Scurvy! If Guinea Pigs don’t eat enough Vitamin C in their diet, they’re prone to developing a Vitamin C deficiency known as scurvy. Scurvy is caused by a lack of Vitamin C, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth, proper wound healing and tissue repair. When left untreated, this deficiency can cause serious health problems and even death in some cases.
The primary cause of this in Guinea Pigs is a lack of dietary Vitamin C. Many commercially available diets don’t contain enough Vitamin C to meet the needs of these animals. It’s important to supplement their diet with a source of Vitamin C. Foods high in Vitamin C include fruits like oranges, lemons, strawberries, and kiwi. Other sources of Vitamin C include leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale as well as certain types of nuts.
Symptoms of Scurvy
The symptoms can include:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Rough coat
In more severe cases, animals will have bleeding gums and bruises that don’t heal properly due to weakened blood vessels.
Diagnosing Scurvy
Diagnosing scurvy is usually made based on a physical examination and blood tests. In some cases, your veterinarian will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of similar symptoms.
Stages of Scurvy
The stages of a Vitamin C deficiency can be split into two categories: early and late-stage.
Early signs of Vitamin C deficiency include:
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Rough coat
In later stages, more serious symptoms such as bleeding gums and weak blood vessels can be present. If left untreated, the symptoms can progress to the point where the animal is unable to move and eventually will die.
Treating Scurvy
Treating small mammals Vitamin C deficiency typically involves supplementing their diet with Vitamin C-rich foods and feeding them a source of Vitamin C supplements. It’s important to note that Vitamin C is water soluble, which means it can’t be stored in their body. Guinea Pigs must have a continuous supply of it through their diet. If left untreated, Guinea Pigs can have serious health problems and even die from not enough Vitamin C.
Preventing Scurvy
The best way to prevent scurvy is to make sure your Guinea Pigs have a balanced diet that includes foods high in Vitamin C. It’s also important to give them access to clean, fresh water at all times and avoid feeding them processed or commercially produced diets. Finally, if you think that your Guinea Pigs could have a Vitamin C deficiency, it’s important to get them veterinary care as soon as possible.