What are the signs of scurvy in guinea pigs?

Rough, poor coat; Reluctance to move or a hopping gait; Swollen, painful joints; Bleeding or inflamed gums; Poor appetite; Slow wound healing.

When should I contact a veterinarian?

A guinea pig that stops eating needs same-day exotic-vet care whatever the cause.

Nutrition and husbandry · Updated 2026-09-29

Scurvy in guinea pigs

Vitamin C deficiency — guinea pigs, like people, cannot make their own — causing painful joints, poor healing and bleeding gums.

Prompt veterinary attentionGuinea pigs

Visual guide to warning signs including breathing difficulty, appetite loss, vomiting, mobility change, abnormal droppings and collapse — Changes in breathing, appetite, movement, digestion or alertness can need veterinary assessment. Collapse and breathing difficulty are emergencies.

Signs to watch for

Rough, poor coat
Reluctance to move or a hopping gait
Swollen, painful joints
Bleeding or inflamed gums
Poor appetite
Slow wound healing

Causes and risk factors

Insufficient dietary vitamin C, old or poorly stored dry food (vitamin C degrades within weeks of manufacture), and illness increasing demand.

How veterinarians diagnose it

History and examination are usually enough; radiographs may show joint changes in chronic cases.

Treatment and management

Vet-directed vitamin C supplementation, pain relief and correction of the diet. Improvement is often visible within days.

Prevention

Feed fresh vegetables daily (peppers and leafy greens are excellent sources), use in-date guinea-pig-specific pellets and never rely on vitamin C added to water bottles, where it degrades in light.

Outlook

Excellent with prompt treatment; severe joint damage may persist in long-standing cases.

Common questions

What are the signs of scurvy in guinea pigs?: Rough, poor coat; Reluctance to move or a hopping gait; Swollen, painful joints; Bleeding or inflamed gums; Poor appetite; Slow wound healing.
What causes scurvy in guinea pigs?: Insufficient dietary vitamin C, old or poorly stored dry food (vitamin C degrades within weeks of manufacture), and illness increasing demand.
How is scurvy in guinea pigs diagnosed?: History and examination are usually enough; radiographs may show joint changes in chronic cases.
How is scurvy in guinea pigs treated?: Vet-directed vitamin C supplementation, pain relief and correction of the diet. Improvement is often visible within days.
Can scurvy in guinea pigs be prevented?: Feed fresh vegetables daily (peppers and leafy greens are excellent sources), use in-date guinea-pig-specific pellets and never rely on vitamin C added to water bottles, where it degrades in light.
When should I contact a veterinarian?: A guinea pig that stops eating needs same-day exotic-vet care whatever the cause.