Scurvy in Guinea Pigs

Just like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so they must consume it daily in their diet. Young guinea pigs appear to be particularly susceptible to vitamin C deficiency. A lack of vitamin C intake for just two weeks can be enough to cause scurvy.

Clinical Signs

• Dull coat or hair loss
• Diarrhea, poor digestion
• Various dental problems, swelling and bleeding of the gums
• Weakness, decreased appetite, vocalization
• Lameness (joint pain and distension)
• Hemorrhages
• X-ray: enlargement of long bones and ribs, possible fractures
• Abortion, newborn mortality;
• Greater susceptibility to infections (i.e. pododermatitis)
• Possible mortalities

Diagnosis

• Anamnesis (history)
• Clinical signs
• Radiographic lesions
• Serological dosage of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) possible (rarely done)

Treatment

Vitamin C injections until clinical signs improve.

Oral administration of vitamin C may be considered. The use of Rodoxon at twice the normally recommended daily dose is recommended until resolution of clinical signs.

N.B. Despite effective treatment, the animal may be left with after-effects if the problem was very severe.

Prevention

The vitamin C content of commercial foods is often insufficient for the guinea pig's needs. This is why it is necessary to supplement your pet's diet with vitamin C. To do this, you can simply offer your pet fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.

Here are some examples:

• parsley
• broccoli
• peppers red and green
• brussels sprouts
• all dark green salads
• tomato
• cauliflower
• spinach
• kiwi
• strawberry
• cabbage
• dandelion
• lemon
• orange
• pineapple
• grapefruit
• asparagus
• raspberry
• blackcurrant
• blackberry
• fresh peas
• green bean
• melon
• apricot
• cherry
• plum
• carrot
• beet greens
• apple
• pear
• radish
• etc.

Also, the administration of a quarter of a Redoxon tablet (1000 mg) diluted in 250 ml (= 1 cup) of the animal's water is strongly recommended.

N.B.: A higher dose is required for pregnant females, growing animals and sick animals.