Notes on Guinea Pigs

A guinea pig focused blog written by Ellie, The Guinea Pig Vet, to share useful information and updates to help all those who care for guinea pigs. Thank you for taking the time to read and for sharing posts on social media. Hopefully together we can help guinea pig owners across the world.

Apr 14

Options for Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Euthanasia is often a very challenging and emotional time for both you and your veterinary surgeon.

Jan 16

Guinea Pig Eye Health

Conditions affecting guinea pig eyes are relatively common due to the prominence and positioning of the eye. In addition guinea pigs have...

Apr 24, 2023

Problems with Pain Relief in Guinea Pigs

A conversation between The Guinea Pig Vet, Ellie Whitehead and guest blogger Sue Tate, Founder of Cavy Corner - Guinea Pig Sanctuary It...

Jan 15, 2023

Non-itchy Hair loss in Guinea Pigs

Inflammatory causes of non-itchy hair loss in guinea pigs are limited to ringworm and some lice and mites. Ringworm is caused by a...

Sep 13, 2022

Guinea Pigs with an Overactive Thyroid Gland

Over-production of thyroid hormone has been a relatively common condition in cats for some years. It is now being diagnosed with greater...

May 28, 2022

Guinea Pig Tongues, Aspiration Risk & Syringe Feeding

Guinea pig tongues are approx 5 to 8mm wide and 20mm long, with the front half freely moving and the back half dome shaped and attached...

Apr 5, 2022

Pregnancy in Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs have a relatively long gestation compared to other small mammals. The duration of pregnancy is 60 to 70 days, because of this...

Feb 20, 2022

Common Conditions of Guinea Pig Eyelids

We recently met Mila who is an 18mth old, female guinea pig. She was born with a congenital malformation known as an ocular dermoid....

Nov 2, 2021

Pericardial Effusion in Guinea Pigs

Heart disease is not uncommon in guinea pigs, with the most common abnormality seen on echocardiography (ultrasound scan of the heart)...

Sep 28, 2021

How The Digestive Physiology Differs between Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Many herbivorous animals perform coprophagy, that is they eat their own faeces, in order to gain more value from the relatively low value...

Jun 25, 2021

Can guinea pigs get cancer?

*Warning - Image of surgically removed uterine cancer included.* Like all animals, guinea pigs can develop cancer. As guinea pigs are...

Apr 1, 2021

My guinea pig is breathing heavy - let's talk about heart disease.

If you notice that your guinea pigs is breathing heavy or quickly, it is best to take them to a vet as soon as possible. A common...