Pets: The guinea pig health check
Q We have recently acquired two one-year-old guinea pigs. Do you have any general advice on keeping them healthy?
A Many guinea pig health problems are due to an inadequate diet and poor accommodation and hygiene.
An incorrect diet often leads to dental problems, skin disease and vitamin C deficiency (leading to scurvy, swollen joints and skin disease), while inadequate accommodation and poor hygiene can lead to respiratory problems, urinary diseases and a foot disease called pododermatitis.
Guinea pigs need space with hiding places and they need to be able to stand upright.
They are very susceptible to heat stroke, therefore it is important to keep them out of sunlight and in temperatures below 24 degrees.
Good quality dust-free hay constitutes the bulk of their diet and will keep teeth trim.
Hay can also be used as bedding. Straw may cause penetrating wounds. Wire mesh should not be used for flooring as it causes foot problems. Cleaning their hutch often is essential.
Diet can be supplemented with fresh guinea pig pellets (the vitamin C content decays over time) and with fresh vegetables.
It is hard to spot if a guinea pig is unwell so get to know their routine. Visit rspca.org.uk/ allaboutanimals/pets/rodents/ guineapigs for more information.
David Grant MBE has been a vet for 43 years and works at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals.
Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN
