Arthritis in Guinea Pigs
- thegayneapigs
- 55 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Arthritis can be common in older guinea pigs, and over the years we've had to manage this condition in several of our own. What is it, and what can you do to treat it?
Signs/symptoms of arthritis in guinea pigs can include (but are not limited to):
Stiff movements
Moving around less
Difficulty grooming
Increased resting/sleeping time
Discomfort/pain when being handled
Less interaction overall
Like humans, guinea pig joints are prone to wear and tear as they age. Guinea pigs also have very tiny legs compared to the weight of their bodies, which increases the stress and strain on these joints. Over time these joints can become inflamed and start to break down, causing pain and stiffness.
Proper diagnosis of arthritis is important - the first step should be an evaluation by an exotics vet. This will usually include a physical examination of the joints, as well as an x-ray of the bones. Other issues and illnesses can cause similar symptoms, so it's important to have an expert check them out.
Once your pig has been diagnosed, what should you do?
The most important thing is to work with your vet! However we do have some tips and tricks to share from our personal experience that might help get you started.
Medication
Managing your guinea pig's pain is a crucial part of their quality of life. Your vet may prescribe them some form of NSAIDs - most likely meloxicam - to help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joints.
We have worked closely with our vets to find the ideal dose for our pigs, and occasionally we have to increase their daily amount. As they got older and the arthritis worsened, we had to increase the dose to keep up with their pain.
Supplements
We provide our guinea pigs, particularly older pigs, Oxbow joint support supplements. The ingredient glucosamine is helpful for pigs with arthritis. You can also find this in higher doses in other forms of supplements, so talk with your vet and see what they would recommend. You can typically get it over the counter.
Cage Setup
The layout and design of a guinea pig's cage can be a hindrance to their ability to move around as they age. Keep their cage at one level, removing any ramps or platforms that may need to jump to or strain themselves to reach. Use comfortable and padded bedding, and offer cozy fleece and soft spaces for them to rest in.
If we notice a guinea pig struggling to access their hay tray or even their pellet bowls, we typically remove and replace them with more accessible alternatives. Instead of hay trays for older pigs we use cardboard boxes with one side cut out, so they can walk in instead of having to hop over the edge. Our older pigs also have their pellets on small plates rather than bowls so they don't have to strain to eat. We use stove top ladle rests, and they work perfectly!
Heat
Keeping their joints warm can help reduce pain and stiffness. Like humans, cold can exacerbate joint pain. We pay close attention in the winter that the temperature in their room is warm enough. Some pigs like heating pads - both pet friendly pads integrated in their cage, as well as just while we're holding them during lap time. Always be careful not to set it too hot.
Laser Therapy
This can be expensive, but effective in some guinea pigs. You can have it done at the vet, or purchase a laser of your own. Laser therapy is supposed to decrease inflammation and increase blood flow. We haven't had great luck with our herd, but we do know other piggie parents who have had a lot of success with their arthritic pigs. If you have the means and the time, it could be a helpful tool.
Movement
Encouraging low-impact movement can really help increase blood flow and decrease overall stiffness in joints. Guinea pigs are slower and lower energy in their old age, but should still get floor time and show interest in exploring and moving around. We find that guinea pigs have momentum with movement - it's easier for them to move around and engage in play if they are consistently active, but once they are stagnant for a period of time it's harder to encourage them to get up and get moving.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating arthritis in guinea pigs, but a mix of some of these tricks should help provide them some relief from symptoms. It might take some trial and error but you will find what works best for your pig.
You know your pig best, so if you feel like they’re in pain or something feels wrong, do what you can to advocate for them. And of course, this is not an exhaustive list nor a recommendation for any specific pigs; always talk with an exotic animal vet.
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