I,J,K,L

I is for:

Igloo: Plastic houses made for guinea pigs to hide in and some like to sit on the top of them.

Impaction: When the anal muscles become slack guinea pigs will often become impacted. Dietry fibre is also thought to possibly play a part in this in some cases. Daily cleaning out of the sac is required and the contents fed back to the guinea pig. They contain the important B vitamin that is not ‘absorbed’ first time round the digestive system. The pellets that get ‘impacted’ are the soft edible ones, not the hard shiny ones.

Injection: It is only necessary to inject guinea pigs when the case is severe. This is very rarely, most problems can be dealt with by using the oral (by mouth) route. A common misuse of injection is when guinea pigs are treated for mites. Oral treatment is often adequate yet it is wrongly believed that an injection is necessary.

Intrafungol:

Ivermectin: Ivermectin is present in products used to treat mites in guinea pigs. It can be given orally, by injection or topically. By injection is the fastest route to the problem but is only necessary in very severe cases. Orally is quick, easy to do and no mess, the dose is accurately given. Topically the hair needs to be parted and the Ivermectin product put on the skin. The guinea pig must be held firmly so that the whole pippette is dispensed and reaches its destination. Ivermectin should be given on day one and day ten where the problem is not very severe, this will stop the lifecycle of the mite. If infestation is bad then give on day one, day three and day ten. A bath to rid the coat of eggs and mites etc will make the guinea much more comfortable. Check the instructions that come with the shampoo for when to use in relation to Ivermectin. There is usually at least a 24 hour gap needed, often 48 hours.

J is for:

Jump: A guinea pig jump is known as a popcorn. This happens when thay are happy and they often reach great heights with some of them even twisting in the air.

Just Grass: A short chopped, quick dried grass that is higher in feed value than hay. Higher in Timothy Grass content than other dried grasses.

K is for:

Kale: A high Calcium green that is well liked by most guinea pigs. Despite being high in Calcium Kale is light in comparison to Phosphorus heavy foods so can be fed in a properly Calcium and Phosphorus balanced diet.

L is for:

Lasix: Is the brand name for the diuretic frusemide. Sometimes useful in cases of pneumonia.

Lice: Running Lice or Static Lice, both are common in guinea pigs and until recently were difficult to remove. Gorgeous Guineas trialled several versions of their Lice N Easy before settling on the current one they sell that is widely used by private individuals and rescues alike. It was also trialled against their popular shampoo Manuka and Neem but the Manuka and Neem was found to be not nearly as effective. Remember, once is not enough, a full course of treatment as recommended in the accompanying instructions should be given.

Lilac: A Dove Grey Self variety of guinea pig with Ruby eyes.

Lucerne: Lucerne is a legume that is high in Protein, also known as Alfalfa.

Lunkarya:The coat is coarse with a dense undercoat and does not lie flat against the body. Wavy coat. A fairly new variety of guinea pig to the UK.

December 29, 2008   Posted in: Wheekerpedia

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