Stocking a Cavy Medicine Cabinet

*See bottom of post for source*


Electrolyte solutions, for guinea pigs that have diarrhea or are not drinking adequately. Note that some of these products may have a high-sugar content: guinea pigs can not handle high- or complex-sugar diets. It is best to stick with infant products, such as Pedialyte, which are sugar-free.

Acidophlius powder (with lactobacilli), a probiotic for use as a supplement during antibiotic treatments. Its function is to provide a supply of the natural, intestinal flora that aid in digestion. Some antibiotics can kill off these natural bacteria, leading to entiritis (diarrhea).

Pediatric simethicone, which helps to eliminate gas, a source of intolerable pain in guinea pigs.

Kaopectate can be given after diarrhea, though you should note that it treats the diarrhea only, and not any potential causes (entiritis, parasites, bacterial infections, etc.).

Patroleum jelly, for softening the hardened lumps in impacted guinea pigs.

Vitamin C tablets, generally the chewable kind, are for emergencies when large doses of vitamin C are necessary (scurvy, etc.).

Baby food, particularly carrots and bananas, for hand-feeding guinea pigs who won't, or can't, eat on their own.

Quick stop. If a toenail breaks, or you accidentally cut the quick when trimming your pig's nails, this product can be applied to the exposed area in order to clot the blood and stop the bleeding. This product can generally be found at pet stores.

Eye droppers, for feeding juices or water to a (sometimes unwilling) cavy, when exact dosing is not important.


Open/needleless syringes, in the 1cc and 5cc (or 3 cc) sizes, for administering exact doseages of oral medications. You may need several of these, as the rubber plungers tend to wear out after a few uses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION -- http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/Guineas/CavyCorner/medcabinet.html

BASIC KIT

--You could also add things like a fine comb and soft brush and have a total care kit.
--Ivermectin, available in feed stores or by catalog order.

--A triple antibiotic ointment such as "neosporin" (brand name) is good for open wounds to prevent infection.
--Q-tips and mineral oil can be used to clean dirty ears.
--Nutrical, a high calorie food supplement in case your pig goes "off feed". Available from veterinarian or order by catalog. (Critical Care would be better.)
--Keopectate for diarrhea.
--Shampoo - Bunny Bath shampoo, or small animal shampoo. (Warning, do not shampoo very often as it may dry out the skin)
--Small wooden coffee stirrers for administering ivermectin paste.
--Eyedropper for emergency feeding.
--Syringes (no needle) in various sizes; 2cc, 5cc, 10cc etc. can be used for giving medicines or for force feeding, gives better control than an eyedropper.

FOR MORE INFORMATION --
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/2517/med-kit.htm