Guinea Pigs Flashcards
Genus species names
Cavia porcellus
Commonly seen breeds
-American/English
-Abyssinian
-Peruvian
Dental formula
2(I 1/1, C 0/0, P 1/1, M 3/3) = 20
Weight
900-1200g male
700-900g female
What is special about their respiratory
Obligate nasal breathers
Why do Guinea pigs eat their own feces
It contains vitamin b
What’s their GI transit time
Approx 20 hrs
What will happen if sow isn’t breed within 7 months?
Increases changes for dystocia
What is the gestation period?
~68 days
Range: 59-72 days
What vitamin is important to give a guinea pig everyday and why?
Vitamin C and it helps prevent scurvy
Should you scruff a guinea pig as a form of restraint?
NEVER
What is the name of a specialized cell that guinea pigs have?
Kurloff cells
What are some common diseases for GPs?
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Respiratory disease
- Cervical lymphadenitis
- Pododermatitis
- GI dysbiosis
- Dystocia
- Pregnancy ketosis
- Urolithiasis (bladder stones)
- Dental disease
- Acariasis
Signs of Vitamin C deficiency
- Anorexia
- Rough hair coat
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Painful/swollen joints
- Petechia
- Hemorrhages of MM
Respiratory disease signs
- Anorexia
- Sneezing
- Oculo-nasal discharge
- Dyspnea (disp-nee-uh)
GP are born precocious. What does this mean?
The young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth
What were GPs used for historically?
They were raised by the Incas for foods
What type of flooring is required for a GP cage?
Solid cage flooring - prevents pododermatitis
How to sex a GP
Both have external gentila
Females: Y shape
Males: straight slit
When do GP become sexually mature?
Male: 2 months
Female: 3 months
GP partake in placentophagy. What does this mean?
They eat their own placentas for nutrients
How long should a GP be fasted before a procedure?
1-2hrs - no more; prolonged fasting causes issues
What is one important thing to remember when a GP is under anesthesia/undergoing a surgery?
Their head/thorax should be slightly raised to reduce stress of the abdomen resting on the thorax
Post-op we should be observing…
Pain, appetite, fecal production (w/in a few hrs)
What does perianesthestic ileus mean?
Muscle contractions that move food through intestines are temporarily paralyzed; slow gut
What is Bordetella bronchiseptica commonly known as?
Kennel cough
Signs of dystocia
- Straining
- Failure to produce pup 30 min post onset contractions
- abnormal vaginal discharge
What is Urolithiasis?
Bladder stones
Where should you give an IM injection to a GP?
-large gluteal muscles
-lumbar muscles (do not give more than 0.3ml per site)
What’s the best way to euthanize a GP?
Inhalant anesthesia
