\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. While it wont cause problems for most guinea pigs, some pigs with extra active grease glands might need help with keeping it clean. Brimstone contributed the following pics to help illustrate how she takes care of her boar, Rocky. If your guinea pig reingests the pellets, mineral oil is the best lubricant to use for cleaning purposes. However, if the vulva is really swollen then there may be something more serious going on. Your vet will let you know how often the abscess should be flushed. [1] Some lumps can make guinea pigs very sick and uncomfortable if left untreated. As a guinea pig ages, the skin of the perineal sac becomes After cleaning, dry your guinea pig using a soft towel. This is called coprophagic behaviour. My sow ended up with an infection due to the backup of urine, poor girl. Be glad to see him. I plan to call first thing Monday if I need too. This may in turn become a multiple problem, because of course bacteria are present in the environment which cause no problem to a healthy animal but are opportunistic is it is ill. How do you clear a guinea pigs impaction? The quote she gave me was their price - she outright told me that they are higher than most family vets. Click on the photo for a larger image. Bloat is extremely painful. More commonly referred to as bladder stones, uroliths often form in the bladder of pet guinea pigs. Abscesses and lumps in guinea pigs - Net Vet Discharge from the nose and eyes and/or sneezing. The appearance may be similar to callouses, or small tumors on the bottom of the foot. How to Treat Lumps in Guinea Pigs: 12 Steps (with Pictures) Neutering is a surgical procedure and all surgical procedures carry real risks, even when performed by an experienced vet. Very young guinea pigs may also eat their mother's soft droppings. He was eating some hay a minute ago too. This is called coprophagic behaviour. How do you fix an impaction in a guinea pig? This could lead to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thanks for the advice. Also, it is advised that you allow your vet to give your Guinea pigs the antibiotics and leave them there while they are being treated. In most cases, these can be treated quickly and effectively. One is the poo we all know and expect, but the other is a compound of vitamins and proteins that help the guinea pig digest B vitamins. Why Is My Guinea Pig Bleeding? (Causes & What To Do) If you gently squeeze it, you will see a solid lump of poo. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I checked with the local pet store, and they suggested a bath/swimming to clean her bottom, and mentioned that it could be due to a dirty cage. Wash your guinea pig's anal sack with warm water and dry it with a soft clean towel. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 90,549 times. I'm certainly glad it's not a stone. This can make them uncomfortable, and add to the pain. Guinea pig bloat occurs when gas builds up in your pets gastrointestinal intestinal tract. Lice and Demodex mange mites are conditions that can both cause itching and hair loss. Its also easier to clean if addressed regularly before youre dealing with a big, clumpy mess! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Reactions:Fifi's piggies Fifi's piggies New Born Pup Joined May 18, 2020 Messages 20 Housing your guinea pigs in suitable accommodation is key to reducing their risk of developing skin conditions. I have an almost 4 year old female guinea pig (or so I believe, rescue weren't 100% sure of her age when I got her). Why does my guinea pig have a swollen bum? The test to identify bacteria is called a culture.. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. I am taking her to the Animal ER 75 miles away. Often, the term 'lumps' refers to swollen neck lymph nodes that become abscesses (pockets of infection). Come on ladies, now let's not have a competition. Ill let you know what happens. Be aware before introducing any new guinea pigs if they seem to have any skin conditions. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Don't take too much notice of the vet. Before introducing food or bedding into the cage, make a habit of freezing it for a day. Now i am not saying your pig has it but get checked out. She holds a BS in Anthropology from Loyola University and an MA in Anthropology from Northern Illinois University. Caecal pellets are trapped on their way out of the rectum in an area called the perineal sac and the larger, harder fecal pellets are pushed out. Anal impaction is most often encountered in older boars, unusual in females. It is commonly referred to as "boar glue". Second photo, Brimstone opens the sac to gently remove the impacted material: Two views of how to rinse using a 6cc syringe and warm water: "This is what Rocky's sac looks like when it's inverted. It could be one of a few things, like an abscess, skin tumor, or cyst. | VCA Animal Hospitals I am sure someone will be along soon though xx. Bladder stones are often found on radiographs being taken for a diagnosis of ileus and must be surgically removed. In some guinea pigs, the harder pellets can still be expelled. Quick grease gland checks are a recommended part of normal care and grooming.