Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C

Some animals are able to manufacture their own vitamin C but guinea pigs, like humans, cannot. They lack an essential enzyme, L-gulunolactone oxidase. Vitamin C is essential in many biochemical processes essential for the healthy well-being of your guinea pig:

• Synthesis of carnitine

• Breakdown of histamine

• Synthesis of sex hormone

• Synthesis of catecholamines

• Synthesis of adrenal corticosteroids

• Oxidation of certain amino acids

• Conversion of cholesterol to bile acids

• Synthesis and repair of collagen, vital in forming the basis for bones, cartilage, and many other connective tissues

Vitamin C is retained in the tissue for a maximum of 4 days. If not replenished, tissue stores are depleted and processes become impaired. This deficiency is commonly known as scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include:

• Changes in behavior and demeanour (lethargy / weak / depressed)

• Reduced appetite resulting in gradual weight loss

• Excessive salivation

• May suffer broken teeth / bleeding gums / gingivitis

• Susceptible to infection

• Poor coat and skin condition

• Indications of pain

• Abnormal feces produced

• Poor reproductive performance

To prevent this, feed your guinea pig a well-balanced diet designed specifically for guinea pigs. Supplement the diet with the occasional fruit / vegetable. Avoid water supplements as these may affect taste and have variable potency once mixed. Water intake is also a variable factor that does not ensure sufficient supplementation. For further queries on how to prevent this common nutritional disease in guinea pigs, speak to your veterinarian today.