This is another reason why you should be careful with housing rabbits and guinea pigs together. They transmit diseases amongst each other that their genetic design can’t handle. When both animals cohabit, rabbits give off Bordetella Bronchiseptica, which will infect their respiratory tracts. This is highly contagious to guinea pigs.
Can rabbits cause respiratory disease in guinea pigs?
Rabbits may bully guinea pigs, which can make them stressed if they cannot get away. The bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica,is the most common cause of respiratory disease in guinea pigs. Rabbits, cats and dogs can carry this bacteria which can pass to guinea pigs and cause disease.
What kind of diseases do guinea pigs get from each other?
Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses and bacteria usually occur only in guinea pigs that live with other guinea pigs. Intestinal parasites are not common.
Can guinea pigs live with rabbits and dogs?
Rabbits, cats and dogs can carry this bacteria which can pass to guinea pigs and cause disease. Therefore, guinea pigs shouldn't be housed with rabbits, and should be kept away from dogs and cats.
Do Rabbits bully guinea pigs?
Rabbits may bully guinea pigs, which can make them stressed if they cannot get away. The bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica,is the most common cause of respiratory disease in guinea pigs.
Can rabbits pass disease to guinea pigs?
The bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica, is the most common cause of respiratory disease in guinea pigs. Rabbits, cats and dogs can carry this bacteria, which can pass to guinea pigs and cause disease. Guinea pigs therefore shouldn't be housed with rabbits, and should be kept away from dogs and cats.
What happens if a rabbit mates with a guinea pig?
It is not unheard of for rabbits to also try and mate with guinea pigs, something which, again, can cause serious injury to the back and could even result in death. Rabbits (and cats and dogs) carry Bordetella bronchiseptica, a bacterium that infects their respiratory tracts and can easily be passed to guinea pigs.
What happens if guinea pigs don't get enough vitamin C?
If they do not get enough of this vitamin in their diet, their bodies’ supply of vitamin C disappears quickly. Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, a protein necessary for healthy skin, joints, and blood vessels. Reduced collagen can cause problems walking, swollen joints, and bleeding under the skin, in the muscles, in the membranes around the skull, in the brain, and in the intestines. Guinea pigs with vitamin C deficiency may be weak, lack energy, and walk with a limp. They may have a rough hair coat, lose their appetite, lose weight, have diarrhea, become ill, or die suddenly. Your veterinarian can diagnose vitamin C deficiency by investigating the diet and by examining your pet, looking especially for bleeding or joint problems.
How to treat ketosis in guinea pigs?
Your veterinarian can diagnose ketosis with blood tests and may also be able to identify fatty liver (caused by abnormal metabolism of fat) and bleeding or cell death in the uterus or placenta. Treatment, which is not usually successful in guinea pigs with advanced disease, can include glucose injections at the animal hospital, propylene glycol by mouth, nutritional supplements, and (for pregnant animals) emergency cesarean delivery. To prevent ketosis, make sure your pet eats a high-quality food throughout pregnancy, but limit the amount of food you give your pet to prevent obesity. Preventing exposure to stress in the last few weeks of pregnancy may also help.
What causes guinea pigs to be dehydrated?
Most disease treatments should include extra vitamin C. Diarrhea and other illnesses may cause your guinea pig to become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry stools, dark urine, or skin “tenting” (skin that returns to its normal position slowly after being pinched).
Why do guinea pigs get stressed?
Sickness causes guinea pigs to be stressed; if your pet is sick, hold it as little as possible. Antibiotics can cause problems in guinea pigs’ digestive tracts, so your pet may not tolerate these medications. Most disease treatments should include extra vitamin C. Diarrhea and other illnesses may cause your guinea pig to become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry stools, dark urine, or skin “tenting” (skin that returns to its normal position slowly after being pinched). If your pet is dehydrated, your veterinarian may provide fluid treatment. Animals that will not eat may require a stomach tube.
How to help guinea pigs with diarrhea?
Increasing roughage (fiber in the diet) and decreasing grains and sugars may help treat diarrhea. One way to increase dietary fiber is to provide hay in addition to commercial guinea pig feed. Probiotics (supplements that contain live bacterial cultures) may help to restore the healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. It is important that your pet drink enough water. If your guinea pig will not voluntarily drink sufficient water, your veterinarian may provide additional fluids by injection. Antibiotics should only be used when absolutely necessary because their use can worsen the imbalance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Follow the treatment program prescribed by your veterinarian carefully. Keeping your guinea pig’s bedding, water bottle, and housing clean and sanitized and promptly removing uneaten food can help prevent infection by reducing the level of disease-causing organisms.
Why do guinea pigs live alone?
Health problems among guinea pigs that live alone are usually related to aging, dental disease, reproductive disorders, injury, or improper care. Infectious diseases caused by certain viruses and bacteria usually occur only in guinea pigs that live with other guinea pigs. Intestinal parasites are not common. Tumors are rare in young guinea pigs but are more common in guinea pigs that are more than 5 years old. Treatment of infectious diseases can be complicated by the fact that guinea pigs are more sensitive to antibiotics than other types of pets.
What causes ringworm in guinea pigs?
Fungal skin infection (ringworm) in guinea pigs is most often caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This infection is contagious to people and animals directly or through contaminated objects like bedding. The primary sign of ringworm is the presence of bald, scaly patches, usually starting on the face (nose, around the eyes, and ears) and head. The bald patches may be flaky, crusty, or red. The disease may also spread to the back. Affected areas can become inflamed and more severely infected.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Rabbit Food?
Guinea pigs and rabbits have different behaviors, dietary plans, and the nutrients they need.
Can I Keep Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Together?
Many people wonder whether they can keep rabbits and guinea pigs together.
Can Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Eat the Same Food?
Just like humans and other species, rabbits and guinea pigs need proper nutrition that sustains them.
What is the diet of a guinea pig?
For that reason, guinea pig’s diet should consist of high-quality hay and a limited amount of fresh veggies and fruits. Guinea pigs require unlimited amounts of hay to limit the growth of their teeth. Fresh water and foods are important for guinea pigs.
Why is rabbit food low in vitamin C?
Illnesses and Defects. Rabbit food is low in vitamin C supplements and their pellets lack vitamin C. Guinea pigs needs a high amount of vitamin C to enhance their immune system and to avoid illness. Scurvy is a common disease in guinea pigs that occurs because of vitamin C deficiency.
How to keep guinea pigs from algae?
Provide water in an easily accessible way, in a heavy ceramic bowl or a drip-feed water bottle. Clean the water container daily to keep away the algae.
What is the scientific name for a domestic rabbit?
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus is the scientific name for a domestic rabbit , which people keep as pets.
How to prevent guinea pigs from getting Bordetella?
The best way to prevent guinea pigs from falling ill due to Bordetella is to avoid direct contact between species. Good ventilation, safe bedding, a clean cage, and vitamin C to boost the immune system will also promote overall respiratory health.
What is the treatment for guinea pigs?
Mild cases may be treated with antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, vitamin C supplementation, and subcutaneous fluid therapy,” Dr. McLaughlin describes. In moderate to severe cases, antibiotics may need to be nebulized in addition to given orally. Guinea pigs may need to be hospitalized to receive oxygen therapy , bronchodilators, ...
Can dogs get Bordetella from guinea pigs?
Dr. Johnson describes how dogs can transmit the bacteria to guinea pigs and vice versa through direct or indirect contact, but it’s not necessarily typical. “Nevertheless, vaccinating your dog against Bordetella will make it less susceptible to infection, and thereby reduce the likelihood of spreading infection to other pets in the home,” he notes. Dr. McLaughlin recommends keeping dogs in a separate space from small mammals after receiving a live Bordetella vaccine to be on the safe side and prevent spreading infection to guinea pigs or other species.
Can Bordetella cause pneumonia?
It typically causes them to develop serious upper respiratory tract infections that can quickly morph into a fatal pneumonia. The classic symptoms of Bordetella infection in a guinea pig include discharge from the eyes and nostrils (which may be either clear or colored), difficulty breathing/wheezing, and sneezing.
Can rabbits get Bordetella?
Although it’s unlikely rabbits will develop illness from Bordetella alone, it is possible. According to former Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians president Dr. Dan H. Johnson, Diplomate ABVP – Exotic Companion Mammals, from Avian and Exotic Animal Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, “In both rabbits and guinea pigs, Bordetella can cause upper respiratory infection with sneezing and ocular/nasal discharge; however, while rabbits only have mild symptoms or none at all, guinea pigs are susceptible to overwhelming respiratory infection resulting in lethargy, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and sudden death.”
Can dogs catch Bordetella bronchiseptica?
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a contagious bacterium that doesn’t discriminate. Dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, and even primates can catch the illness. Depending on the species, it can be a hop in the park or a matter of life and death. According to Dr. Alicia McLaughlin, veterinarian at the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine in Bothell, ...
Can dogs carry Bordetella?
In theory, any animal that is a carrier of Bordetella could transmit it to other pets. “Dogs, cats, and rabbits have all been documented as chronic asymptomatic carriers of this organism. However, a dog would be unlikely to transmit Bordetella to a rabbit, because the rabbit probably already has Bordetella naturally,” Dr.
What are some good pets to have?
Rabbits and guinea pigs are great to have as pets. Small, veggie eaters, and super cute are just a few of the wonderful qualities of owning them.
Why do guinea pigs lose weight?
When guinea pigs are being bullied, they will become so stressed that they will lose weight. This is a significant sign that can’t be ignored because it is unhealthy for any animal to be underweight.
Why do guinea pigs get nervous?
When places are too cramped, they may get nervous or stressed. When guinea pigs have shelters to hide under, they feel more comfortable, but there may be no room for the extra protection if in a cohabitation situation.
What is the best companion for a guinea pig?
The best companion for a rabbit is another rabbit, and the best cuddling partner for a guinea pig is another guinea pig. Many issues need to be avoided as the owner.
Why do rabbits show the boss?
This is a significant issue between these two animals cohabiting together. Since rabbits are more prominent in size, they will show the smaller animal who is the boss. This is usually an issue during mealtime.
What do rabbits claw at?
Rabbits are known for clawing. They will claw at furniture, posts, bedding , and if provoked and when frustrated, they will claw at guinea pigs.
Why does the rabbit attack?
Because there is frustration between communication, mostly shown from the rabbit, the rabbit could attack.
