Omental torsion in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

An adult intact male guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was presented with gastrointestinal stasis. Radiographic findings demonstrated a gas- and fluid-filled cecum. Treatment was initiated but the animal died shortly after presentation. Gross postmortem revealed omental torsion with vascular thrombosis and necrosis. This is the first report of omental torsion with vascular thrombosis in a domestic animal.     

Cutaneous vascular malformation in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract   A skin lesion classified as a vascular malformation is reported in a young-adult, female guinea pig. The physical examination revealed a 3 × 2-cm irregularly shaped violaceous plaque located on the left caudal flank. The surface of the plaque was ulcerated and bled intermittently, resulting in fatal blood loss. On histology the mass consisted of variably sized vascular spaces filled with red blood cells and variable amounts of extramedullary haematopoietic cells, lined by well-differentiated endothelial cells often surrounded by one layer of spindle-shaped cells. Based on immunohistochemistry, the spindle cell population was confirmed to be smooth muscle cells and no proliferation of endothelial cells was found with the Ki67 proliferation marker. Histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a vascular malformation. Classification of vascular malformations and potential treatments are discussed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a cutaneous vascular lesion in a guinea pig.     

Pericardial effusion and pericardiocentesis in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

A three-year-old, female guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) presented for acute dyspnea and weakness. Radiographs and echocardiography were consistent with a diagnosis of pericardial effusion and heart failure secondary to cardiac tamponade. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was performed, and clinical signs rapidly improved. Serial echocardiography and radiographs demonstrated normalization of cardiac function over the subsequent six months.     

Sedative effects of intramuscular alfaxalone in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of alfaxalone administered intramuscularly (IM) as a sedative agent in guinea pigs undergoing survey radiographs.

Serum thyroxine concentrations in clinically healthy pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Background: Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are often presented as patients in veterinary practice. Nevertheless, only limited information is available about endocrine diseases or thyroxine reference values for the species. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine serum thyroxine concentrations in a well‐defined population of clinically healthy pet guinea pigs. Methods: Between October 2007 and July 2008, serum samples were collected from 40 clinically healthy guinea pigs of different sexes, ages, and breeds that were presented to our clinic for a general health check or for castration. Pregnant females were excluded from the study. Thyroxine concentration was measured using a chemiluminescence test (Immulite 2000 Canine Total T4). Results: Thyroxine concentrations ranged from 14.2 to 66.9 nmol/L (1.1–5.2 μg/dL) with a median value of 27.0 nmol/L (2.1 μg/dL). Females (n=16) had significantly (P=.039; Mann–Whitney U‐test) lower thyroxine values than castrated males (n=8), whereas no differences were found between females and intact males (n=16) or between intact and castrated males. No significant correlation was found between thyroxine concentration and age. Conclusion: This is the first report of serum thyroxine reference values for a well‐defined population of healthy pet guinea pigs as measured by a chemiluminescence assay. The results were higher than those previously reported for this species and emphasize the importance of using appropriate reference intervals for the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.     

Mammary neoplasia in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

Mammary tumors are reported in four guinea pigs and the literature is reviewed. It is concluded that mammary adenocarcinomas are second only to pulmonary adenomas as the most common epithelial tumors in the guinea pig. The sex incidence of mammary tumors is almost equal and both young and old animals are susceptible. Mammary tumors are generally locally invasive, rarely metastasize, are often quite large, and very vascular. Surgical excision of mammary tumors is possible but recurrence should be expected if the primary tumor is incompletely removed.     

Dystocia caused by ectopic pregnancy in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

Dystocia is a common problem in guinea pigs, usually associated with complete fusion of the public symphysis. In this article, a less common problem, ectopic pregnancy, is described.     

Insulinoma in 2 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

This paper describes an insulinoma in 2 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Both guinea pigs presented with neurologic signs and low blood glucose readings. The neurologic signs resolved with dextrose administration. Insulinoma was confirmed on postmortem examination.     

Ocular disease in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus): a survey of 1000 animals

Objective Anecdotal evidence has suggested that guinea pigs have a high prevalence of ocular lesions. Here we undertook a survey of 1000 guinea pigs from populations of animals kept as laboratory animals, breeding show cavies, animals kept as pets and those from rescue and rehoming centers. Each animal was examined to assess for ocular abnormalities. Procedures A full ophthalmic examination was performed on each animal with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and with slit lamp biomicroscopy. Measurement of tear production using the Schirmer tear test 1 and intraocular pressure using the Tonopen applanation tonometer after topical anesthesia was undertaken in selected animals. Results Forty‐five percent of animals examined had some ocular abnormality. The majority were lens lesions including 17% with cataract and 21% with subclinical lens abnormalities such as nuclear sclerosis. Other abnormalities included conjunctivitis in 4.7% and keratitis in 3.6%. Lipid deposition in conjunctiva was observed in 2.3% of guinea pigs and ciliary body heterotopic bone formation in 0.8% of animals. Conclusions This study shows a high proportion of eyes with some degree of abnormality in animals otherwise considered healthy. Information on diseases of the guinea pig eye is important given the use of the species as a laboratory rodent and also the number kept as pets and show animals.     

Renal failure in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) following ingestion of oxalate containing plants

A 1-year-old guinea pig presented with anorexia, lethargy, and weight loss, 1 week after ingesting a peace lily leaf. Laboratory findings were suggestive of renal failure and included elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine with concurrent isosthenuria. The guinea pig was euthanized 1 month later due to worsening clinical signs.     

Unilateral flank ovariohysterectomy in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

AIMS: To describe a simple, minimally invasive method of ovariohysterectomy via a unilateral flank approach in guinea pigs, for use in routine desexing of healthy female guinea pigs or treatment of ovarian cysts.

METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 41 client-owned guinea pigs submitted for routine desexing or treatment of ovarian cysts. They included 16 healthy female guinea pigs aged 8–12 months (Group 1), and 15 females aged from 9 months to 3 years (Group 2), and 10 females aged from 3 to 7 years (Group 3) with different-sized ovarian cysts. Prior to surgery, the animals received clinical examination, blood testing (complete blood count and serum biochemistry profile) and examination of the abdomen using ultrasonography, to assess the condition of the reproductive tract and ensure the guinea pigs were fit for surgery. Ovariohysterectomy was performed via a unilateral flank incision made close to the erector spinae muscle starting approximately 1?cm caudal to the last rib. Both ovaries, uterine horns, and the uterine cervix were localised, ligated, and dissected through this unilateral retroperitoneal incision.

RESULTS: Ovariohysterectomy was successfully completed via a single flank incision in 38/41 (93%) guinea pigs. Three guinea pigs with ovarian cysts from Group 3, which were >6 years old died during surgery due to circulatory and respiratory failure under anaesthesia. In the remaining 38 cases, surgery proceeded without complications. A further two guinea pigs from Group 3 were reluctant to move or eat for the first 3 days after surgery but recovered after provision of supportive care. All 38 animals fully recovered and wound healing was normal.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of ovariohysterectomy via a unilateral flank incision in guinea pigs. This approach is a simple, minimally invasive and safe alternative to the midline or bilateral flank approaches currently used for surgery of the reproductive tract in guinea pigs.