Small Pet Health: Warning Signs and Common Illnesses

Your rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster can't tell you when they're feeling unwell, but they're constantly communicating through subtle changes in behaviour and appearance. Small pets are prey animals, which means they instinctively hide illness until they're seriously unwell – by the time symptoms are obvious, the problem may already be critical.

Learning to recognise the early warning signs can literally save your small pet's life. This comprehensive guide will help you spot health problems early, understand common illnesses, and know when to seek veterinary care. Let's ensure you can be your small pet's health guardian!

Why Early Detection is Critical

Small Pets Hide Illness

Understanding prey animal behaviour:

• Survival instinct: Showing weakness makes them vulnerable to predators
• Rapid decline: Small bodies deteriorate quickly when ill
• High metabolism: Can't go long without eating
• By the time it's obvious: Often already serious
• Hours matter: Conditions can become critical within 12-24 hours

Know Your Pet's Normal

Baseline knowledge is essential:

• Normal activity patterns and energy level
• Typical eating and drinking habits
• Regular toileting schedule and appearance
• Usual body weight
• Normal posture and movement
• Typical behaviour and personality
• Regular grooming habits

Emergency Warning Signs: Seek Immediate Vet Care

Not Eating (Anorexia)

One of the most serious signs in small pets:

• Critical timeframe: 12-24 hours without eating is emergency
• Why serious: Can lead to GI stasis, liver problems, death
• Especially critical for: Rabbits and guinea pigs
• Watch for: Refusing favourite foods, no interest in treats
• Action: Emergency vet visit if not eating for 12+ hours

No Faeces or Diarrhoea

Digestive system emergencies:

• No faeces: Indicates GI stasis or blockage
• Severe diarrhoea: Rapid dehydration risk
• Blood in faeces: Internal bleeding or severe infection
• Timeframe: 12 hours without faeces is concerning
• Action: Emergency vet immediately

Difficulty Breathing

Respiratory distress is always an emergency:

• Laboured breathing
• Open-mouth breathing
• Wheezing or clicking sounds
• Blue-tinged lips or gums
• Gasping
• Stretching neck to breathe

Action: Emergency vet immediately

Seizures or Neurological Signs

Serious symptoms requiring urgent care:

• Convulsions or twitching
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Head tilting
• Circling
• Inability to stand
• Unresponsiveness

Action: Emergency vet immediately

Severe Trauma or Bleeding

Obvious injuries need immediate care:

• Active bleeding
• Visible wounds
• Suspected broken bones
• Falls from height
• Attack by another animal
• Caught in cage or equipment

Action: Apply gentle pressure to bleeding, emergency vet

Bloated Abdomen

Can indicate serious problems:

• Visibly swollen, hard abdomen
• Painful when touched
• Accompanied by lethargy
• Not eating or drinking
• Hunched posture

Possible causes: GI stasis, bloat, organ problems

Action: Emergency vet immediately

Common Health Issues by Species

Rabbit Health Problems

GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)

• What it is: Slowdown or stoppage of digestive system
• Causes: Stress, pain, diet changes, dehydration, dental disease
• Symptoms: Not eating, no faeces, hunched posture, lethargy, bloating
• Why serious: Can be fatal within 24-48 hours
• Treatment: Emergency vet care, fluids, pain relief, gut motility drugs
• Prevention: Unlimited hay, proper diet, stress reduction

Dental Disease

• What it is: Overgrown or misaligned teeth
• Causes: Insufficient hay, genetics, trauma
• Symptoms: Drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss, eye discharge, facial swelling
• Treatment: Dental trimming or filing under anaesthesia
• Prevention: Unlimited hay (wears down teeth naturally)

Flystrike (Myiasis)

• What it is: Fly eggs laid on rabbit, maggots eat flesh
• Risk factors: Dirty bottom, warm weather, outdoor rabbits
• Symptoms: Lethargy, strong smell, visible maggots, distress
• Why serious: Can be fatal within hours
• Treatment: Emergency vet, remove maggots, antibiotics
• Prevention: Daily checks in summer, keep bottom clean, fly screens

E. cuniculi (Encephalitozoon cuniculi)

• What it is: Parasitic infection affecting brain and kidneys
• Symptoms: Head tilt, loss of balance, seizures, kidney problems
• Treatment: Anti-parasitic medication, supportive care
• Prognosis: Variable, some recover fully, others have permanent head tilt

Uterine Cancer

• Risk: 50-80% of unspayed female rabbits develop by age 5
• Symptoms: Blood in urine, lethargy, weight loss, abdominal mass
• Prevention: Spaying recommended for all female rabbits
• Treatment: Spaying if caught early

Guinea Pig Health Problems

Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy)

• What it is: Guinea pigs can't produce vitamin C
• Symptoms: Lethargy, rough coat, swollen joints, bleeding gums, reluctance to move
• Treatment: Vitamin C supplementation, improved diet
• Prevention: Daily vitamin C through vegetables and fortified pellets
• Critical: Can be fatal if untreated

Dental Disease

• Common problem: Continuously growing teeth
• Symptoms: Drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss, overgrown incisors
• Treatment: Dental trimming under anaesthesia
• Prevention: Unlimited hay, proper diet

Upper Respiratory Infections

• Causes: Bacterial infections, often Bordetella
• Symptoms: Sneezing, discharge from nose/eyes, difficulty breathing, lethargy
• Treatment: Antibiotics, supportive care
• Contagious: Can spread to other guinea pigs

Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis)

• What it is: Infected sores on feet
• Causes: Wire floors, obesity, poor hygiene, lack of bedding
• Symptoms: Swollen, red feet, reluctance to move, scabs
• Treatment: Antibiotics, pain relief, improved housing
• Prevention: Solid flooring, clean bedding, appropriate weight

Ovarian Cysts

• Common in: Female guinea pigs over 2 years
• Symptoms: Hair loss on flanks, enlarged abdomen, lethargy
• Treatment: Hormone therapy or spaying

Hamster Health Problems

Wet Tail (Proliferative Ileitis)

• What it is: Severe bacterial infection of intestines
• Most common in: Young Syrian hamsters
• Symptoms: Severe diarrhoea, wet tail area, lethargy, hunched posture, dehydration
• Why serious: Can be fatal within 24-48 hours
• Treatment: Emergency vet, antibiotics, fluids
• Causes: Stress, poor hygiene, weaning

Cheek Pouch Impaction

• What it is: Food stuck in cheek pouches
• Causes: Sticky foods, sharp objects, infection
• Symptoms: Swollen cheeks that don't empty, pawing at face, difficulty eating
• Treatment: Vet must empty pouches, treat infection if present
• Prevention: Avoid sticky foods, check pouches regularly

Tumours

• Common in: Older hamsters (18+ months)
• Types: Often mammary or skin tumours
• Symptoms: Visible lumps, weight loss, lethargy
• Treatment: Surgical removal if caught early, quality of life care

Diabetes

• Risk factors: Dwarf hamsters, obesity, genetics
• Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, lethargy
• Treatment: Diet management, sometimes insulin
• Prevention: Avoid sugary foods, maintain healthy weight

General Warning Signs Across All Species

Behavioural Changes

Subtle but significant:

• Lethargy: Less active than normal, sleeping more
• Hiding: Staying in hide constantly, avoiding interaction
• Aggression: Unusual irritability or biting
• Restlessness: Unable to settle, pacing
• Grinding teeth: Sign of pain (different from normal tooth purring)
• Hunched posture: Indicates pain or discomfort

Eating and Drinking Changes

Critical indicators:

• Complete loss of appetite
• Eating significantly less than normal
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Dropping food
• Excessive thirst
• Not drinking at all

Weight Changes

Monitor regularly:

• Weight loss: Even small amounts significant in small pets
• Rapid weight loss: Emergency situation
• Weight gain: Can indicate illness or obesity
• Monitoring: Weekly weighing recommended

Coat and Skin Problems

External indicators of health:

• Dull, rough coat: Poor nutrition or illness
• Hair loss: Parasites, stress, hormonal issues
• Excessive scratching: Mites, lice, allergies
• Scabs or sores: Infection, injury, parasites
• Lumps or bumps: Abscesses, tumours
• Not grooming: Sign of illness or pain

Eye Problems

Window to health:

• Discharge or crusting
• Cloudiness
• Redness or swelling
• Bulging eyes
• Squinting or keeping eyes closed
• Sunken eyes (dehydration)

Respiratory Signs

Breathing problems:

• Sneezing (occasional normal, frequent concerning)
• Nasal discharge
• Wheezing or clicking
• Rapid breathing
• Laboured breathing
• Open-mouth breathing

Urinary Issues

Toileting changes:

• Blood in urine
• Straining to urinate
• Frequent small urinations
• Wet bottom or genital area
• Strong ammonia smell
• Crying when urinating

Parasites in Small Pets

External Parasites

Mites

• Types: Fur mites, ear mites, mange mites
• Symptoms: Intense scratching, hair loss, scabs, dandruff-like appearance
• Treatment: Antiparasitic medication from vet
• Contagious: Can spread to other pets

Lice

• Symptoms: Scratching, visible lice or eggs on hair shafts
• Treatment: Antiparasitic treatment
• Species-specific: Don't transfer to humans

Fleas

• More common in: Rabbits and guinea pigs with outdoor access
• Symptoms: Scratching, visible fleas, flea dirt
• Treatment: Vet-prescribed flea treatment (never use dog/cat products)

Internal Parasites

Worms

• Types: Pinworms, tapeworms
• Symptoms: Weight loss, diarrhoea, visible worms in faeces
• Treatment: Deworming medication
• Prevention: Good hygiene, regular cleaning

Coccidia

• What it is: Protozoan parasite
• Symptoms: Diarrhoea, weight loss, lethargy
• Treatment: Antiparasitic medication
• Common in: Young animals, stressed animals

When to See a Vet

Emergency (Immediate Care)

Go to emergency vet now:

• Not eating for 12-24 hours
• No faeces for 12+ hours
• Severe diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures or neurological signs
• Severe trauma or bleeding
• Bloated, hard abdomen
• Unresponsive or collapsed
• Suspected flystrike

Urgent (Within 24 Hours)

Schedule vet appointment today:

• Reduced appetite for 24+ hours
• Lethargy with other symptoms
• Eye discharge or problems
• Respiratory symptoms
• Urinary problems
• Visible lumps or swelling
• Dental problems
• Suspected parasites
• Weight loss

Routine Appointment

Schedule when convenient:

• Annual wellness check
• Nail trimming
• Minor skin issues
• Gradual weight changes
• Behaviour questions
• Spaying/neutering consultation

Finding a Small Pet Vet

Not All Vets Treat Small Pets

Find the right vet:

• Look for exotic or small animal specialist
• Ask about experience with your species
• Check qualifications and training
• Locate before emergencies
• Know nearest emergency exotic vet
• Keep contact details accessible

What to Bring to Vet

Prepare for appointment:

• Your pet in secure carrier
• Familiar bedding for comfort
• Recent faecal sample if relevant
• List of symptoms and timeline
• Diet and housing information
• Previous medical records
• Questions written down

Home Health Monitoring

Daily Health Checks

Quick daily observations:

• Eating and drinking normally
• Active and alert
• Normal faeces production
• Clean eyes, nose, ears
• Moving normally
• Grooming themselves
• Interacting normally

Weekly Weight Checks

Track trends:

• Use digital kitchen scale
• Weigh at same time weekly
• Record weights
• Watch for gradual changes
• Sudden weight loss concerning

Monthly Thorough Examination

Detailed check:

• Check teeth (front teeth visible)
• Examine eyes, ears, nose
• Feel for lumps or bumps
• Check feet and nails
• Assess coat condition
• Check bottom area
• Observe movement and posture

Prevention: The Best Medicine

Proper Husbandry Prevents Most Illness

Get the basics right:

• Correct diet: Species-appropriate nutrition
• Clean housing: Regular cleaning prevents disease
• Appropriate space: Adequate room to move
• Environmental enrichment: Mental stimulation
• Social needs: Companionship for social species
• Stress reduction: Calm, predictable environment
• Regular exercise: Prevent obesity

Quarantine New Pets

Prevent disease spread:

• Separate new pets for 30 days minimum
• Monitor for health issues
• Vet check before introduction
• Separate equipment and supplies
• Wash hands between handling

Regular Vet Care

Preventive medicine:

• Annual wellness checks
• Dental checks
• Spaying/neutering (rabbits)
• Vaccinations (rabbits - myxomatosis, VHD)
• Parasite prevention

First Aid Kit for Small Pets

Essential Supplies

Keep these on hand:

• Vet contact details (regular and emergency)
• Small pet carrier
• Towels for wrapping/warmth
• Syringe for feeding (no needle)
• Critical care food (for rabbits/guinea pigs)
• Saline solution
• Styptic powder (for nail bleeding)
• Small scissors
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Heating pad or hot water bottle

Common Mistakes That Cause Health Problems

Husbandry Errors

Preventable problems:

• Wrong diet: Insufficient hay, too many pellets/treats
• Dirty housing: Respiratory infections, parasites
• Solitary social species: Stress, depression
• No exercise: Obesity, boredom
• Inappropriate bedding: Respiratory issues
• Delayed vet care: Waiting too long

Ignoring Early Signs

Don't wait and see:

• Small problems become big problems quickly
• Early intervention crucial
• Small pets hide illness well
• By the time it's obvious, it's serious
• Trust your instincts

Your Small Pet's Health Guardian

As a small pet owner, you are your pet's first and most important line of defence against illness. Your daily observations, attention to subtle changes, and quick response to warning signs can mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable little creatures.

Remember that small pets are prey animals who instinctively hide illness. By the time symptoms are obvious to the casual observer, the problem is often already serious. This is why knowing your pet's normal behaviour and appearance is so crucial – you'll spot the subtle changes that indicate something's wrong.

Never hesitate to seek veterinary care if something seems off. With small pets, it's always better to be overly cautious than to wait and see. What might seem like a minor issue can become life-threatening within hours due to their small size and high metabolism.

Prevention through proper husbandry is your best tool. The vast majority of small pet health problems are directly related to diet, housing, or care issues. Get the basics right – unlimited hay for herbivores, clean housing, appropriate social groupings, and proper nutrition – and you prevent most health problems before they start.

Build a relationship with an exotic vet before emergencies arise. Know where to go and who to call when something goes wrong. Keep their contact details easily accessible, and don't hesitate to use them.

Your small pet depends entirely on you to recognise when they're unwell and to get them the help they need. With vigilance, proper care, and prompt attention to health concerns, your furry friend can live a long, healthy, happy life.

Stay observant, stay informed, and never hesitate to seek help when needed. Your small pet is counting on you!

Wishing your small pets health and happiness from all of us at Petziverse!