Dedicated Exotics Veterinarians providing primary and referral level care for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are delightful pets that adjust well to home environments, including apartments, and often enjoy being involved in family life. However, they do require specific dietary care and are not considered easy-to-maintain pets.
Veterinary services for Guinea pigs
At SASH Exotics, we are committed to delivering exceptional care for Guinea pigs. Our team offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of services in the country, covering everything from routine and preventive treatments to advanced specialist care that is rarely available elsewhere.
We offer all services for rabbits including:
- Desexing males and females
- Annual health checks
- Micro-chipping
- Dentistry
- Behavioural investigations and management
- Emergency care
- Hospitalisation with dedicated ward and custom enclosures
- Laboratory testing
- Diagnostic imaging: X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy
- Minor and major surgeries
- Direct access to Australia’s broadest range of specialist services including Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Oncology, and more under a single roof.
Common conditions for Guinea pigs
Examples of common conditions the SASH Exotics team in Guinea pigs include:
- Dental disease
- Respiratory infections
- Urinary disease including kidney and bladder stones
- Skin disease and fur loss
In addition to these conditions, the SASH Avian & Exotics department is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of various other conditions, no matter the complexity, that can affect Guinea pigs.
Signs of illness or injury in Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs often try to hide signs of pain until the problem becomes critical. Even seemingly mild injuries can be severe.
We advise Guinea pig owners to be vigilant and look out for anything unusual with their pets. If it doubt, it is advisable to have them examined by an exotics veterinarian.
Signs of illness or injury in Guinea pigs include:
- Changes in normal behaviours or routine
- Refusing food, drooling, reduced appetite or inability to chew
- Less active, hunched or fluffed posture
- Having difficulty moving, limping or not using a leg
- Breathing difficulties, discharge from the mouth or nostrils
- Bleeding, wounds, lumps or swellings
- Reduced faecal production or changes in the consistency, size or shape of faecal pellets
- Sneezing, coughing
- Changes to one or both eyes (swelling, redness, discharge)
- Drinking excessively
- Urinating excessively or changes to the urine consistency or colour
- Seizures, tremors
- Fur loss, itching
Bringing your Guinea pig to the vet
Taking your Guinea pig to the vet can be a stressful, especially when they are unwell or injured. However, you can rest assured knowing the SASH Exotics team will take every necessary step to make the experience as pleasant as possible for you and your pet.
Guinea pigs need to arrive at SASH in an enclosure. If their regular enclosure is too large, common alternatives include:
- Cat and dog travel carriers are perfect for transport
- Laundry baskets covered with a towel
- A photo of the cage and surroundings can often be very helpful for the veterinarian.
