Vitamin C Deficiency in Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs require certain amounts of vitamin C, and without it they develop a deficiency called scurvy. Vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs can be very serious and cause many problems, so pigs that have the issue should be treated immediately by a veterinarian.

  1. The Facts

    • According to Dr. Holly Nash of Doctors Foster and Smith, guinea pigs are different than other small mammals in their vitamin C requirements. Like humans, they lack an enzyme in their bodies that makes vitamin C and need to take supplements to provide the adequate amount. Guinea pig pellets contain vitamin C, but storage and light exposure can destroy it, which is why guinea pigs should always be feed supplements or vegetables that contain adequate amounts of the vitamin.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of scurvy can present themselves in a guinea pig within weeks of being fed an inadequate diet. Dr. Dawn Ruben of PetPlace.com states that guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiencies can develop diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, a loss of appetite and a rough hair coat. In addition, symptoms of scurvy include discharge from the eyes or nose, swollen and painful joints and crying when being handled.

    Diagnosis

    • According to Dr. Ruben, diagnosis of scurvy in a guinea pig can be rather difficult, as the symptoms are indicative of a variety of other illnesses. Joint issues are a common sign of scurvy and many vets treat guinea pigs with vitamin C if they have that problem.

    Treatment

    • The vitamin C can either be added to the guinea pig's food or water, or in serious cases, given via injection. If the scurvy is treated early enough, the guinea pig typically makes a full recovery and is kept on a maintenance dose of the vitamin. Recovery from scurvy usually takes about one week.

    Prevention

    • Feeding your guinea pig a diet that is rich in vitamin C is the easiest and most effective way to prevent scurvy. According to Dr. Nash, foods such as kale, broccoli, parsley, yellow and red peppers, and guava are excellent sources of vitamin C. Feed these types of veggies to your guinea pig, along with pellets that are formulated for them.