Could you get sick from a guinea pig?
Dutch researchers say the rodents may carry germs tied to serious pneumonia. The bacteria, Chlamydia caviae (C. caviae), normally causes pink eye in guinea pigs. But three adults in the Netherlands wound up hospitalized for pneumonia after contact with guinea pigs resulted in their infection with C.
Can you get salmonella from a guinea pig?
People can still get a Salmonella infection from guinea pigs, because these animals can carry the bacteria even when they look healthy and clean.
What should I do if my guinea pig has a lump?
Allow your vet to perform additional testing. Your vet may want to run some extra tests to confirm the diagnosis of the lump. One type of test is called fine needle aspiration (FNA), during which your vet will use a small needle to withdraw a fluid sample from the lump.
What kind of skin problems do guinea pigs have?
Guinea pigs originate from Peru, where the climate is warm and dry. Fungal skin infection is a particular problem in the UK as there is always moisture in the air: cold and damp in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. Often, guinea pigs present with both fungal and parasitic problems at the same time and need treating for both. Endoparasites
How can you tell if a guinea pig has an abscess?
Your guinea pig may look fine on one day, then have a large abscess the next day. When you handle your guinea pig, gently open its mouth to see the abscess. If the abscess is in the jaw, you will see a large bump along your guinea pig’s jawline.
What should I do if my guinea pig has respiratory problems?
A tracheal wash, during which your vet would take a fluid sample from your guinea pig’s trachea, would allow your vet to identify the bacteria more accurately. Your guinea pig may need to be sedated so your vet can take the samples.
How can you tell if a guinea pig has a respiratory infection?
This discharge may be yellow or green if he has an infection. Your guinea pig’s eyes may look crusty from the discharge. His eyes may also look red. Conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the inner eyelid, can make eyes look red. It is usually seen with respiratory infections. Look at your guinea pig’s nose.
How can I tell if my guinea pig has an abscess in his neck?
An abscess in the neck could be a swelling of the lymph node in that area. Lymph nodes are small glands that help the body fight infection. An abscess can feel firm or soft. Helpful? Identify abscesses in your guinea pig’s mouth and jaw. Abscesses can also form in the mouth or jaw of a guinea pig.
Allow your vet to perform additional testing. Your vet may want to run some extra tests to confirm the diagnosis of the lump. One type of test is called fine needle aspiration (FNA), during which your vet will use a small needle to withdraw a fluid sample from the lump.
Is it normal for a guinea pig to get sick?
While they are usually healthy animals, there are a number of diseases that commonly affect pet guinea pigs. By knowing what the most common illnesses are, you can be better prepared to monitor for signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be getting sick.
Can salmonella kill guinea pigs?
Contract Diseases The two most worrisome diseases guinea pigs can pass to humans are salmonella and ringworm.
