Common Guinea Pig Health Problems in the UK
Guinea pigs are popular pets across the UK, but they are prone to a number of health conditions that can deteriorate rapidly if left untreated. Knowing what to watch for — and acting quickly — makes a significant difference to outcomes.
Key takeaways
- Dental disease (malocclusion) is the most common health problem in guinea pigs — a high-hay diet is the best preventative measure.
- Only vets with small mammal experience should prescribe antibiotics for guinea pigs — many routine antibiotics are toxic to them.
- Ovarian cysts affect the majority of unspayed female guinea pigs over 18 months — discuss reproductive health with your vet.
Dental Disease and Malocclusion
Dental problems are the most common and challenging health issue in guinea pigs. Unlike dogs and cats, guinea pigs have continuously growing teeth — both the visible incisors and the back cheek teeth (molars). When the teeth do not wear evenly, malocclusion occurs: the teeth become overgrown and misaligned, making it painful or impossible to eat properly.
Early signs include weight loss, drooling, reluctance to eat hard foods, and a wet chin. By the time these signs appear, the condition is often advanced. Guinea pigs with malocclusion need regular dental procedures under general anaesthetic to file or burr back the overgrown teeth, typically every 4–12 weeks depending on the individual animal's teeth growth rate.
Each procedure costs £150–£350 at a vet experienced with guinea pigs. Prevention focuses on providing an appropriate diet: unlimited timothy hay, which promotes natural tooth wear, alongside fresh leafy greens and a small amount of pellet food. High-hay diets are the single most important factor in dental health.
Respiratory Infections
Upper and lower respiratory infections are common in guinea pigs, caused by bacterial pathogens including Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, laboured breathing, lethargy, and reduced appetite. Respiratory infections can deteriorate rapidly in guinea pigs and should always be treated as an urgent vet matter.
Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics prescribed by a vet. It is critical that guinea-pig-safe antibiotics are used — certain antibiotics that are routine for dogs and cats (including penicillins and many others) are toxic to guinea pigs and can be fatal. This is one of the main reasons why finding a vet experienced in small mammals matters so much.
Antibiotic courses typically cost £20–£45 plus the consultation fee. Keep guinea pigs away from rabbits, which can carry Bordetella without showing symptoms and transmit it to guinea pigs.
Skin Conditions: Mange Mites and Fungal Infections
Mange mites (Trixacarus caviae) cause intense itching in guinea pigs, sometimes so severe that affected animals have seizures. Signs include hair loss, crusty skin, and agitated scratching. Fungal ringworm infections cause patchy hair loss, typically starting around the face and spreading. Both conditions are treatable but require prescription medication.
Mange mites are treated with ivermectin or selamectin (Revolution/Stronghold) — a spot-on treatment applied to the skin. Ringworm is treated with antifungal shampoo or cream. Treatment costs approximately £20–£50 per course plus the consultation. Both conditions can spread between guinea pigs in the same hutch, so all animals in the group typically need treatment.
Good hygiene — regular hutch cleaning and substrate changes — significantly reduces the risk of parasitic and fungal skin conditions. Stress, inadequate diet, and overcrowding increase susceptibility.
Urinary and Reproductive Problems
Bladder stones (uroliths) are relatively common in guinea pigs, particularly females. Signs include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, squeaking during urination, or reduced urinary output. Diagnosis requires X-ray or ultrasound (£80–£200), and treatment may involve dietary management or surgical removal (£300–£600).
Female guinea pigs that are not spayed are at risk of ovarian cysts, which are extremely common — studies suggest that up to 80% of female guinea pigs over 18 months have ovarian cysts to some degree. Cysts can cause hormonal changes, symmetrical hair loss on the flanks, and behavioural changes.
Male guinea pigs can develop impaction of the perineal sac — a pouch near the anus that becomes packed with faeces and debris. This requires regular manual cleaning in older or less mobile males, which can be demonstrated by your vet at a routine health check. [Compare vet prices near you](/compare-vet-prices/) to find a small mammal-experienced practice.
Find a Vet Near You
If you think your guinea pig is unwell, acting promptly makes a real difference. CompareMyVet helps you find practices experienced with small mammals in your area. Visit [app.comparemyvet.uk](https://app.comparemyvet.uk) to search for a vet near you and compare their services.
Related guides
Common questions
Early signs include weight loss, reluctance to eat hard foods, drooling, and a wet or matted chin. Regular weigh-ins at home (weekly for older animals) help detect weight loss early before other symptoms appear.
Yes. Guinea pigs should be kept away from rabbits, which can carry Bordetella bronchiseptica asymptomatically and transmit it to guinea pigs, causing serious respiratory disease. Keep guinea pigs and rabbits in separate areas.
GI stasis is a slowdown or cessation of gut movement. In guinea pigs, it is a medical emergency. If your guinea pig stops eating or producing droppings — or produces much smaller or fewer droppings than usual — seek emergency vet care immediately. Untreated GI stasis can be fatal within hours.
CompareMyVet is live in Brighton & Hove — search 29 practices by price, ownership and services. Launching across the UK in 2026.