 |
How to spot the signs of guinea pig arthritis and how to treat it
If your guinea pig is near 4 years old, you’ve probably noticed signs of aging already. They might sleep more, move more slowly and have a harder time keeping on weight. And, if you notice your older guinea pig limping or wobbling when they wake up and start moving, you might want to get them to the vet for a check up.
It could be guinea pig arthritis.
How to recognize, prevent and treat guinea pig arthritis
To help you understand this common age-related issue in guinea pigs, Dr. Suzanne Moyes, a guinea pig vet and the in-house cavy expert at Burgess Pet Care, shares advice for how to recognize the signs of guinea pig arthritis and how to prevent and treat it.
What are the signs a guinea pig may have arthritis?
Dr. Moyes says: “Studies have shown that the top welfare issues guinea pigs face include small housing, inappropriate diets and inappropriate handling, which may be contributing factors to developing osteoarthritis.”
To spot the signs of arthritis in your guinea pig, Dr. Moyes recommends you keep an eye out for the following symptoms and signs your pig could be in pain:
- Stiff movements
- Moving less or showing signs of difficulty when doing so
- Wobbliness when moving,
- Irritability
- Staining at their back end
How to reduce the risk of arthritis in guinea pigs?
The most important way to prevent guinea pig arthritis is to ensure your guinea pig has a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Dr. Moyes also shares 4 ways to help help manage arthritis in guinea pig…
