Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy or Scorbutus)

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Guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin C and must receive an

adequate supply of it from outside food sources.  Vitamin C

deficiency results in scurvy, which is characterized by

inappetence, swollen, painful joints and ribs, reluctance to

move, poor bone and teeth development, and spontaneous bleeding

from the gums and into muscle.



Adequate levels of vitamin C are always included in the

formulation of pelleted diets for guinea pigs.  Often, however,

handling and improper storage (exposure to light, heat and

dampness) of the feed pellets results in loss of vitamin C.

Therefore, even guinea pigs fed presumably reliable pelleted

diets may develop scurvy if the diet's vitamin C content has been

reduced or lost.



A veterinarian should be consulted if this disease is suspected

so that the diagnosis can be confirmed.  The veterinarian will

prescribe a program of vitamin C supplementation (via food or

water or injection) to reverse the signs.