Scurvy In Guinea Pigs: Prevention & Treatment

While you may not hear your vet use the term ‘scurvy’, low vitamin C is something we see very commonly in guinea pigs. It is usually referred to as ‘Vitamin C deficiency’ or ‘Hypovitaminosis C’. As the symptoms can vary and often wax and wane, it is sometimes difficult for owners to recognise that there is a problem.

Unlike humans, cats and dogs, guinea pigs are unable to manufacture their own vitamin C and require a consistent external source. An added complicating factor is that many supplements sold contain low levels of Vitamin C and the content degrades with time. Keeping your guinea pig topped up in Vitamin C is not the easy task it may seem at first glance!

What Is Scurvy in Guinea Pigs?

A severe vitamin C deficiency means that collagen cannot be made, and this has the potential to be fatal if not quickly corrected.

What Causes Scurvy in Guinea Pigs?

Scurvy occurs when a guinea pig does not have an adequate vitamin C intake. Their diet is lacking, and this has serious repercussions.

The Role of Vitamin C in Guinea Pig Health

Vitamin C is crucial for a healthy piggy. It is used for collagen synthesis, so is necessary for building and supporting skin, joints and blood vessels. It is also a key component of their immune system.

Foods That Are High in Vitamin C

Common vitamin C rich foods include bell peppers, parsley, kiwi, and papaya. Most leafy greens are a good source too, and this includes kale and turnip greens.

Why Diet Alone Is Sometimes Not Enough

However, diet alone may not provide adequate vitamin C. This is because they have relatively high requirements for Vitamin C and because the Vitamin C in foods degrades over time.

What Are the Signs of Scurvy in Guinea Pigs?

Symptoms are going to come on quite slowly and they can be very subtle at first.

Joint Pain and Difficulty Moving

Affected guinea pigs can become less active and, when they are moving, those movements can seem more stiff and slow. In later stages, the joints become swollen and the piggy is reluctant to move and is weak.

Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite

You may notice your guinea pig looks skinnier and is leaving more of their food uneaten. If you weigh them regularly, you’ll find they’re losing weight despite you offering the same amount of food.

Skin, Coat and Dental Changes

The coat may look dull, as if your pet has suddenly aged. As well as this, you can find that they have dandruff and that any wounds take a long time to heal.

Is Scurvy in Guinea Pigs an Emergency?

Scruvy develops over weeks and months, rather than an overnight change.

How Quickly Can Scurvy Progress?

It takes quite some time for vitamin C deficiency to develop and for the signs to become obvious. However, keep in mind that guinea pigs are masters when it comes to hiding the signs they’re unwell.

For this reason, many owners contact an emergency vet as they find their guinea pig was coping okay and then abruptly became very unwell and lethargic.

When to Contact an Emergency Vet

Contact an emergency vet if your guinea pig suddenly goes downhill and is not coping. Red flag signs include:

• Laboured breathing
• Food refusal
• Reduced pooping
• Bloating
• Obvious weakness

How Is Scurvy in Guinea Pigs Diagnosed?

Your vet will be suspicious of the diagnosis based on your guinea pig’s symptoms and diet.

Clinical Signs and Veterinary Examination

They’ll examine your guinea pig from nose to tail, keeping an eye out for any tell-tale signs such as a lacklustre coat and painful joints.

Further Diagnostic Tests

Usually, vets make a presumed diagnosis and do not run any tests. Uncommonly, a vet may run tests such as blood tests and imaging.

How Is Scurvy in Guinea Pigs Treated?

The mainstay of therapy is getting those vitamin C levels back up again, while supporting the guinea pig.

Vitamin C Supplementation for Guinea Pigs

Immediately, the diet must be supplemented with high levels of vitamin C. You can give high vitamin C foods, tablets, oral drops, and/or food supplements.

Bear in mind that vitamin C should usually not be added to water. It can lead to the guinea pig refusing the water and it breaks down quickly when exposed to light.

Dietary Changes and Fresh Foods

Consider a fortified pellet food, alongside fresh fruit and vegetables. Guinea pigs also require an unlimited supply of fresh hay and water.

While the price of fresh fruit and vegetables can be high, the cost can be kept down by offering your scraps and by using seasonal produce.

Veterinary Care and Recovery

During recovery, your vet will likely suggest you see them for a check up, to ensure that your cavy is improving.

How Can You Prevent Scurvy in Guinea Pigs?

The key in prevention is in ensuring your guinea pig is being provided with regular vitamin C from day one.

How Much Vitamin C Do Guinea Pigs Need Each Day?

When you search veterinary resources on this topic, the general recommendation is to aim for about 20mg of Vitamin C a day, as the recommended amount is 10-30mg/kg. This amount will double during pregnancy.

The Best Fresh Vegetables and Foods to Feed Daily

Some of the top choices when it comes to Vitamin C include:

• Parsley
• Kale
• Mustard and turnip greens
• Romaine lettuce
• Bell pepper
• Broccoli
• Carrot
• Sweet potato
• Orange
• Strawberry
• Blueberry

Choosing the Right Pellets and Supplement

Consult with your vet about the ideal choice for your cavy, which will depend on their age and health status. Buy smaller quantities of pellets, to ensure the vitamin C does not degrade after the bag is opened.

Hay makes up about 85% of their diet, and the remainder should be vitamin C enriched pellets (about ⅛ cup per day for adults) and some leafy greens, as well as a small amount of other fresh vegetables and fruit.

Get Veterinary Care for Your Guinea Pig

Please contact us if you need to book your guinea pig in for a veterinarian exam. This may be for a general health check, or if you are concerned there is something wrong.

Scurvy in Guinea Pigs: FAQs

What are the first signs of scurvy in guinea pigs?

Early signs of low vitamin C include fur changes, a reduced appetite and slower movement.

How do you treat scurvy in guinea pigs at home?

The treatment is with vitamin C supplementation, to get vitamin C levels in the body back up to normal.

How much vitamin C does a guinea pig need per day?

Guinea pigs require about 20mg/kg of Vitamin C per day. It is so important to offer vitamin C on a daily basis.

Can scurvy in guinea pigs be fatal?

Sadly, if not promptly treated, there is the potential for signs to be so severe that the guinea pig passes away. Thankfully, it is one of the easiest diseases to prevent.

What vegetables are high in vitamin C for guinea pigs?

The vegetables with lots of vitamin C that can be offered include red bell peppers, parsley, and romaine lettuce.