. A large amount of dry hay should be provided to guinea pigs every day. The popular dry hay includes Timothy and alfalfa. Timothy hay has lower calcium content and is suitable for guinea pigs, but its fibers are rough, and some guinea pigs do not like to chew on it. The leaves of alfalfa are finer in fiber and guinea pigs tend to chew on it, but because of its high calcium content, it can easily cause stones and should be used in small amounts.
After taking a shower, dry a small part of the water and lay a towel on yourself, then hold the guinea pig and blow it. Students who have prepared food can give it to them at this time. The reason for laying the fur on the body is that the guinea pig is still warm, which can prevent the guinea pig from getting wet. It can also help absorb the water under its belly. We often can't dry the water under the belly, but we are afraid that the guinea pig will catch a cold if we blow it over. The guinea pig will also be very uncomfortable. So laying a towel is very useful. Giving the guinea pig something to eat is to divert its attention to the food. Many guinea pigs are not used to hairdryers and are afraid of the sound of hairdryers, so they will either hide in their clothes or run away. With something to eat, the guinea pig's attention will be diverted and it won't run away. After the guinea pig finishes eating, its brain will naturally adapt to the hairdryer a little bit, and it won't run away so fiercely, or even run at all.
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