From https://smallpetselect.com/first-signs-of-illness-in-guinea-pigs/

​SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 BY NATALIE RIGGS

First Signs of Illness in Guinea Pigs

In the wild, guinea pigs hide signs of illness as long as possible as a survival mechanism. Guinea pigs are prey animals, and showing signs of weakness makes them an easy target for predators. According to Dr. Amy Guernsey-Youngblood, practice owner and exotic vet at University Veterinary Care Center in Topeka, KS, “They mask their illnesses for as long as they can. By the time they start exhibiting symptoms they are often very sick and have been fighting the illness for quite some time.” They’ve held on to that instinct to this day, making our job a little harder. Because they are so good at keeping symptoms a secret, the illness may be very serious by the time we catch on.
According to exotic vet Dr. Kristin Valdes at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, “ Guinea pigs can be prone to a number of illnesses, such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), respiratory infections, tumors, bladder stones or urinary irregularities, lice or mites, fungal problems, and pododermatitis (foot problems like bumblefoot).” Dr. Guernsey-Youngblood adds dental disease and fecal impaction as other common problems she sees in guinea pigs. She reminds patients that, “While some illnesses in guinea pigs are unavoidable – based on the individual’s genetics – many can be avoided or reduced with appropriate husbandry and diet.”

Early Symptoms
Guinea pigs are tight-lipped when it comes to their health. You may have to be a bit of a detective to catch signs of illness before he’s willing to admit defeat. As you get to know your guinea pig – and guinea pigs in general – you’ll become familiar with his quirks and it will be easier to recognize when his behavior isn’t normal.
One of the first hints a guinea pig isn’t feeling himself is a lack of appetite. Does his enthusiasm for dinnertime quickly subside? Is he suddenly leaving leftovers in his dish? Guinea pigs live to eat guinea pig food, so loss of interest in food is a major sign something isn’t right. Getting into the habit of weekly weigh-ins is useful to catch this early.
Dr. Valdes recommends watching for signs like “hunching, sunken eyes, loss of energy, less active and alert, and refusing to interact.” She lists symptoms that might appear shortly as sneezing, drooling, discharge from the eyes or nose, dry/itchy skin or hair loss, lumps and bumps, or abnormal bathroom habits. If you just have a feeling something is off, a vet can run tests to help connect the pieces of the puzzle.

Next Steps
Guinea pigs may need to be removed from their cagemates when being treated for and recovering from an illness. Your exotic vet will tell you whether you need to be worried about the illness being contagious. Dr. Guernsey-Youngblood recognizes that the decision of whether to separate a sick guinea pig from his cagemate depends on the individual. “If they are highly bonded, the separation may be stressful. On the other hand, a day of separation is sometimes useful to determine who is eating how much, and what kind of stools and urine they are passing. All of this is helpful information to share with your veterinarian.” As herd animals, there is also the possibility cagemates may start to bully and pick on a pig suddenly perceived as vulnerable.
Unfortunately, guinea pigs don’t get “colds” or “stomach bugs” like we do that they can get over by themselves in a week or two. They usually need medical intervention to recover from an illness. “Usually by the time you notice your guinea pig is ill, chances are he or she is much more sick than you know,” Dr. Valdes says. “For the reason, it’s important take your guinea pig to the vet the moment you become worried.”
References:
http://www.guinealynx.com/emergency.html
https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/small-and-furry-care/guinea-pig-basics-illness-warnings/
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/guinea-pigs-problems

​Today's behind the stethoscope is our very own Lamor Gatenio, our office manager here at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital
Born: May 25th – our girlfriend here is a Gemini – but more excitingly she is a Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac we were informed by Dr. Moy.
Joined the Team: Lamor went from client (she loves to talk about her girl, Inca the green iguana and how she used to bring her in for Dr. Horton) to receptionist in September of 2007! As the years passed she became an invaluable member of the team and Dr. Horton promoted her in 2015 to Office Manager and she never looked back! Currently, she is endeavoring to become a certified veterinary hospital manager through American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Before Chicago Exotics: Before she was our Office Manager, Lamor was a social worker and restaurant manager. With her bachelor degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University and associate degree in substance abuse counseling from Oakton Community College, she utilizes the skills she learned from class and hands on experience to deliver quality management and client relations. The epicness of her past life doesn’t end there, she specialized in children with substance abuse issues because she wanted to help where she felt it mattered most! This background has imbued her with an unparalleled empathy which helps us proudly serve all members of our community.
Catchphrase: "Live. Love. Laugh. Life goes on”
The Quote She Provided: “We provide unparalleled service!”
Favorite Part of Veterinary Medicine: Client education, interaction, and outreach are her favorites without a doubt.
Current Obsession: Other than her obsession with timeliness – being late is not a good way to impress her no matter what she is doing in her life – she is obsessed with designer purses (ask her about Coach)!
Favorite Animal: Parrots
Third Favorite: Snakes
What You May Not Know: Lamor was born in Israel and immigrated here with her family when she was 5 years old. She speaks Hebrew fluently which if you are here when her mother calls you will hear! If you’re really lucky, you’ll hear her sing “Wind Beneath my Wings” to Erica in Hebrew.
#chicagoexotics #exoticpetvet
www.exoticpetvet.com

This month in, "Behind the Stethoscope" we are featuring our very own Dr. Stephanie Moy!
Born: April 3rd – she is an Aries for anyone curious although we believe she may be under the wrong sign! Most importantly, our Dr. Moy is a Ravenclaw through and through!
Joined the Team: Dr. Moy became our senior associate vet in 2011! Some may remember her from when she was on her veterinary externship in early 2000’s and while she was in veterinary school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign she played the part of technician while on her breaks!
Catchphrase: "Meh. Sure, why not. That’s nice”
The Quote She Provided: “[I like] teaching future vets and allowing them to grow into capable exotic veterinarians”
Favorite Part of Veterinary Medicine: Surgery! Just kidding, although she is a phenomenal surgeon, surgery is not where her heart is. She prefers her true love, education! Whether it is educating our clients, our staff, or her favorite, our veterinary student externs she is happiest when imparting wisdom to others.
Current Obsession: Her exercise regimen (free weights specifically but not cross-fit), pub trivia, and teas! I was just informed that we did not mention her love of the Cubs … go Cubbies!
Favorite Animal: Lutino cockatiels
Third Favorite: Guinea pigs – who can resist the chatty parsley eating cuties?!
What You May Not Know: Our Ravenclaw friend is beyond brilliant but plays it cool. She graduated with a degree in Molecular Biology. She is also a bit of a wanderer having traveled to Hong Kong, Malaysia, England, France, and Germany to name a few places!
Don't forget to check out her favorite meme!
#chicagoexotics #exoticpetvet
www.exoticpetvet.com

To celebrate Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital's 18th year in business we are starting a new series! We want you to know us as well as we know your pets! Each month we will spotlight one of our epic staff members!
Dr. Susan Horton

Alias: Sue, Boss (if you're Erica), Suezinni, Empress Supreme (it really is her official title)
Born: Funny story, she was nearly born over international waters while her parents were returning from Japan! The plane landed and our fearless leader was born in the great state of Texas.
Catchphrase: "You're killing me!"

Actual Quote She Wanted Featured: "It was my dream to have an exotics hospital that provided the top of the line, state of the art medicine and surgery that was the best in the nation"
Favorite Part of Veterinary Medicine: Surgery, complicated medical cases, and the snuggles from the patients

​Favorite Past Times: Sue, her husband, and her band of friends have an annual haunted cabin tradition that in the past has involved scavenger hunts, fence hopping, and assorted shenanigans she refuses to let me list here. She also gardens like crazy and tends her beautiful orchids (her favorite if her husband is reading this!). Her favorite place to travel is Arizona at least once a year.

Favorite Animal: Cowfish!

Third Favorite: Squid

Notable Activities & Laurels: She built Chicago Exotics from a dream November 25, 2000 and rented space from BluePearl Veterinary Partners(aka Animal 911) until April 2015 when she moved her legacy into it's very own building! She is the Past President of Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, Consultant on Veterinary Information Network, and the Medical Director of Friends of Scales Reptile Rescue and Red Door.

Don't forget to check out her favorite meme!

​Do you have questions about Dr. Horton you would like to see answered? Leave them in the comment section below!
#chicagoexotics www.exoticpetvet.com


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