Guinea pigs lack the enzyme to produce Vitamin C and so it is vital that a guinea pig is fed fruit, vegetables or plants daily to ensure it receives a daily source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C deficiency can develop within weeks and symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, ruffled fur, nasal discharge, swollen joints which may result in lameness, and bleeding gums.

The guinea pig should be fed foods high in Vitamin C immediately. In severe cases where the guinea pig has lost its appetite that it will not eat sufficiently it will be necessary to take the guinea pig to a vet for a course of Vitamin C injections.