Is my guinea pig playing or sick when it jumps, shakes, and runs?

I think what you are describing is “popcorning” which is a normal behavior guinea pigs do when they are excited. They will bounce or pop up and down quickly. It sounds like Hershey is just having fun and enjoying himself!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sudden jumping could be normal while seizures are not normal or expected. It is hard to characterize this further without being able to see an episode or evaluate Russo. I recommend you consider recording one of these episodes and showing a video to us here or to your veterinarian to determined what seems likely. That would be next step. Hopefully these are not seizures or anything concerning. Good luck and have a great day!

I'm so sorry that Cam is sick. I sincerely apologize that no one has responded to your question and it has been 4 days. I hope he has survived. Some things that could cause those signs are nutritional deficiency (like vitamin C), liver shunt, ear infection, head trauma, and even parasites (like mites). What you are describing almost sounds like seizures. True seizures are rare in guinea pigs although possible. If your guinea pig cries out, falls to one side, and starts twitching, it is most likely infected with a skin parasite known as guinea pig mange (Trixicara cavis). The seizure-like behavior is due to the intense itching sensation caused by the mites burrowing through the skin. The mites are microscopic and you would not be able to see them with your eyes. He needs to be seen by a vet because those mites (if he does have them ) are easy to treat with the proper medication. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

George is very cute. If he is walking abnormal it is possible he had some type of trauma in her enclosure. I have seen guinea pigs hurt themselves on toys and different things in the cage. I would recommend taking him to a vet for a good physical exam. IT is important to make sure nothing is broken or infected which might cause this type of walking hope that helps

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm very sorry to hear that Marshall is unwell. If he is lethargic, not eating well, cried when you pet him, or is teeth chattering, I would be worried he is in pain. Possible sources of pain include intestinal bloat, dental pain, scurvy, or infection. I would highly recommend getting him seem by a vet within the next 24 hours, preferably one that has experience dealing with guinea pigs. They can help to determine the source of Marshall's pain, and offer supportive medication such as fluid therapy and pain medications, and antibiotics if necessary. In the meantime, try to minimize stress by not handling him too much, and provide easy access to his food and water. If he is not eating well, try offering more of the fresh veggies that he typically enjoys. Make sure you are feeding both pigs plenty of vitamin C which will help prevent scurvy. Oranges, green peppers and pellets fortified with vitamin C are all good choices. I hope this helps, and that Marshall is feeling better soon!

Sudden behavioral changes are frequently caused by illness or injury. An exam with your veterinarian would be ideal. In the meantime, check her teeth for overgrowth or malocclusion, make sure she is eating and defecating normally and provide clean bedding and regular vitamin C supplementation.

Thanks for reaching out about Jerry. Sneezing is often an indication of an upper respiratory infection/inflammation, but dental disease should also be considered. With this behavior, a veterinary visit is recommended as soon as possible. Possibly something stuck in its mouth. Good luck.