Guinea Pigs or cavy, also known as cuy are species belonging to the rodent family, Caviidae.
They are often a subject of study in various biology substreams such as Zoology or Biochemistry. They have a life span of around 5-7 years and are considered to be a social pet and prefer to stay in groups.if you have a busy schedule,but you will have to know about the animals who can adjust themselves in that lonely environment all the day around.
However they are often found to encounter a sudden death and after extensive research, few common causes of such sudden death could be identified.
Causes of Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs
A Drop in Temperature
Image Source
A sudden drop in the temperature is what causes the guinea pigs to die.
Their bodies are not adaptable to adjust with sudden drop in the temperature, which may thus result in fatal conditions since they are prone to develop respiratory infections.
Infestation of Mice
Infestation of mice in and around the breeding area of guinea pigs can be one of the major causes of Guinea pig deaths.
Some of the symptoms can be lack of movement, seizures, onset of lethargy, convulsions, lack of appetite, stroke, etc. Thus, ensure that the breeding ground for Guinea pigs are free of mice. Get the blood samples tested in case of any doubt.
Dystocia
Image Source
Guinea pigs are often at a risk during pregnancy since the babies are born larger in size and are quite active.
Especially those after 8 months of age who do not have any previous litter due to dystocia. Sometimes even spaying or neutering guinea pigs can become a risky affair.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a type of bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella Bacterium.
It basically occurs with the ingestion of food and water that is contaminated with infected feces or urine or even bedding material. They are also directly communicable. The infected guinea pig can be the source of transmission among others and even humans.
The symptoms can be dull appearance, weight loss, fever, and inflammation of the eye, enlarged spleen and liver, dehydration, loss of appetite.
Abscesses
Image Source
It is a collection of pus in a cavity that is being formed by the disintegration of cells.
It forms from a persistent inflammatory response caused by agents such fungi, bacteria, splinters, parasites, etc.
Symptoms of Abscesses can be redness, swelling, excessive salivation, bad breath, discharge or moistened fur, facial swellings, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, focal irritation or pain.
Administration of Antibiotics
Image Source
Antibiotics are often used in disease treatment. Generally, antibiotics are tested on Guinea Pigs.
But, sometimes, these guinea pigs have certain intolerance towards certain antibiotics.
Symptoms can be diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, etc. Sometimes, if the dosage administered is high, it may even result in fatal conditions for the Guinea Pig.
Also, they have a unique digestive system, which often makes them intolerant towards certain drugs and may cause death. It is one of the most common Causes of Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs.
Ileus
Image Source
It is very essential for guinea pigs to keep on eating as well as defecating. If any changes are seen in the normal process, such as lack of eating or defecating, it should raise an alarm; chances are the pet is suffering from Ileus.
A condition wherein gas build up in the gastrointestinal tract including stomach and intestines and due to the lack of normal peristalsis the food cannot be consumed and in turn, it causes discomfort and the gas is unable to leave the body. This can prove to be life-threatening for the pet.
Many people are there who keep wild animals in their home. So you can also think of that. Don’t worry, the animals will not harm you until and unless you harm them. I will mention few exotic animals that can be your good pet.
Ectoparasites
Image Source
Lice and mites generally cause this. It is characterized by hair loss, itching, and scratching. If the body of guinea pig is infested with lots of lice and mice, it has the potential to lead to fatal conditions.
Thus, if you are planning to adopt a guinea pig or is already having one, take into consideration the above Cause of Sudden Death in Guinea Pigs and ensure proper preventive measures to ensure a long life to them.
Hey my guinea pig died today in morning suddenly. I don’t know why yesterday night he was playing and I was holding him in arms and playing. But in morning he was no more. What have had happened to him?
I had two guinea pigs and one passed away a few months ago and now my other one just passed this morning, they were both very healthy, happy and loving pets, they showed no signs of illness and no changes were made since the day we got them three years ago. What could cause their death? I’m so confused, the only thing that’s weird is both of their eyes were wide open after they passed away..
My guniea pig passed away earlier this week, my boyfriend and I were playing with him on the bed, just petting him as he walks around. By the time I come back to feed him, he didn’t want to eat or drink water, and within half an hour he passed. With no warning signs, perfectly healthy, loved to play and eat, and then suddenly he was gone.
I had two guinea pigs, one of which i found dead this morning. I found him in the same spot and position he was sleeping in yesterday. I don’t always have time because of school work, my dog, and other things so there cage can get pretty dirty sometimes. Do you think it may have caused his death? He had also become a little obese, but didn’t gain any more weight which makes me wonder if he was a she and died in labor.
My piggy passed sometime last night. I had her out last evening and she acted perfect and happy. I thought she was thin as I could feel her ribs. She’d been eating drinking and defecating. I gave her all the goid vegetables and fruites. I’m just devastated. I don’t know what I did wrong. She was only 4 months old.
I came home from school today to find mine had passed he was 6( most likely died of age) but mine passed with eyes wide open too
RIP Charlie 2014-2020
Just like the two comments above, my guinea pig, age 4, was full of life, then several hours later I suddenly found him dead… no symptoms. Why?
my animals was having what seemed to be a fit it was rolling its hand with its mouth open unable to move it was eating and it seemed to want to eat but it suddenly dies after what looked to be loss of air flow