Pain in guinea pigs can indicate the presence of underlying medical issues. Guinea pigs are excellent at concealing any illness or pain that might make treatment more difficult to administer.
You must take your pet to a qualified veterinarian so that they can properly identify the source of the pain, make an accurate diagnosis, and treat the pain accordingly.
How do I know if my guinea pig is in pain?
Guinea pigs are excellent at concealing their discomfort, and it may take several days before the physical signs of pain begin to manifest themselves.
As a result, how would you determine whether your guinea pig is in discomfort? The key here is to keep an eye out for any changes in the behavior of the guinea pigs.
Here are some warning signs that you should be on the lookout for:
- Reluctant to walk or move around
- Increased concealment in and around the cage
- Tooth grinding can be heard clearly. (The sound is distinct from chattering; it is a slow, steady sound produced by the molars.)
- The wearer has a hunched posture and a rough coat. (It is brought on by bloating or stomach pain.)
- Modification to one’s walking pattern. (a symptom of lymphadenopathy or joint pain)
- Shivers are felt all over the body.
- Scratching or licking the affected area is not recommended.
- Changes in hydration and nutrient consumption
- Breathing that is heavy or rapid
- When approached or handled, he displays aggressive behavior.
- Long periods of time spent lying stretched out. (as a result of sore feet)
- I’m unable to properly eat. (as a result of dental discomfort)
- Curiosity has been sated.
- Coat that is rough and untidy. (unable to take care of oneself)
- A screech or squeal with a high pitch. (a symptom of severe discomfort)
Symptoms of guinea pig illness include being lethargic, refusing to eat or make any noise, pulling its body tight, hiding in hiding places, and blinking their eyes repeatedly.
The healthiest guinea pigs are active and curious, eat their regular diet, and groom themselves several times a day, according to the American guinea pig Society.
You can tell the difference between a healthy and ill guinea pig in a matter of seconds. Make sure you keep a close eye out for the warning signs.
How to treat pain in guinea pigs?
Many types of treatment can be given to your guinea pigs depending upon the kind of pain.
While a mild discomfort from gas, digestive disorder, etc. can be treated by natural method.
Other severe pain due to arthritis, pre-post surgery pain, dental pain, etc. requires prescribed drugs or a combination of medications for proper relief.
Guinea pigs perceive pain, just like we humans do. Therefore if we don’t provide adequate care and aid to our guinea pigs during mild pain, then it may have serious consequences.
Some of the most common causes of pain in guinea pigs include:
- dental problems
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Arthritis or lymph pain
- Trauma &
- Surgical interventions
According to a study, drugs such as Aspirin can be used to treat mild-moderate pain. If your guinea pig is in severe pain and needs to be hospitalized for intensive care, then your vet may prescribe a combination of medicines for reducing the pain and anxiety in your guinea pigs.
Studies prove that Buprenorphine is a type of opioid medication that is used by most vets for relieving chronic pain during or after a surgical procedure.
Please keep in mind that you should never provide any drug to your guinea pig for pain relief.
It is best to consult a vet and get properly prescribed medicine as the vet will be able to provide the right dosage and medication as per the cause.
Can you give guinea pigs pain medicine?
We at Guineapig101.com try to provide you with the most accurate and updated information. All the facts and data in this article are true to the best of the author’s knowledge.
We provide you with such information to better understand your guinea pigs. Under no circumstances, the information should be treated as medical advice.
All the medicines and treatment recommended in this article is for informational purpose only.
You should visit a professional Vet immediately if your guinea pigs show any signs of distress and only use the medicines prescribed by your vet.
It is always recommended to visit a qualified vet for any kind of pain medication for your guinea pigs.
Your vet will diagnose your guinea pigs accurately and prescribe the appropriate remedy for them.
A veterinarian checkup will also ensure that the underlying health issue that is causing the pain is also treated well.
However, here is a small list of drugs that are prescribed for pain relief by most vets.
Table of Contents
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) For Guinea Pigs
Some of the most commonly prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by veterinarians for the relief of pain in guinea pigs are as follows:
- Meloxicam is a medication used to treat a variety of ailments (Most commonly used)
- Aspirin is a pain reliever (For mild pain:- avoid post-surgery)
- Carprofen (only if prescribed by a doctor)
- Flunixin meglumine is a type of flunixin (for joint and lymph pain)
- Ibuprofen is a pain reliever (effective for symptoms of scurvy and similar conditions)
These are some of the most commonly prescribed medications by veterinarians for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and swelling in guinea pigs.
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) mentioned above are some of the most commonly used pain relievers in our guinea pigs.
However, it is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication to your guinea pigs.
Because these medications have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, they are frequently used in guinea pigs to provide mild to moderate pain relief.
These medications can be administered orally or intravenously (through an injection). The dosage and duration of treatment will be determined by your veterinarian based on the underlying cause of the pain. Contact your veterinarian for more information.
Please keep in mind that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be harmful to our guinea pigs. A re-examination by a vet may be required in order to adjust the medication dosage or discontinue its administration altogether.
Narcotics
Narcotics are a diverse group of opioid drug that is used for severe pain relief.
It is mostly prescribed pre-post surgery, bone pain, and other acute pain in guinea pigs. These drugs are either given orally or via injections. Most opioids are regulated by the FDA and are hardly prescribed for home use.
Vets use this under certain circumstances only. Medetomidine, Midazolam, Fentanyl are some of the most commonly used opioid drugs for guinea pigs.
Do remember that these drugs are for short-term use only.
Local Anesthetics
Local Anesthetics are used for minor surgeries and treatment in guinea pigs. Vets usually use these for minor skin procedures, removal of tumors under the skin, etc.
These are mostly given in the form of oral medication, topical cream, or injection into the skin.
A local anesthetic is not used for pain relief in the longterm as the duration of its action is short.
Epidural Anesthesia
According to studies, epidural anesthesia is used for some medical procedures by the vets.
It is directly injected in the spinal fluids that make a particular area of the body numb. It is mostly used to reduce pre-post surgery pains in guinea pigs.
Usually, it is used for major surgeries like abdominal surgical procedures, such as GI surgery, etc.
The effect of epidural anesthesia only lasts for a few hours, and professional vets only use this anesthesia for major surgeries.
Natural pain relief for guinea pigs
Natural pain relief methods are not effective on their own. However, when combined with proper medication it can make your guinea pigs feel better and help in quick recovery as well.
Some of the most commonly used natural pain relief are:
Comfortable living space
Providing your rabbit with a comfortable and relaxed living environment can aid in their quick recovery while also ensuring that they feel safe.
One of the most important factors that contributes to the stress experienced by your guinea pigs is illness followed by pain.
They are even more stressed during the vet visit due to the fact that they have to travel in a carrier, be in an open and unfamiliar environment, which makes them feel vulnerable.
As a result, they will require a comfortable and relaxed living environment in order to feel safe and secure.
Make sure to thoroughly clean your cage and to lay fresh bedding on top of it, as well as to provide some food and water.
In addition, make sure your guinea pigs have a couple of hiding places in their cage to keep them safe.
If you suspect that other guinea pigs are interfering with your sick guinea pig’s health, it is recommended that you use a cage divider.
Aside from the cage configuration, there are a few environmental considerations that you should keep in mind. Consider the following points as a starting point for your research:
- Speak in a low tone and keep any distracting items out of the cage areas (Speakers, Television, etc)
- Ascertain that the living environment is clean and free of dust, kitchen fumes, and other contaminants.
- A few hiding places should be provided in and around the cage.
- If you have other pets in your home, such as a rabbit, a dog, or a cat, make sure to keep them away from your children.
- Provide them with high-quality hay, pellets, vegetables, and, if necessary, critical medical attention. Food should be kept separate from the other guinea pigs because a sick piggy will eat more slowly.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional treatment that has its roots back from 1000’s of years.
Many types of diseases can be cured with the proper practice of acupuncture.
It is as effective on small pets like guinea pigs as it is on human beings. However, there are only certain medical situations when you will be able to use this technique.
This technique works great while you are caring for elderly guinea pigs that have pain in their body due to arthritis, stiff legs, joint pains, etc.
Acupressure Massage
Acupressure massage is another excellent technique for reducing pain in guinea pigs.
It is useful for some mild pains due to bloating, gastrointestinal disorders, and other similar diseases.
You can simply start with a gentle side-to-side massage on the belly and the back.
Please note that you should avoid developing a home remedy or treatment for any severe diseases of guinea pigs.
All the above data are for informational purposes only and you should never try to treat your guinea pigs without proper vet assistance.
What happens if you leave a guinea pig in pain?
In the absence of prompt medical attention, mild-moderate pain in guinea pigs has the potential to be life-threatening for your animals.
Please keep in mind that, in the vast majority of cases, the pain is not the primary problem; rather, it is the illness that is causing the pain.
When a guinea pig is in pain for an extended period of time, they are more likely to develop complications such as the following:
- Problems with the gastrointestinal tract
- Damage to the kidneys or bladder
- A sudden drop in body temperature is indicative of organ failure.
- In some instances, there is death.
As a result, you must always take things seriously, identify any changes in behavior, and explain everything to the veterinarian in detail so that they can provide your guinea pigs with the proper treatment they require.
In the majority of cases, it has been observed that the failure to recognize mild discomfort in guinea pigs has resulted in severe health issues at some point.
As a result, if your guinea pig exhibits any signs of distress, make certain that they receive the proper care and attention.
FAQ
In what dose should I administer Metacam to my guinea pig?
It is recommended that guinea pigs receive a dose of Metacam of 0.2 mg/kg of body weight.
Is paracetamol safe for guinea pigs to consume?
Infant Calpol is safe for guinea pigs to consume. The recommended dosage is 0.2 milliliters (mL).
Is enrofloxacin a safe antibiotic for guinea pigs to use?
Yes, studies have shown that enrofloxacin is completely safe for our guinea pigs to be exposed to.
