Bloat in guinea pigs is a serious condition where bacterial gas builds up in the stomach and intestines, leading to swelling and discomfort.
What causes bloat?
Bloat is usually caused by abrupt changes in a guinea pig’s diet, which can disrupt the balance of bacteria in their intestines.
Overgrowth of certain gas-producing bacteria becomes more likely, especially when foods such as grass, kale, and cabbage are suddenly introduced into their diet.
It is worth noting that grass clippings must never be fed to guinea pigs due to the other potentially lethal plant matter that will inevitably be mixed in with them.
Symptoms of bloat
The extent to which a guinea pig is affected can vary. While some might show minimal signs, others can be severely impacted. The main symptoms of bloat are:
- A visibly swollen abdomen.
- Signs of abdominal pain.
- Refusal to eat or drink.
In extreme cases, the swelling can be so significant that it leads to shock, which can be fatal. The bloated stomach can also twist, resulting in a dangerous and potentially deadly condition known as gastric dilation and torsion (or twisted stomach).
Since the gas accumulates in a foamy consistency, guinea pigs struggle to expel it naturally.
If your guinea pig appears bloated but still eating and drinking, you might be concerned about whether it’s bloat or another issue. Given the severity of this condition, it’s crucial to consult your vet promptly to pinpoint the cause. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly reduce risks to your guinea pig. It’s always best to rule out issues early on rather than face a situation where it’s too late to help them.
Treatment
Immediate veterinary care is essential. However, if it’s not readily accessible, a few home remedies can be attempted:
- Vegetable Oil: Administering a teaspoon can help break down the foamy gas, allowing it to pass more easily through the digestive system.
- Gripe Water: Peter Gurney suggests using gripe water for guinea pigs in the same way it’s used for babies. Use a syringe to give it, following the same proportions as recommended for human infants.
- Abdominal Massage: Massaging the sides of the abdomen can assist in releasing any trapped gas.
For the best chance of recovery and to lessen complications, limiting the guinea pig’s diet to just hay and water until their digestive system returns to its normal rhythm is wise. In some cases, a vet may recommend antibiotics alongside dietary adjustments.
Twisted Stomach (Gastric Volvulus)
Gastric volvulus is when the guinea pig’s stomach twists upon itself. You may also hear it called stomach torsion or GDV (gastric dilatation volvulus).
This twist can lead to complications such as blockages or reduced blood flow, which can severely affect your pet’s health.
Symptoms of twisted stomach
While some guinea pigs may not show any obvious symptoms of a twisted stomach, the condition can escalate fast. Your pet may seem perfectly healthy one moment, only to display severe distress or, in extreme cases, pass away unexpectedly within hours. However, there are specific symptoms to keep an eye out for:
- Weight Loss: A noticeable decrease in weight can be a sign of many conditions, including gastric volvulus.
- Reduced Appetite: If your guinea pig is eating less or not at all, it’s cause for concern.
- Breathing Difficulties: This can be a symptom if your guinea pig appears to be struggling to breathe, especially if their stomach seems swollen.
- Lethargy: An uncharacteristically tired or listless guinea pig requires attention.
- Changes in Faeces Production: A decrease or absence in faeces can be a sign that something’s not right with your guinea pig’s digestion.
Potential Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact reasons guinea pigs might develop gastric volvulus are unclear, some factors may increase the risk:
- Eating Habits: Guinea pigs that quickly consume large amounts of dry food and water might be at higher risk.
- Gastric Stasis: This is a condition where the stomach struggles to empty, often due to issues like dental disease or a diet lacking fibre. Symptoms might mimic those of gastric volvulus, including reduced appetite and faeces production.
- Pregnancy: Female guinea pigs in late pregnancy have changes in their abdomen that might make them more susceptible to developing gastric volvulus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you think your guinea pig has stomach torsion, seeing a vet is crucial, as it’s a serious emergency. X-raying your guinea pig can assist veterinarians in diagnosing conditions such as gastric volvulus. Sadly, the prognosis is not good for this condition, and although surgery can be undertaken, success rates are low.
This information relating to stomach torsion was taken from an article on the National Library of Medicine website relating to Gastric Volvulus in Guinea Pigs: Compared to Other Species and links on that page to related articles on this subject.
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