Conditions How can you tell if a guinea pig is in pain?

[magicpiggie]

What are some signs that a guinea pig is in pain?

i understand that guinea pigs hide their pain very well, so a seemingly normal guinea pig who is eating and drinking and moving around with flat fur can still be in pain. What are some signs (other than the telltale ones of being lethargic, hunched over, and puffed up) that a guinea pig is in pain?

 

[LittleSqueakers]

Limping is an obvious sign that something is wrong, and the pig could be experiencing pain. For a lot of pigs who aren't typically big chewers, if they suddenly start chewing a lot, it can be a pain symptom. But a lot of identifying when a pig is in pain or ill or whatever just has to do with knowing the animal and what they are usually like and noticing when something has changed. For example, a normally friendly or submissive pig getting irritated or aggressive with a cagemate, or likewise, a normally dominant or outgoing pig who seems withdrawn are symptoms that something is "off".

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

I'll also add to this, that a pig with dental or mouth pain will typically increase water consumption.

 

[SquigglyPigs]

A big indicator of pain is being puffed up and hunched into almost a ball, not wanting to move. They will also not eat food if in lots of pain.