Guinea Pigs And Strokes: A Deadly Risk?

Like humans, guinea pigs can have strokes and heart attacks. In some cases, you may simply find that your guinea pig has died without showing any prior symptoms. Strokes are more common in older guinea pigs than in younger ones.

Symptoms of a stroke in guinea pigs

Strokes, though not common in guinea pigs, may occur. During a stroke, a guinea pig may convulse, act unresponsive, or display irregular breathing. The animal's chances of suffering another stroke multiply if it has already had one.

• Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body. The affected area may sag.
• Listlessness
• Loss of balance
• Loss of appetite
• Walking in circles
• Head tilt
• Bulging of one eye

In general, the symptoms of a stroke occur suddenly and disappear slowly. If your guinea pig seems fine one minute and can't move the next, it may have suffered a stroke. If you suspect your guinea pig is having a stroke, get it to a veterinarian immediately. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your guinea pig's chance of recovery.

Please note that the above symptoms may also be indicative of other illnesses, so it is important to seek veterinary advice.

What to do if you suspect your guinea pig has had a stroke

Firstly, it's important to note that guinea pigs can and do have strokes and heart attacks. If you suspect your guinea pig has had a stroke, it is important to act quickly as this is a medical emergency. The prognosis is often not good, and your guinea pig will need expert care for recovery.

Signs and Symptoms

If your guinea pig is experiencing a mild stroke, you may find them unresponsive but still alive. Other symptoms may include:

• Twitching
• 'Flickering' eyes (an indication of neurological damage)
• Unconsciousness
• Head tilting to one side
• Unusual behaviour

What to do

If you suspect your guinea pig is having a stroke, you should:

• Call your vet immediately and explain the situation. They will advise you on the best course of action.
• If the stroke is mild, carefully transport your guinea pig to the vet as soon as possible. The vet may administer a steroidal injection to assist in recovery.
• Monitor your guinea pig's health and behaviour closely.
• If your guinea pig is struggling to eat or drink, you may need to hand-feed them using a syringe. Seek advice from your vet on how to do this properly.
• Keep your guinea pig calm and comfortable. Wrapping them in a towel can help to reduce stress and make them feel more secure.
• If your guinea pig is experiencing difficulty walking or moving, you may need to assist them by gently supporting their body.
• Be prepared for the possibility of further veterinary appointments and treatments.

Remember, time is of the essence when dealing with a potential stroke in your guinea pig. Always seek professional veterinary advice and care as soon as possible.

How to prevent a guinea pig from having a stroke

Guinea pigs can have strokes, and they can be fatal. As with humans, a stroke in a guinea pig is a blood supply disturbance in the brain.It is more common in older guinea pigs than younger ones.

• Ensure they have a proper diet that does not change from day to day.
• Provide clean water.
• Use bedding materials that are gentle on their skin.
• Clean and disinfect their cage frequently.
• Provide a low-stress environment.
• Ensure they get sufficient exercise.
• Monitor their vitamin C intake. Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so they need to get at least 10 mg of vitamin C per kilogram of body weight daily.
• Avoid giving antibiotics unless directed by a veterinarian. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to antibiotics, which can cause digestive tract problems and even death.
• Keep their bedding, water bottle, and housing clean and sanitised.
• Section their diet if they are older. Older guinea pigs are more prone to strokes and other health issues, so consider reducing their calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D intake while increasing their magnesium intake.

How to identify a stroke vs a heart attack in guinea pigs

Guinea pigs can have strokes and heart attacks, and the conditions may be difficult to distinguish between. In some instances, your guinea pig may pass away before you can identify what happened. This is more common with older guinea pigs than younger ones.

Signs of a Stroke

If your guinea pig has had a stroke, it may display paralysis or weakness on one side of its body. The affected area may sag, and the animal may walk in circles or tilt its head. The eyes may also bulge or flicker, which is an indication of neurological damage. Other signs include listlessness, loss of balance, and loss of appetite. The symptoms of a stroke occur suddenly and disappear slowly, so if your guinea pig seems fine one minute and unable to move the next, it may have suffered a stroke.

Signs of a Heart Attack

Early signs of a heart attack in a guinea pig may include a loss of energy and a tendency to move less. Other possible signs are a “hooting” sound, chronic upper respiratory infections, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Guinea pigs with heart problems may also have difficulty recovering from being put under anesthesia.

What to Do if You Suspect a Stroke or Heart Attack

If you suspect your guinea pig is having a stroke or heart attack, it is important to get it to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner you begin treatment, the better your guinea pig's chance of recovery. If you suspect a heart attack, your vet will perform a thorough examination, including listening to the heart with a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds like arrhythmia or murmurs. They may also recommend diagnostics such as X-rays or an echocardiogram to evaluate heart function and condition.

How to identify a stroke vs a head injury in guinea pigs

While it is not common, guinea pigs can have strokes. If you suspect your guinea pig is having a stroke, get it to a veterinarian immediately. During a stroke, the animal may convulse, act unresponsive, or display irregular breathing. Other signs that your guinea pig has had a stroke include listlessness, loss of balance, and loss of appetite. The animal may walk in circles, tilt its head, or have a bulging eye. In general, stroke symptoms occur suddenly and disappear slowly. If your guinea pig seems fine one minute and can't move the next, it may have suffered a stroke.

Guinea pigs can also suffer from heat stroke, which is more common. If you suspect your guinea pig is suffering from heat stroke, give it a cool bath and place it on a cool, wet towel for transportation to a vet immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include profuse salivation, shallow and rapid breathing, pale gums, and an elevated body temperature (above the normal rectal temperature of 101.5 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit).

Head injuries can also be very serious for guinea pigs. If you suspect your guinea pig has suffered a head injury, get emergency medical attention from a vet. Keep your guinea pig in a cool, dark, and quiet place until you can get help. Symptoms of a head injury include:

• Tilting their head to one side
• Shaking their head from side to side
• Changes in eye movement, such as quick, darting eye movements
• Vomiting or decreased appetite
• Lying still for extended periods
• Loss of balance while walking or moving
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Frequently asked questions