Editing Guinea pig (section)

=== Health problems ===
Common ailments in domestic guinea pigs include [[Lower respiratory tract infection|respiratory tract infections]], [[diarrhea]], [[scurvy]] (vitamin C deficiency, typically characterized by sluggishness), [[abscess]]es due to infection (often in the neck, due to hay embedded in the throat, or from external scratches), and infections by [[louse|lice]], [[mite]]s, or [[fungus]].{{sfn|Richardson|2000|loc=ch. 1, 4, 5, 9}}

[[Mange mite]]s (''Trixacarus caviae'') are a common cause of hair loss, and other symptoms may also include excessive scratching, unusually aggressive behavior when touched (due to pain), and, in some instances, seizures.{{sfn|Richardson|2000|pages=3–4}} Guinea pigs may also suffer from "running lice" (''Gliricola porcelli''), a small, white insect that can be seen moving through the hair; their eggs, which appear as black or white specks attached to the hair, are sometimes referred to as "static lice". Other causes of hair loss can be hormonal upsets caused by underlying medical conditions such as [[ovarian cyst]]s.{{sfn|Richardson|2000|page=55}}

[[File:mvc-872s.jpg|thumb|A [[parti-colored]] guinea pig suffering from [[torticollis]], or wry neck]]

Foreign bodies, especially tiny pieces of hay or straw, can become lodged in the eyes of guinea pigs, resulting in excessive blinking, tearing, and, in some cases, an opaque film over the eye due to [[corneal ulcers in animals|corneal ulcer]].{{sfn|Richardson|2000|pages=69–70}} Hay or straw dust can also cause [[sneeze|sneezing]]. While it is normal for guinea pigs to sneeze periodically, frequent sneezing may be a symptom of [[pneumonia (non-human)|pneumonia]], especially in response to atmospheric changes. Pneumonia may also be accompanied by [[torticollis]] and can be fatal.{{sfn|Richardson|2000|pages=45–48}}

Because the guinea pig has a stout, compact body, it more easily tolerates excessive cold than excessive heat.{{sfn|Wagner|Manning|1976|p=6}} Its normal [[thermoregulation|body temperature]] is {{convert|101|–|104|F|C|order=flip}},{{sfn|Terril|Clemons|1998|p=19}} so its ideal ambient air temperature range is similar to a human's, about {{convert|65|–|75|F|C|order=flip}}.{{sfn|Wagner|Manning|1976|p=6}} Consistent ambient temperatures in excess of {{convert|90|F|C|order=flip}} have been linked to [[hyperthermia]] and death, especially among pregnant sows.{{sfn|Wagner|Manning|1976|p=6}} Guinea pigs are not well suited to environments that feature wind or frequent drafts,{{sfn|Terril|Clemons|1998|p=37}} and respond poorly to extremes of [[humidity]] outside of the range of 30–70%.{{sfn|Terril|Clemons|1998|p=36}}

Guinea pigs are [[Predation|prey]] animals whose survival instinct is to mask pain and signs of illness, and many times, health problems may not be apparent until a condition is severe or in its advanced stages. Treatment of disease is made more difficult by the extreme sensitivity guinea pigs have to most [[antibiotic]]s, including [[penicillin]], which kill off the [[gut flora|intestinal flora]] and quickly bring on episodes of diarrhea and in some cases, death.{{sfn|Wagner|Manning|1976|p=229}}{{sfn|Richardson|2000|pages=105–106}}

Similar to the inherited [[genetic disorder|genetic diseases]] of other breeds of animals (such as [[Hip dysplasia (canine)|hip dysplasia]] in canines), some genetic abnormalities of guinea pigs have been reported. Most commonly, the [[roan (color)#Roan guinea pigs|roan]] coloration of [[Abyssinian guinea pig|Abyssinian]] guinea pigs is associated with [[congenital disorder|congenital]] eye disorders and problems with the digestive system.{{sfn|Richardson|2000|page=69}} Other genetic disorders include "waltzing disease" (deafness coupled with a tendency to run in circles), palsy, and [[tremor]] conditions.<ref name=robinson>{{Cite book|last = Robinson|first = Roy|contribution = The Guinea Pig, ''Cavia Porcellus''|editor-last = King|editor-first = Robert C|title = Handbook of Genetics|volume = 4|year = 1974|pages = 275–307|publisher = Plenum|isbn = 978-0-306-37614-6}}</ref>