Guinea pigs can develop arthritis, a condition marked by joint inflammation and degeneration. As a result, they may experience pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Recognising the signs early and providing appropriate care is crucial for their well-being.
Although arthritis is quite common in guinea pigs and can affect different breeds and ages, it’s more often seen in older guinea pigs. In certain studies, it has also been found to be more severe in male guinea pigs, although this may be due to the difference in weight.
Symptoms of arthritis
If your guinea pig has arthritis, they may exhibit certain behaviours and physical symptoms. Here are some of the signs to look out for:
- Limited Mobility: Older guinea pigs with Osteoarthritis may move less and may struggle with activities they once did easily, such as hopping onto a cushion or climbing a ramp. You may also notice them hopping rather than running as they once did.
- Stiffness: Guinea pigs might show stiffness or lack interest in moving after resting or sleeping.
- Swelling: Joints might appear larger or swollen.
- Pain: While they can’t tell you they’re in pain, they might react negatively when a specific joint is touched or moved.
- Lethargy: A decrease in their usual activity level can be a sign.
- Changes in Posture: An arched back or other abnormal postures can signify discomfort.
- Altered breathing patterns: Potentially due to pain.
- Weight Gain or Loss: Weight changes, especially weight gain due to decreased activity, can be a sign.
- Difficulty in Grooming: They might groom themselves less often, leading to a dishevelled appearance.
- Hair Loss: Displayed in specific areas due to frequent licking or chewing, indicating potential discomfort or pain. Learn about other reasons hair loss here…
Diagnosing Arthritis
A thorough examination by a veterinarian, ideally one with expertise in exotic pets, is essential. This examination may involve inspecting the affected joints for swellings and assessing the guinea pig’s overall health and behaviour.
X-rays can clearly show degenerative changes in the joints, such as calcifications or spur-like formations, especially around the knees, hips, or even the jaw.
Treatment
It’s important to provide treatment for your guinea pig’s arthritis. Without intervention, their mobility might worsen from pain, also hindering their ability to groom themselves. As a result, their overall condition could become more severe and chronic, significantly impacting their well-being.
Treatment for arthritis in guinea pigs can be given in several different ways.
Abidec & Osteocare: The guinea pig rescue we adopted from recommends 0.2ml Abidec and 0.5ml Osteocare fed daily in a syringe. You can combine both supplements in the same syringe. The Abidec provides a good all-round vitamin boost. If you have concerns about the added calcium, we encourage you to read our article on bladder stones in guinea pigs.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Metacam and Rimadyl have been used to alleviate pain and inflammation. The dosages and duration of treatment depend on the condition’s severity and the guinea pig’s specific needs.
Cosequin: Some guinea pig owners have turned to Cosequin, a nutritional supplement formulated for animals, to support their pet’s joint health. It contains glucosamine, believed to take effect gradually and might require a few weeks before noticeable benefits are seen.
CBD products: Saskia from the LA Guinea Pig Rescue, a trusted source in the guinea pig community, both recommends and supplies hemp cream for arthritic guinea pigs in the US. However, this cream doesn’t appear to be legitimately available to buy anywhere in the UK. Beware of scam companies selling this or similar CBD products. If you consider purchasing it, exercise caution and thoroughly research the supplier.
Laser treatment: Other guinea pig owners have explored more alternative therapies, like laser treatment, to address joint issues. This treatment involves using light therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Many guinea pig owners have reported improved mobility and comfort in their pets after starting treatment. While the guinea pig might not regain full mobility, pain management can significantly enhance their quality of life.
Creating comfortable housing for arthritic guinea pigs
For guinea pigs with arthritis, ensuring comfort and ease of movement within their enclosure is paramount. Given their reduced mobility, it’s vital to make necessities like hay, hideouts, and food easily accessible.
Use a single-level enclosure to eliminate the need for ramps, as even shallow inclines can cause discomfort for arthritic guinea pigs. Lay hay directly on the cage floor rather than in a rack, and opt for hideouts they can simply walk into without climbing. The large Resch corner house is a very comfortable and cosy hideaway that our arthritic guinea pig loves.
Use soft bedding like fleece liners or bath mats (as in photo above) to further add to their comfort.
Ensuring warmth for an arthritic guinea pig is crucial. While we advise housing guinea pigs indoors, temperatures can drop during nighttime when many households turn off their heating. Using the Snugglesafe microwaveable heat mats can effectively warm your arthritic guinea pig during cooler nights. However, ensure they have the freedom to move away from the heat mat in their enclosure if they feel overly warm.
Find out how to do a weekly health check on your guinea pigs at home