Guinea Pig Bloat: Causes & Treatment

In comparison to the other four-legged pets, too little is known about the digestive mechanisms of guinea pigs.

They are monogastric herbivores, meaning that they have only one stomach; unlike some bigger herbivores that have more than just one.

The stomach continues to the small intestine, appendix, and large intestine. The appendix is the main place of fermentation.

The process produces a lot of gas and diet changes can disrupt it making it generate more content than needed.

Guinea pigs are physiologically hindgut fermenters. The food is broken down after passing the small intestine with the help of different bacteria (the process is called microbial fermentation).

Intestinal gas is a normal digestion byproduct in most mammals. As long as the gas is in normal quantities and can pass safely out of the body it’s no big deal. But what happens when the content is trapped?

Guinea pig bloat is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Bloat occurs when the gastrointestinal tract produces a lot of gas.

The gas stays in place and cannot be passed through the guinea pigs’ intestines. More gas is produced in the meantime and the situation only gets worse.

Another specific thing about guinea pigs is that everything that goes inside their mouth has to come out on the hind.

There is no other way. Guinea pigs aren’t able to regurgitate content and burp up gas as other animals can.

The onset of guinea pig bloat is sudden and can become life-threatening in less than 12 hours. Gastrointestinal stasis is coming secondary as a result of the bloat and is the real killer.

The guinea pigs’ stomachs are always in motion. With stasis, the digestive movements slow down or stop entirely. That’s when it gets serious.

Table of Contents

What Causes Bloating in Guinea Pigs?

Too much negative bacteria growth can result in excess gas and thus bloating. Bacterial infections in the digestive system can be considered as one of the things causing guinea pig bloat.

Additionally, recent antibiotic treatment can disturb the normal microflora of the intestines and create a favorable environment for the negative microorganisms.

Some vegetables can cause a massive gas build-up and should cautiously be given to guinea pigs or avoided completely.

The main problem is that they love all of them so much. Such vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale, and broccoli.

The 16 foods known to cause gas

Small amounts rarely cause trouble. Cut them entirely for a pig that has bloated before.

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cauliflower leaves
Cabbage
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Bok choy
Collard greens
Turnip greens
Mustard greens
Turnip
Kohlrabi
Radish
Peas
Green beans
Dried beans and lentils

Dried beans and lentils are the one item here that should never be fed at all.

Not sure what is safe to feed instead?

See all 85 foods

Lack of quality hay in the diet can also contribute to decreased gut mobility and gas build-up. One more theory is that obesity and lack of exercise can be taken as contributing factors as well.

Guinea pigs are very sensitive to dietary changes. Any change has to be implemented gradually over a period of a week or two. Sudden shifts make the stomach and guts vulnerable and susceptible to bloating.

Bloating in guinea pigs can occur as a result of intestinal blockage. Guinea pigs chewing on non-digestive material such as plastic can accidentally swallow little pieces that can block the digestive tract.

Other materials that can also contribute to the blockage and subsequently bloat are wood, hairballs, etc.

How Do I Know If My Guinea Pig Has Bloat?

The most obvious sign of guinea pig bloat is a sudden distended and swollen appearance of the abdomen. Accompanying signs of bloating are:

If you want to make a quick check whether the problem is gas bloat you can do a home test. Take your guinea pig and immobilize him by grasping the shoulders and the neck.

Flick your middle finger on both sides of the abdomen. When the abdomen is filled with gas the flicking will produce different sounds in different areas.

If you suspect your guinea pig has bloat, you must realize that means an emergency. The disease can progress quickly and every second count. Taking a trip to the vet is the only solution to make sure your pet gets the care he deserves.

Firstly your guinea pig will need to be diagnosed with bloat before the treatment begins. The physical examination is what every experienced vet will begin by paying special attention to the abdominal area. Gut sounds with lower intensity can give a pretty good idea of what might be going on.