Hair can also be lost because of fungal disease and external parasite infestations. Signs of heat stroke include panting, slobbering, weakness, refusal to move about, delirium, convulsions and eventually death. Heat stroke is treatable if recognized relatively early. Heat-stressed guinea pigs should be immediately sprayed with or bathed in cool water. Once this first-aid is undertaken, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
Cancer is a relatively rare problem of guinea pigs.
As with most animals, it is most likely to affect older guinea pigs. Most tumors are benign and involve the skin and respiratory tract lining. Guinea pigs are also susceptible to both abdominal, intestinal, and chest tumors. The other major predisposing factor is fecal soiling of wire- bottomed enclosures. The front feet of overweight animals are especially vulnerable to this condition.