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Is my guinea pig sick? What are signs of common guinea pig illnesses?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | unneutered | 1lb

What is wrong with my guinea pig

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 15th, 2018

Your guinea pig may have an upper respiratory infection or a tooth abscess. You should take it to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs for a check up of his teeth (guinea pigs often have malocclusions and teeth that are too long). If there is an upper respiratory infection your cavy needs to be treated with injectable antibiotics. Guinea pigs cannot take antibiotics by mouth as it kills their intestinal flora and can indeed kill the guinea pig. Should the crusts go away and your guinea pig eats and drinks well and is happy, then this might have been caused by a draft and it will not need a vet visit.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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