We all lover our guinea pigs, and most people notice any changes straight away in their health and behaviour. A guinea pig digestive system works just like any other mammals. Whenever any animal eats, the food moves to the stomach and there it is processed. Well, basic processing starts with the enzymes and bacteria in saliva, but the main breakdown of food is done in the stomach.
Once food is in the stomach, it is mixed with acid, bacteria and enzymes which all work to break the food into its basic parts, such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is this process which causes gases like methane to be released. This bubbling of gas makes gurgling noises, and sometimes it can be heard in humans, either after a fizzy drink, a meal, and even when hungry. So does this answer the question why is my guinea pig’s stomach making gurgling noises? In one respect, yes, that is what causes the majority of gurgling noises.
However, another cause is that everything that eats, will always swallow air. Humans do this when they eat food and drink, it is especially noticeable after a fizzy drink. The thing with humans is that we can sense gas in our stomach and burp, but guinea pigs do not have the stomach reflex to do that. So any gas produced or swallowed by a guinea pig needs to pass through the complete digestive system, and pass out of its bottom as wind. Some guinea pig farts can be heard, while others may smell, although it depends on what they have eaten.
There are other reasons as well, but they are rare. These are usually always due to a problem with the digestive system such as bloat. Sometimes loud gurgling can be the first sign of a potential blockage. When this happens, the sound of gurgling is usually very audible. It can be a sign of a hernia, or tightening of the intestine somewhere. If not found and operated on, these conditions can lead to guinea pig boat, and quickly result in the animals death. The problem with these rare conditions is that the animal can have a loud gurgling stomach, but be eating, pooping, and acting normal for a few weeks before the real trouble sets in.
Please be aware that if you have a neutered guinea pig, especially if the operation was done within the last six months, then it is possible the gurgling noise is a sign of a hernia. This happens when some part of the intestine passes through the hole left where the testicle tubes were removed. Although very rare, unless operated on, the guinea pig will die from bloat. Sometimes some food can pass through for months before it gets serious. So if you have a guinea pig that has been neutered, and its stomach is gurgling a lot, it could have a hernia down where its testicles used to be.
So, the best advice if you notice changes in the sound of your guinea pig’s stomach, is to take it to an exotic pet specialist. If the condition it has is rare, your local vet is very unlikely to figure out what it is. Yes, an exotic vet will charge more, but isn’t it worth the extra money to keep your pet healthy? Digestive problems in guinea pigs can kill, and it is always very important to get the best advice.
This article is written in memory of our beautiful guinea pig Timmy, who died from the type of hernia mentioned above. He suffered bloat on and off for 3 months, and we kept him alive with intensive care during that period. We had seen 6 vets in that period, but no-one picked up on the problem. It was only when his condition was really serious, and he was on death’s door that we found a very good exotic vet. Although she only discovered the problem by operating. Although she tried to repair the damage, the damage to Timmy’s intestines was too much after 3 months of problems, and he passed away the following day. We had adopted him from the RSPCA, only had him 4 months, and he just made his first birthday.
Why Is My Guinea Pigs Stomach Making Gurgling Noises?
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