Section: Overview
Diarrhea in guinea pigs may be defined as an increase in the water content of fecal pellets with or without an increase in the frequency or volume of the bowel movements. Contrary to diarrhea in many other species, any changes in the normal appearance of a guinea pig's fecal pellets are a concern and should be addressed with some urgency. Diarrhea should not be confused with the normal, soft cecotropes (night feces) that are produced and ingested by the guinea pig primarily at night.
Causes
Drugs (especially antibiotics)
Toxins
Inadequate amounts of roughage in the diet in the form of grass or timothy hay
Stress
Infectious agents (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic)
Dietary indiscretion (eating inappropriate food or material)
Metabolic diseases
Intestinal parasites
Diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. It can also alter the normal fecal and intestinal pH (acidity or alkalinity) leading to disruption of normal bacterial flora that leads to abnormal bacterial growth and subsequent septicemia.
What to Watch For
Watery, soft, mucous and misshapen fecal pellets
Change in fecal color
Sudden loss of appetite – anything over 24 hours is potentially an emergency.
Lethargy – excessive sleepiness or decrease in activity
Swelling of the abdomen (stomach area)
Abdominal discomfort – chinchillas often act as though they can't get comfortable by frequently changing body positions from lying outstretched and switching from side to side, to sitting hunched and breathing rapidly.
Diagnosis
Veterinary care is aimed towards determining the cause of the diarrhea so that proper treatment recommendations may be offered. Some cases of diarrhea are short lived, but unless the cause of the diarrhea is elucidated, serious consequences may occur.
Diagnostic testing includes a very thorough history and physical examination by a veterinarian experienced with chinchillas. Additional tests may include:
Examination of the feces (flotation, direct smear and gram staining)
A complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry panel
Radiographs (X-rays)
Abdominal Ultrasound
Treatment
Treatment is based on the cause of the diarrhea and may include:
Dietary modification
Fluid therapy
Motility drugs that change the rate the ingesta (ingested food) is passed through the intestinal tract
Antibiotics
Dewormers
Home Care and Prevention
Administer only medication prescribed by a qualified veterinarian and provide fresh water at all times.
Do not change the diet unless prescribed by a qualified veterinarian and encourage your pet to eat frequently. Closely monitor fecal output to ensure adequate food consumption. Observe your chinchilla's activity and appetite, and notify your veterinarian immediately if improvement is not noticed in a couple days or if symptoms worsen.
Always keep the diet consistent by offering a free choice of timothy or grass hay (fresh and free of molds) and a limited quantity of fresh, high quality chinchilla food (no seeds or nuts). Avoid abrupt changes of brands or pellets. Make all changes or additions of foods very gradual. Keeping your pet on a consistent and regular diet is imperative. Avoid feeding only pellets.
Have all new pets checked by a veterinarian, and then annually or biannually thereafter, and maintain a stress free environment.
