What are the common diseases and ailments of guinea pigs? What ...

[berenicecastro]

What are the common diseases and ailments of guinea pigs? What are the causes, symptoms, treatments,
  and control methods?

 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the common foodstuffs for guinea pigs?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Jmfn03]

Answer to Question 1

Respiratory diseasesThese are caused by bacteria and environmental conditions. Animals are usually
lethargic and listless, have discharges from the nose, and sneeze. Take animal to a veterinarian, and start
treatment immediately.
 Swellings on the neckThese are caused by bacteria infections that enter through cuts and abrasions of the
oral mucosa or upper respiratory tract. Isolate infected animals, and take the infected animals to a veterinarian.
 ToxemiaToxemia is caused by feeding a poor-quality diet; fat and overweight females are most usually
affected. Animals become lethargic, go off feed, refuse to eat, and have difficulty breathing. A high-quality
diet is essential during late stages of pregnancy.
 ParasitesMites and biting lice are the most common. Severe lesions and hair loss over entire body are
indicative of parasites. Insecticide preparations used on cats are generally effective.
 MalocclusionThe upper and lower teeth do not come together properly; it is probably an inherited trait.
Animals with this condition should not be mated. A veterinarian could correct the condition.

Answer to Question 2

Guinea pig pellets are available that contain all the nutrients needed. These pellets are hard and serve to wear
the teeth down.
Pellets that have high alfalfa content and dry alfalfa hay are suitable for young, growing guinea pigs and
pregnant females. Clover and grass hay pellets and dry clover and grass hays with low protein content are
more desirable for grown animals. It is important that hay not be moldy, musty, or dusty; moldy hay can be
fatal. The pellets and dry hay also help to wear the animal's teeth down.
Romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, carrots, apples, pears, turnips, beets, and cucumbers are also favorite
foods of guinea pigs. Iceberg lettuce should be avoided because it is less nutritious and may lead to diarrhea.
Wheat, corn, and oats are high-protein foods that can be added to the diet.