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.