Diarrhea in Guinea Pigs

Diarrhea in guinea pigs may be defined as an increase in the water content of fecal pellets with or without an increase in the frequency or volume of the bowel movements. Contrary to diarrhea in many other species, any changes in the normal appearance of a guinea pig’s fecal pellets are a concern and should be addressed with some urgency. Diarrhea should not be confused with the normal, soft cecotropes (night feces) that are produced and ingested by the guinea pig primarily at night.

There are many causes of diarrhea. Some of the most common include

• Drugs (especially antibiotics) and toxins
• Inadequate amounts of roughage in the diet (in the form of grass or timothy hay)
• Stress
• Infectious agents (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic)
• Dietary indiscretion (eating inappropriate food or material)
• Metabolic diseases
• Intestinal parasites
• Diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. It can also alter the normal fecal and intestinal pH (acidity or alkalinity) leading to disruption of normal bacterial flora that leads to abnormal bacterial growth and subsequent septicemia.

What to Watch For

• Watery, soft, mucousy and misshapen fecal pellets
• Change in fecal color
• Sudden loss of appetite (anything over 24 hours is potentially an emergency)
• Lethargy – excessive sleepiness or decrease in activity
• Swelling of the abdomen (stomach area)
• Abdominal discomfort – Guinea pigs will often act as though they can’t get comfortable by frequently changing body positions from lying outstretched and switching from side to side, to sitting hunched and breathing rapidly.