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Gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis) is the most common digestive illness in domestic guinea pigs, and it is also the most deadly (Gastrointestinal stasis). If left untreated, gastrointestinal stasis can result in weight loss, swelling, life-threatening conditions, and kidney failure, among other complications.Stomachic stasis is defined as a condition in which water and food cannot pass through the intestine at their normal rates. The reason for this is that the contractions of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract have ceased or are significantly reduced in frequency and intensity. Consequently, you will suffer from severe digestive problems as a result of this. A poor diet, dehydration, stress, or an essential illness are all possible causes of gastrointestinal stasis.A total of 25% of guinea pigs will develop Gastrointestinal stasis over the course of their lifetime. When GI stasis is ignored, it can develop into a potentially life-threatening situation, which is dangerous.We will provide you with information on the signs of GI stasis as well as how to protect your guinea pig from Gastrointestinal stasis..

 

What is GI Stasis in guinea pigs?

guinea pigs in good health move food through their intestines with the help of small muscle contractions. Peristaltic movements are the term used to describe these muscular contractions. A condition known as gastrointestinal stasis is responsible for the sluggishness of peristaltic movements.

If guinea pigs are diagnosed with Gastrointestinal stasis, it means that their intestines have become inactive as a result of the condition.

In a nutshell, the intestines have become immobile. This means that the food is unable to be absorbed, digested, and excreted on a consistent basis.

Is Gistasis dangerous?

Guinea pigs, like other herbivorous animals, spend the majority of their lives in the process of eating. The foods they consume should be rich in fiber and low in calories.

GI stasis prevents guinea pigs from obtaining the nutrients that they require, which is why it is a serious health concern.

Guinea pigs must consume food on a daily basis in order to obtain the nutrients and calories they require. Cats and humans, on the other hand, are capable of surviving for several hours without food.

As a result, weight loss and malnutrition will result as a result of gastrointestinal stasis.

Internal blockage

The intestines, esophagus, cecum, and stomach are all included in the scope of the Gastrointestinal system. As a result, any of these areas could experience bottlenecks. Internal obstructions are a serious problem.

If the food does not pass through the intestines, it may combine with hair, resulting in a blockage in the Gastrointestinal area of the stomach. It is possible that chewing on fabric, paper, or cardboard will cause gastrointestinal stasis in some cases.

Hairballs, for example, can cause gastrointestinal stasis in guinea pigs.

Dental problems

Because of gastrointestinal stasis, a Guinea pig will lose its appetite. If guinea pigs stop eating, they will develop dental disease relatively quickly.

This is due to the fact that chewing will cause your guinea pig’s teeth to become more trimmed and clean. Because guinea pig teeth grow 2-3 mm per week, constant chewing is required to keep them healthy and free of dental disease.

Change in cecotropes

Cecums are small bags that connect the guinea pig’s large intestine to the rest of his digestive system.

If a guinea pig is in good health, food that is not digestible in the large intestine will pass through to the cecum of the guinea pig.

The cecum is home to bacteria that break down any remaining food and convert it into cecotropes, which are harmful to the body.

Significantly, gastrointestinal stasis alters the balance of bacteria in the cecum, which has a variety of consequences. A guinea pig suffering from Gastrointestinal stasis will not be able to produce any cecotropes, as they will only be able to produce runny cecotropes.

These runny cecotropes will be difficult to consume, despite the fact that cecotropes provide guinea pigs with essential B vitamins, which are required for survival.

Liver problems

When the number of Clostridium bacteria in the guinea pig’s intestines and cecum begins to increase, the liver will attempt to remove the toxins from the guinea pig’s body.

However, if there are an excessive number of bacteria present, the liver may become overwhelmed. This will have an effect on the liver’s ability to function.

If you do not treat your guinea pig’s gastrointestinal stasis as soon as possible, the liver of the guinea pig will suffer severe damage.

Sudden death

A guinea pig’s sudden life-threatening condition can be caused by gastrointestinal stasis, as many of the guinea pigs that died had the cause of GI stasis as a contributing factor.

Because of this, you must identify gastrointestinal stasis in your guinea pig as soon as possible after it has been identified.

Signs of GI Stasis in guinea pigs

You must be aware of the signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal stasis in order to prevent the guinea pigs from suddenly losing their lives.

Symptoms of guinea pig gastrointestinal stasis include the following:

  1. Sitting Crouched or Huddled Over: This indicates stomach pain.
  2. Teeth Grinding: This indicates that GI stasis is the basic cause of painful sickness if teeth grinding is present with Gastrointestinal stasis.
  3. Violent Stomach Gurgling: In guinea pigs, gentle gurgling is normal, but the noisy gurgles signify trapped gas. Also, a complete silent stomach can be a hint of Gastrointestinal stasis, your guinea pig’s stomach usually makes a pale gurgling sound.
  4. Inactivity: Maybe guinea pigs with Gastrointestinal stasis will avoid human contact also.
  5. Constipation: Only producing limited fecal pellets.
  6. Excessive, Watery, or Mushy Cecotropes: Gastrointestinal stasis changes the cecum flora, as this clarifies why soft cecotropes are generated.
  7. An Abnormal Body Temperature: There could be trouble if the temperature of a body is higher than 103°For lower than 101°F.
  8. Not drinking or eating: This is the characteristic sign of Gastrointestinal stasis.

If you notice any of these signs in your guinea pig, you should seek medical attention immediately for your pet.

It only takes a few hours for your guinea pig to deteriorate into a life-threatening condition, so don’t put off treatment any longer.

What causes GI Stasis in guinea pigs

Gastrointestinal stasis occurs when liquids and food are unable to pass through the digestive tract.

GI stasis is not an infection, but rather a collection of symptoms that cause the gastrointestinal tract to become inactive. That means there isn’t a single factor to blame.

Gastrointestinal stasis, on the other hand, is associated with at least seven different risk factors. These are discussed in greater detail below:

Low fiber diet

Because guinea pigs are herbivores, they require a high-fiber diet to remain healthy. The most common cause of gastrointestinal stasis in guinea pigs is a diet that is low in fiber.

When fiber passes through the guinea pig’s intestine, it provides a stimulus to the peristaltic muscles.

These muscle contractions will aid in the passage of food through the intestines and the support of the digestion system. A diet that is low in fiber causes the organs to become inactive and lazy.

High carb diet

Guinea pigs require only a small amount of carbohydrates in their diet, according to the USDA. Fresh vegetables and greens contain all of the nutrients they require. It should not be necessary for the owner to provide processed carbohydrates such as oats and cookies.

Insufficient stimulation of the peristaltic muscle movements can be achieved by eating a diet high in complex carbohydrates. It is possible that this will cause watery stools, intestinal stasis, and swelling.

Additionally, consuming starchy or sugary foods can result in the development of enterotoxaemia.

Change in diet

It is possible to cause Enterotoxemia and intestinal stasis in guinea pigs when changing their diet quickly. Although you may make positive changes to your diet, this may still occur.

It is necessary to introduce changes to your guinea pigs’ diet gradually. Make sure to introduce a new diet to your guinea pig over a period of at least 2-4 weeks.

This will protect your guinea pig from digestive problems as well as gastrointestinal stasis, which can be fatal.

Dehydration

Gestural stasis in guinea pigs is almost always associated with dehydration, which is why it is always diagnosed as such. Dehydration can also result in gastrointestinal stasis.

Dehydration causes gastrointestinal stasis because it forces the intestines to break down, which causes them to become stuck.

It is possible that this will cause the feces to be discharged from the intestine and cause the feces to become affected.

Those intestines that are blocked are extremely serious and require immediate treatment.

Stress

Rather than slowing digestive processes, we believe that stress can actually accelerate them. Inguinal pigs’ intestines can be damaged by stress, which can cause them to starve.

Additionally, the intestines may become inactive as a result of this. A stressed guinea pig will also avoid water and food, which will only aggravate the situation further.

The loss of a bonded partner, living in an unsanitary environment, and interacting with predators are all common sources of stress for guinea pigs, among other things.

Pain

Stasis in the gastrointestinal tract can be brought on by pain associated with a primary illness. This is due to the fact that the pain becomes so intense that it causes the intestine to shut down.

This will obstruct the passage of food and halt the peristaltic muscle movements in their tracks. The following are some painful and common illnesses in guinea pigs:

  1. Mycoplasmas
  2. Dental disease
  3. Urinary Tract Disorders
  4. Guinea pig Snuffles (Pasteurella multocida)

GI stasis in guinea pigs can be caused by any type of pain, including those not listed here. Another reason to ensure that such illnesses are treated as soon as possible is to prevent further complications from occurring.

Gastrointestinal blockage

GI stasis is caused by obstructions in the digestive tract. The majority of the time, however, stress and diet are the root causes of GI stasis.

When there is a blockage, the hairball, pulses, seeds, raisins, and other small objects are the likely culprits.

In most cases, intestinal obstruction results in a loud gurgling sound in the stomach as well as painful bloating.

How to treat GI Stasis in guinea pigs?

If gastrointestinal stasis is detected early enough, it is usually treatable. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your guinea pig to a reputable veterinarian immediately.

Do not attempt to treat GI stasis at home; otherwise, the situation could deteriorate further.

A variety of treatments, including the following, may be recommended by your veterinary surgeon:

Fluid therapy

Guinea pigs suffering from gastrointestinal stasis exhibit signs of dehydration. It can either be the cause of the condition or a side effect of it.

If your veterinary surgeon determines that your guinea pig has gastrointestinal stasis, he or she may recommend that your guinea pig receive some form of fluid therapy.

If your guinea pig is refusing to drink water, you can administer subcutaneous fluids to them instead of water.

Massage

If your guinea pig’s symptoms are mild, a simple massage will be sufficient to relieve the gas in his stomach. This will assist in the facilitation of proper gut movement.

If it is appropriate, your veterinary surgeon may instruct you on how to perform this massage to aid in the recovery of your guinea pig.

Massage can be an effective home treatment for GI stasis, but you should only attempt it if your veterinary surgeon gives you permission to do so first.

Guinea pigs are extremely vulnerable animals. As a result, the proprietor must massage with caution.

Feeding with a syringe

The Guinea pig should be motivated to eat normally for quicker recovery. That will help to improve the peristaltic muscle movements.

If your guinea pig doesn’t want to eat food, then force-feeding could be the best choice.

To generate a guinea pig’s hunger, B-complex vitamins are generally used.

Guinea pigs get most of the B vitamins they require from consuming cecotropes.

Due to GI stasis, if your guinea pig is not able to produce cecotropes, supplementing B-complex vitamins can help avoid weakness and improve gut mobility.

Pain relief

GI stasis pain can be extremely painful because the pain will cause the guinea pig’s intestines to close down.

Pain relief is essential during the therapy process and for the duration of the recovery period.

Simethicone is a type of pain relief that appears to be effective for the majority of the guinea pigs in the study.

Your veterinary surgeon may also advise you on any additional treatments that are necessary.

Additionally, it is critical to create a calm and relaxing environment for your guinea pig in order to reduce the amount of pain they experience during the recovery period.

How do you treat GI stasis at home?

If you suspect that your guinea pig is suffering from GI stasis, refrain from attempting any home remedies.

First and foremost, consult with your veterinarian to determine the nature of the problem. That will provide assurance that your guinea pig will receive the best possible care.

The road to recovery can be long and winding, but receiving proper treatment is essential. During the recovery period, however, you can provide assistance to your guinea pig at home.

Here are some pointers on how to keep your guinea pig in optimal health:

  1. Maybe your veterinary surgeon will suggest adding some probiotics to your guinea pig’ food to help with digestion problems.
  2. Permit your guinea pig to spend time with their bonding partner (if your veterinary surgeon allows you to do so). That will help your guinea pig to stay relaxed and calm.
  3. Gentle massage could be beneficial: If your veterinary surgeon suggests it. Stop the massage If your guinea pig seems distressed or tired. It may take a while for your guinea pigs to recover.
  4. Follow the instructions provided by your veterinary doctor and supervise your guinea pig’s medication every day. Watch over your guinea pig closely for any signs of worsening or improvement.
  5. Try to encourage your guinea pig to drink more water. It is best to give your guinea pig, a bottle, and a bowl to drink from.
  6. Check that your guinea pig is warm enough. The best temperature for most of the guinea pigs is 20-24 degrees Celsius. If your guinea pig mostly lives outside, bring them inside until they recover fully.
  7. Try to limit the noises of your house as much as possible. There will be a delay in recovery if your guinea pig feels stressed.
  8. Try to restore your guinea pig’s hunger as you can stock up your guinea pig’s favorite food. Aromatic herbs such as fennel and parsley can be lovely.
  9. Also, it is suggested that flowers such as broccoli, yellow dandelions, and rocket flowers are good for boosting guinea pig’s hunger.

How long does GI Stasis last in guinea pigs?

The symptoms of GI stasis can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It is dependent on how early the cancer was discovered, how serious it is, and what type of treatment is required.

Your guinea pig’s recovery will be expedited if you administer prescribed motility medications to them. It will typically take 1-2 weeks for the intestines to return to their normal functioning state.

When your guinea pig’s stomach gently gurgles at that time, you will know that he or she is on the road to recovery from illness. In this case, it means that the gas has been expelled from the stomach.

Intestinal activity may not return to normal for several weeks after the procedure.

Please keep in touch with your veterinary surgeon and let them know if there is anything that is bothering you during your recuperation period.

It is common for guinea pigs to experience episodes of gastrointestinal stasis on a regular basis. Keep GI stasis from returning as much as possible is the most important thing to do.

How to prevent GI Stasis in guinea pigs?

The most common causes of GI stasis are dehydration, stress, and a poor diet. It is important to understand the root cause of the problem in order to take appropriate action to resolve it.

So, in order to keep your guinea pigs’ gut health in good condition, make sure you provide them with the following:

  1. Enough water
  2. A large pile grass hay
  3. Bonded cage mate
  4. A small quantity of fresh, herbs, and green vegetables.
  5. A constant diet: Any changes should be made very slowly
  6. A clean enclosure that is sanitized daily.
  7. A home atmosphere that is mostly free from stress.
  8. No complex carbohydrates and sugary foods.
  9. If your guinea pig shows any unnatural behavior, then contact your veterinary immediately.

If you provide your guinea pigs with these basic necessities, you will be able to protect them from gastrointestinal stasis and other digestive problems.

Can guinea pigs spread GI Stasis?

Guinea pigs are not susceptible to the spread of gastrointestinal stasis. Keeping your guinea pigs together, on the other hand, can be beneficial in terms of recovery.

Some of the different causes of Gastrointestinal stasis can be infectious in nature, including colitis. Snuffles, for example, are a respiratory issue that can be spread by others.

As a result, if your guinea pig is diagnosed with a similar infection, it is possible that the infection will spread to other pets.

Can guinea pigs get GI stasis? How common is it?

Unfortunately, gastrointestinal stasis in guinea pigs is a fairly common occurrence. In 25 percent of guinea pigs, a condition known as gastrointestinal stasis develops.

It is most likely that these cases are the result of poor nutrition. Previously, guinea pigs were not provided with a nutritionally adequate diet.

Nowadays, the majority of guinea pig owners provide them with a diet that is appropriate for their species, such as green vegetables and fresh hay.

It is important to understand that enriching your guinea pig’s diet can have a significant impact on their overall health.

Conclusion:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious illness that must be treated right away because it is potentially life-threatening.

It is a common digestive illness that affects many people. Gastrointestinal stasis prevents the guinea pigs from absorbing the nutrients they require from their food. If you suspect that your guinea pig is suffering from a digestive disease, you must act quickly.

Your guinea pig will not be able to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal illness on their own. Additionally, guinea pigs require the consumption and production of cecotropes.

If your guinea pig refuses to poop or eat, the situation can quickly become life-threatening. The correct diet for your guinea pig, as well as keeping stress levels to a minimum, can help prevent digestive illness in your pet animal.

Additionally, this results in dental problems, changes in cecotropes, internal blockages, liver problems, and sudden death.

It is also associated with a low-fiber or high-carbohydrate diet, dehydration, pain, stress, a change in the diet, and gastrointestinal obstruction, all of which are detrimental to your guinea pig’s well-being and health.

Massage, fluid therapy, syringe feeding, and pain relief can all be used to treat your guinea pig while it is under treatment.