Vitamin C Deficiency in Guinea Pigs Scurvy in Guinea Pigs Like
people, guinea pigs lack the physical ability to manufacture
their own vitamin C, and require an outside source of vitamin C
in the form of vegetables and fruits. If a guinea pig does not
get enough of this vitamin in its diet, its body's supply of
vitamin C will disappear quickly, leaving it vulnerable to a
condition called scurvy. This condition can interfere with the
body's ability to manufacture collagen -- an important component
of bone and tissue formation -- can cause blood clotting
problems, and can lead to problems of the skin and joints.
Vitamin C deficiency is common in guinea pigs. Some guinea pigs
may develop a vitamin C deficiency even when they are getting
enough vitamin C in their diets. This can happen if there are
other illnesses or physical problems that are preventing the
guinea pig from eating enough, or are interfering with the
body's ability to absorb the vitamin C properly. Vitamin C
deficiency due to dietary causes can be