TEETH
Guinea pigs’ teeth grow continuously throughout life and rely on gnawing and wear from the opposing teeth to keep their length correct. If teeth do not meet properly – known as malocclusion – or if one tooth is lost, the wear will not occur, and the teeth grow longer and longer, making feeding difficult and finally impossible. Overgrown teeth can be cut, but the growth continues and repeated dental treatments are necessary. Back teeth must be examined and filed under anaesthetic.
An affected guinea pig may be salivating and spending a lot of time trying to eat, while getting more and more hungry. Fortunately this problem is much less common than in rabbits.

ABSCESSES
Abscesses, usually as a result of fights and bites, are quite common in male guinea pigs, and will often need surgical opening and drainage. Antibiotics must be used with care in guinea pigs, however modern ones are much safer and more effective than in the past.

MITES AND RINGWORM
Skin irritation by a mite called Trixacarus is very common in all guinea pigs, but especially in young animals, nursing sows and old animals that are less than fully fit. The mites are present in many apparently healthy animals and only cause trouble when some other factor reduces the general health. The irritation is intense and the guinea pig can rub itself raw. Treatment is commonly by a course of parasiticidal injections, drops or washes. Prolonged treatment is essential and the hutch must be cleaned as well. Like all skin conditions, a proper diagnosis must be made first, so the itchy guinea pig must see the vet.
Ringworm can affect guinea pigs (and their owners) and can only be diagnosed by the vet.

VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY
Vitamin C deficiency in the diet will cause scurvy, because guinea pigs do not manufacture their own vitamin C. This disease is characterised by acutely painful joints and a refusal to move or eat much. Without Vitamin C the guinea pig will die, but supplying the missing vitamin results in a spectacular recovery. However this disease is completely avoidable by feeding a specific guinea pig diet and regular provision of fresh vegetables.

DIARRHOEA
Sudden changes in diet, such as gorging on green food after a week without any, may cause severe digestive upsets and diarrhoea. Keep the feeding regime consistent all the time, and if you need to change the food, do it very gradually. Bacterial diarrhoea can be very serious.

BIRTH COMPLICATIONS
Birth can have complications, especially if only one baby is present. This one will tend to be oversized. There are obvious signs of distress and unproductive straining by the sow. Do not just hope – contact your vet. He may be able to deliver in the conventional way, if not, Caesarean section is perfectly feasible.
Sows that are overfat or go off their food in late pregnancy can become very ill with “pregnancy toxaemia” which can be difficult to treat - so avoid fat breeding sows and always have fresh food and water available during pregnancy.

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