Spontaneous abortion can have many causes including litter developmental defects, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. Usually the entire litter will be lost but in some cases a single baby will die in the womb and be born with the rest of the litter. This baby can easily be identified as it will be shriveled and dry. Sometimes the dead fetus is not delivered but instead remains in the womb. Treatment in this case usually involves x-rays for diagnosis and then surgery - otherwise this condition can result in infertility.
Abortion if it occurs in the first trimester can frequently go unnoticed as the fetus and uterine contents are simply reabsorbed. This condition is not unusual nor evidence of existing problems. Rather there was some type of developmental problem and this was the body's natural way of dealing with in. In other cases, reabsorption can be brought on by malnutrition or mange and so if concerned make sure these conditions are ruled out.
The primary symptom of abortion in the second trimester is vaginal bleeding. The dead litter is usually aborted without excessive discomfort or illness. Do not be alarmed if you see your guinea pig consume signs of the birth. This is normal.
Third trimester abortion is most likely to be a sign of life threatening conditions. Look for bloody vaginal discharge or pus. This could be signs of a uterine infection and lead to other conditions such as pregnancy toxemia. Treatment is usually antibiotics and in some cases surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus.
Pregnancy toxemia is the most dangerous of all pregnancy complications and can frequently result in the death of both the mother and the litter. There are two types of pregnancy toxemia - primary and secondary. Primary toxemia is caused by physical factors such as the weight of the full uterus pressing on the stomach and preventing the mother from eating enough. The weight of the uterus can sometimes actually block off its own blood supply - this can result in suffocation of the litter. Secondary toxemia is more common and frequently brought on by stress. Stress can have many causes and is best avoided by creating a quiet environment and checking regularly for health problems.
Why is pregnancy toxemia so dangerous? If the mother's body is unable to provide enough resources for the litter her body will start to draw resources from her own reserves. This can lead to a chain of reactions in the body that lead to the mother feeling sick, not eating, liver and kidney failure. Eventually the litter will die inside the mother further escalating her condition.
Symptoms of pregnancy toxemia include loss of appetite, lethargy, hunched posture, cold ears and feet, and a noticeable loss of body weight. Treatment includes glucose infusions, injections, and oral solutions. Many experts suggest that the condition once developed cannot be treated and that treatment in fact just extends the suffering of the mother. Avoidance is considered the only cure - so skip any unnecessary stress, transportation, or food changes. Also remember to move the pregnant mother into her own cage as being too crowded can also bring on unnecessary stress.
