guinea pig coughing

Question
Hello, Thank you for what you do.
We have a guinea pig that is roughly 5yr old. She has been coughing and has a bald spot now. She seems to be losing weight also. I just read ginea pig only live to about 5-6 years. Is this a possiblilty?
Thank you
Ron

Answer
Hi Ron!  Yes, guinea pigs, unfortunately, have a shorter life span than some other common pets.  It is possible that this is an illness that is brought on by old age, which will just lead to the inevitable, or that this is just a simple illness that can be easily treated.
Bald spots and weight loss can be brought on by Scurvy.  Scurvy is a vitamin C deficiancy that often attacks guinea pigs.  Guinea pigs are like humans, as their bodies do not produce it's own vitamin c, like dogs and cats do, and they need foods that are high in vitamin c like oranges and apples, or vitamin c drops that can be obtained in pet stores.  It may be beneficial to increase her vitamin C intake.
Coughing can also be caused by Scurvy, as Scurvy compromises the immune system and makes the guinea pig more susceptable to upper respiratory infections.  A simple antibiotic from your veterinarian will take care of this.
On the other hand, these symptoms could be caused by something much more serious, like cancer, or heart disease.
It would be best to have a veterinarian take a look at her to decifer whether this is something that is curable, or something that is not.  This way, you will be much more prepared for what is to come, and if this is something treatable, your guinea pig will be feeling like herself in no time.
I hope this helps and please keep me posted.
Sending that piggie many get well kisses,
Hilary