Guinea Pig Teeth Problems Symptoms
The molars are located in the back of the mouth.
Guinea pig teeth problems symptoms. And when its teeth or jaws are misaligned the teeth can become overgrown causing chewing or swallowing difficulties and producing excess saliva. Accompanying the gradual weight loss are often signs of scurvy from decreased food intake. A guinea pig s teeth grow throughout its life. Finding an exotics veterinarian or veterinary dentist who is experienced in treating guinea pig teeth is critical.
Some vets treat the scurvy but miss the malocclusion. Don t mistake this with a disinterest in food as your pet will likely still show signs of hunger and attempt to eat what you provide them with. Your pig may have trouble picking up and chewing food due to their damaged tooth and may stop eating entirely. This condition is sometimes referred to as slobbers.
Meanwhile reasons for. A guinea pig s teeth continuously grows throughout its life. This prevents the tongue from moving normally which means the guinea pig cannot eat properly. Incisors are the two large curved teeth in the center of your guinea pig s mouth.
Dental problems in guinea pigs are often the cause of loss of appetite a condition known as anorexia which is why it is essential to get your pet s teeth done as soon as you notice there is a problem. If the edge of the broken tooth is jagged and sharp it may cut your pig s delicate oral tissues leading to sores or even infections. A change in their usual behaviour as this could be because they re feeling poorly. Other forms of dental disease in guinea pigs include dental abscess formation irregular wear elongation of the tooth roots incisor problems and the presence of sharp spurs that can ulcerate the tongue or cheek.
Improper alignment of the teeth. Once you noticed any of these symptoms you need to contact your vet. The abnormalities in the mouth may cause the guinea pig to drool or to be reluctant to eat due to the painful sores in its mouth. Guinea pig teeth have to line up with one another so your pet can eat properly.
A guinea pig with a trapped tongue may act starved and may chew food only to have it fall out of its mouth. If your pet has lost appetite has troubles eating or is slobbering these are all early signs of the malocclusion. Most teeth issues in younger guinea pigs can be caused as. You can help keep their teeth in good shape by.
Occasionally guinea pigs stop eating altogether due to dental problems which can lead to all sorts of other health issues too. Bleeding from the mouth. However broken teeth aren t completely harmless for guinea pigs. The wrong diet is the most common cause of dental problems in pet guinea pigs.
Without being able to eat a guinea pig can develop gi stasis. Looking after your guinea pigs teeth. If these teeth overgrow they can cause pain in the mouth and make it very hard for a guinea pig to eat. However your guinea pig will usually let you know in other ways that there is a problem with their teeth beforehand.
Dental problems especially overgrown incisors or molars are a frequent cause of gi problems in guinea pigs. Your guinea pigs teeth will keep growing throughout their life. Many guinea pigs have been misdiagnosed and the malocclusion has gone untreated. They need plenty of things to chew as this helps wear down their teeth and stops them getting overgrown.