What Diseases Are Female Guinea Pigs Prone To?

Female guinea pigs are prone to many of the same diseases that affect males, such as vitamin C deficiency, bladder stones, ringworm and heat stroke. In addition, the reproductive system of female guinea pigs often suffers from diseases specific to gender. Owners of female guinea pigs, especially those used in breeding programs, should remain aware of these conditions to avoid health complications that the animal may be unable to overcome.

  1. Mastitis

    • This disease is evidenced by the hardening and swelling of the mammary glands when a female guinea pig is nursing her young. The mammary glands or teats become swollen and red. They often feel hot to human touch. The condition is highly painful to the animal. Often times, a pus-like substance somewhat resembling cottage cheese will ooze out from the teat. This is a very serious condition limiting the animal's ability to nurse her young. Consult a veterinarian, who may recommend antibiotics.

    Milk Fever

    • Veterinarians term this condition pregnancy toxaemia. An inadequate level of calcium in the blood causes milk fever. It affects female guinea pigs in late pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Females suffering from this condition become lethargic and uninterested in normal activity. A veterinarian can administer an intravenous drug with additional calcium to correct the imbalance.

    Hair Loss

    • This is yet another condition connected to hormonal issues with female guinea pigs. Known as alopecia, female guinea pigs often lose significant amounts of hair during the later weeks of pregnancy. Veterinary researchers suspect this is caused by a hormonal imbalance but have yet to find a direct link or a potential cure. In most cases, the hair grows back within a couple of weeks of giving birth.

    Cystic Ovaries

    • Owners may not detect this common condition in female guinea pigs unless the animals are entered in a breeding program. The exact cause of ovarian cysts in not known, and the only recommended preventive measures involve maintaining good general health. Ovarian cysts often form on both ovaries, and each ovary commonly has one or more cysts. In animals used for breeding, a veterinarian can drain the cysts using an aspiration needle guided by ultrasound. Unfortunately, the cysts return in most cases. For animals not being used in breeding, veterinarians recommend spaying the animal to remove the uterus and ovaries.