Guinea Pig Flashcards
Loss of hair associated with external parasites such as mites is called what?
Acariasis
What is the scientific name of the guinea pig?
Cavia porcellus
Where do guinea pigs originate from?
South America
Describe the 3 types of guinea pigs
Peruvian- long silky fur
Abyssinian- short course fur growing in whorls
English- most common, biggest, short fur
What are the 2 outbred strains of guinea pigs?
Hartley and Dunkan-Hartley
What are the 2 inbred strains of guinea pigs?
Strain 2 and 13
What research are guinea pigs used for?
Scurvy, nutrition studies, susceptible to TB, hypersensitivity
What is the natural habitat of guinea pigs?
Open grasslands
How many teeth do guinea pigs have?
22
Which vitamin do guinea pigs require in their diet?
Vitamin C
What is the palatial ostium of the guinea pig?
Soft palate continuous with base of the tongue with a little hole. Represent the opening between the oropharynx and rest of the pharynx
How are guinea pig young born?
Precocious
What are the leukocytes in guinea pig blood exclusive to them?
Kurloff cells
When do female/male guinea pigs reach sexual maturity?
Females at 2 months, males at 3
What is the guinea pig estrus cycle?
15-17 days
What kind of ovulation do guinea pigs have?
Spontaneous
What is the guinea pig gestation?
59-72 days, smaller litters take longer
When do guinea pig pups wean?
21 days
What is the guinea pig lifespan?
5-6 years
What are male and female guinea pigs referred to as?
Males are boars and females are sows
What is it called when guinea pigs give birth?
Farrowing
When should guinea pig sows be bred by?
7 months, or risk dystocia due to pelvic fusion
Where can large amounts of blood be taken from in a guinea pig under anesthesia? How much can be taken?
Jugular vein, femoral vein/artery or cranial vena cava
4-8 ml
What are 2 types of bedding that should be avoided in guinea pigs?
Sawdust and cedar shavings
What temperatures can cause hyperthermia in guinea pigs?
Temps over 90
Because it contains Vitamin C, guinea pig food must be used how long after it’s milled?
90 days