Vitamin C Deficiency in a Guinea Pig

Vitamin C deficiencies are common in Guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs are one of several species that can suffer from a serious vitamin C deficiency because their bodies can't produce it on their own. In people, a vitamin C deficiency is called "scurvy." Vitamin C deficiencies are common in pet guinea pigs and are a serious condition that can lead to major health problems and even death.

Importance

According to the Lake Howell Animal Clinic in Maitland, Florida, vitamin C is an essential nutrient that is required for the production of collagen in the Guinea pig. Without proper collagen production, the Guinea pig can end up with swollen joints, respiratory issues and bleeding gums.

Causes

The main cause of a vitamin C deficiency in a Guinea pig is an improper diet that is lacking in vitamin C supplementation. A diet of only commercial Guinea pig food or vegetables and fruits that are low in vitamin C will cause a vitamin C deficiency. Some commercial Guinea pig foods have vitamin C added to them in production, but not all of them. This is also not enough vitamin C for the Guinea pig to achieve optimal health.

Symptoms

According to Lake Howell Clinic, symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency in a Guinea pig can include swelling joints, respiratory infections, bleeding gums, lethargy, weight loss, and nasal discharge. The Guinea pig may also experience some pain from these symptoms, and may whine when picked up.

Treatment

A diet that is high in vitamin C along with some additional supplementation will treat a vitamin C deficiency in Guinea pigs. Feed the guinea pig vitamin C-rich vegetables and fruits such as kale, dandelion greens, broccoli, clover, spinach, red peppers, peas and tomatoes regularly. These vegetables and fruits should only make up about 15 percent of the Guinea pig's diet, with the rest of the diet consisting of pellets and timothy hay.

Vitamin C supplements are also available that can be added to the Guinea pig's drinking water and can be used in extreme cases. However, fresh water and vitamin C need to be supplied daily as the vitamin C breaks down quickly.

Prevention

A properly balanced diet is essential for preventing a vitamin C deficiency in Guinea pigs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends feeding commercial pellets as well as vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables as a part of a healthy diet. The Lake Howell Animal Clinic also recommends feeding commercial pellets with added vitamin C daily, along with timothy hay, fruits and vegetables and vitamin C added to drinking water.

References

• Lake Howell Animal Clinic: Guinea Pig Care
• Critterology: Vitamin C Deficiency in Guinea Pigs
• Pets Magazine: Vitamin C Deficiency in Guinea Pigs
• ASPCA: Guinea Pig Care

Resources

• Drs. Foster and Smith: Importance of Vitamin C for Guinea Pigs