How can a handler detect if a cavy is ill?

The ability to detect if a cavy is ill most effectively hinges on the observation of changes in behavior, appetite, or physical signs. These indicators often serve as the first noticeable symptoms of illness. For example, if a normally active cavy becomes lethargic, that could signal a health issue. Similarly, a decrease in appetite may suggest the animal is not feeling well. Physical signs such as unusual discharges, changes in fur quality, or any visible distress also play crucial roles in identifying potential health problems.

In contrast, counting the number of whiskers does not provide any relevant information about a cavy's health status. Similarly, while measuring weight weekly can help track overall health trends, it may not immediately reflect acute illnesses unless it shows a significant or sudden drop. Assessing the color of the cavy's fur can also be misleading, as fur color alone does not indicate illness and could be affected by various factors unrelated to health. Thus, the most effective method for detecting illness in a cavy lies in observing behavioral and physical changes.