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. Signs include swelling of the feet, lameness, reluctance to move, and inappetence. The flooring of the enclosure must be changed and overall sanitation must be improved. A veterinarian must be consulted regarding treatment of the affected feet.