A Topic Inspired by Wishes
- Guinea pigs are classified as "exotic pets" and require a special veterinarian.
- Most regular dog/cat vets may not have up-to-date medical training for exotic pets (guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, macaws, chinchillas, etc.).
- It's important to find such a vet BEFORE you need one.
- Guinea pigs are prey animals in the wild and do not always show signs of illness before they're very ill, and may even be close to death.
- A responsible adult needs to look in on the animal daily and be ready to take the pet to a vet if necessary.
- Exotics veterinarians can sometimes be more expensive than regular dog/cat vets. Be ready for this.
- Have a vet fund set aside for their care.
- Most illnesses are often treated with simple medications, but you need to be ready if it's more than that.
- Many vets offer CareCredit, a low- to no-interest rate credit plan for unexpectedly large veterinary expenses.
RECOMMENDED READING
- Guinea Lynx :: Emergency Medical Guide
ANY of these situations CANNOT WAIT. - Guinea Lynx :: Finding a Good Vet
Helpful information on how to find a good veterinarian BEFORE you need one. Includes many links to other pages and threads. - Guinea Lynx :: Veterinarians and Veterinary Dentists
List of veterinarians and veterinary dentists that have been recommended by members of Guinea Lynx. This list is updated when new recommendations are made. - Guinea Lynx :: What The Vet Will Do
What to expect at your veterinarian's office.
- Signing up for pet insurance
- Can anyone recommend pet health insurance?
- Need help finding pet insurance
Guinea Lynx members discuss VPI insurance on these threads. - Care Credit, Veterinary Financing for Pet Care
A link to the website for Care Credit, which is one of the options that are available for owners. Check with your vet's office to find out if they offer Care Credit. - VPI Pet Insurance
A link to the website for VPI, which is one of the options that are available to owners of exotic pets.
The following threads are just a few examples of situations that happen daily. Some stories have happy endings; others do not. Please be prepared to arrange for prompt veterinary care for your pets.
- Mocha Joe (needs medical attention and is looking for his third home)
- Smee has an abscess.
Smee, a female, develops a large abscess on her back leg/thigh; it heals properly with flushing and antibiotics. After a year, it returns in the same spot. - Crackling noise from my little pig
A young male pig is diagnosed and treated for an upper respiratory infection (URI) after the owner heard him making crackling sounds.