The pigs are healthy and hardy.They also have GI tracts that are sensitive.Poor diet, recent illness, and stress are some of the factors that can keep a guinea pig's GI tract from working.A poorly-functioning GI tract can cause a sick pig.If you notice signs of illness in your guinea pig, you should take it to the vet for a diagnosis.
Step 1: A bloated abdomen can be detected.
A common GI problem in guinea pigs is a near complete slowdown of food moving through the GI tract.The GI tract of a guinea pig can become enlarged due to GI stasis.Immediate veterinary treatment is required for a bloated abdomen.The abdomen can fill up with gas if something blocks normal food movement.A bloated abdomen can appear suddenly.
Step 2: Examine your pig's mouth.
GI problems in guinea pigs are often caused by dental problems.A pig has teeth that grow throughout its life.If these teeth grow too big, they can cause pain in the mouth and make it hard for a pig to eat.Without being able to eat, a pig can develop GI stasis.The two large, curved teeth in the center of your guinea pig's mouth are called Incisors.The back of the mouth is where the molars are located.If your guinea pig has a painful mouth, it may not allow you to examine it.
Step 3: If you see fecal staining on the hind end, it is time to check it out.
There are pigs that can develop a disease.The fur on the hind end of a guinea pig can contain fecal material.If your guinea pig is not feeling well, look at its hind end, rather than picking it up.
Step 4: Take a look at your guinea pig.
A guinea pig with GI problems may hunch its body over.If your guinea pig is hunched over and not moving much, it may have a GI problem.
Step 5: The fur of your pig.
If your pig has a GI problem, it won't be able to groom itself.The fur of your pig might look a little ruffled because of this.
Step 6: There are changes in pooping.
GI problems can cause abnormal pooping behavior.A pig may get sick.It could start pooping less and then stop.When you clean the guinea pig's cage, look for its fecal pellets.You may not see any pellets, or very loose stools.Fecal pellet are small and hard to see.If something is blocking your pig's rectum, the fecal pellets will be soft and smelly.Older guinea pigs have blocked rectums.Constipation is not indicated when a guinea pig produces little to no fecal pellets.The guinea pig is eating less.
Step 7: It's possible to detect a decrease in appetite.
A guinea pig with a GI problem will eat less and less.It is possible for your guinea to stop eating its pellets and only eat treats.You will know your pig isn't feeling well if it refuses the treats it normally likes.A decreased appetite will cause your pig to lose weight.
Step 8: Determine if the animal has less energy.
A healthy pig is active and playful.A sick guinea pig won't have much strength or energy.Major weakness can be caused by bloating.A weak guinea pig won't move around a lot.This could be a sign of pain if your guinea pig doesn't want to move.
Step 9: Observe teeth grinding.
When a pig is in pain, it can grind its teeth.Don't be surprised if your guinea pig grinds its teeth if it is in pain due to a GI problem.If your guinea pig's teeth are too big, it could cause more pain.
Step 10: Take your pet to the vet immediately.
If you notice symptoms of GI problems in your guinea pig, don't wait to see if they go away on their own.They will not.Your guinea pig needs to be diagnosed and treated by your vet as soon as possible.A guinea pig can die if it doesn't eat for 12 to 24 hours.
Step 11: Allow your vet to check out your pet.
Your vet will conduct a physical examination of your pet.They will pay attention to their abdomen.Your vet may be able to detect gas in the abdomen, as well as decreased gut sounds, if your guinea pig's abdomen is bloated.Food is moving through the GI tract.A bloated abdomen can be very painful for a guinea pig, so it may be sensitive to being touched.Your vet may be able to detect fecal material in the large intestine.Your vet will take your guinea pig's temperature during the physical exam.GI problems can lower a pig's temperature.Your vet will need a detailed history of your GI symptoms.Explain when you first noticed the symptoms, what the fecal pellets look like, and if your guinea pig has stopped eating.
Step 12: Your vet will analyze your pig's urine and blood.
Your vet may be able to determine the underlying cause of the GI problem with the help of blood and urine samples.Blood work can show inflammation in the intestine.Blood and urine samples are normal in guinea pigs with GI problems.
Step 13: Allow the vet to take x-rays of your pig.
Your vet would be able to see your pig's GI tract with X-rays.There are X-ray findings that show gas-filled stomach, cecum, and small fecal balls in the large intestine.