Guinea Pigs (LS) Flashcards
What is a unique husbandry feature of guinea pigs?
- food preference is set by 6 months of age
- may refuse to eat food if shape, type presentation is changed
- provide a variety of feedstuffs to avoid problems later
What vitamin do guinea pigs require?
Why?
- Vitamin C
- lack L-gulonolactase oxidase
Which teeth in Guinea Pigs are hypsodont?
TQ
- Incisors
- Pre-molars
- Molars
What color are Guinea Pigs’ incisors?
White
(unlike other rodents)
How do you distinguish a male guinea pig from a female?
Male has a dot on top of “Y” & an os penis
When does the pelvic symphysis of the female close? Implications?
TQ
- 6 months (if don’t have a litter by then)
- will have to perform a C-section if animal has not had a litter prior to 7-8 months of age
What is unique about Guinea Pig pups?
- Precocious → fully furred & eyes open
- can eat solid food from day one
What is the normal pH of Guinea Pig Urine?
pH 9.0
Which liver enzyme is not useful for DX in Guinea Pigs?
ALT
(not sensitive or specific)
What clin path findings is common in Guinea Pigs?
Hypercholesterolemia
What is the leukocyte that is unique to Guinea Pig & Capybara?
Foa-Kurloff cell
What is the predominant circulating leukocyte in healthy guinea pigs?
Lymphocyte
(basophiles are rare)
Do you fast GPs before SX?
Yes!
Decreases mechanical compression of lungs & diaphragm
What Antibiotics cause Dysbiosis (overgrowth of Clostridium) in GPs?
- Penicillin → will kill
- Ampicillin
- Chlortetracycline
- Tetracycline
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin
- Lincomycin
What are the appropriate Antibiotics for GPs?
- Sulfa drugs
- Flouroquinolones
- Chloramphenicol
- Aminoglycosides
- Supplement Lactobacillus when treating w/ antimicrobials
What 2 DZ conditions are GPs prone to during pregnancy?
- Pregnancy Toxemia
- Pregnancy Ketosis
C/S of Scurvy?
TX?
- Breakdown of CT including bones, blood & skin
- Inject Vit. C & give Oral Vit C.
What is the parasite causing Infectious Enterititis that is unique to GPs?
Eimeria caviae
Where do the Maxillary cheek teeth like to overgrow?
- Laterally
- into the buccal gingiva
Where do the Mandibular cheek like to overgrow?
- Medially
- Entrap the tongue
What are the 1° agents of
Cervical Lemphadenititis in GP?
C/S?
TX?
NAVLE/TQ!
- Strep. zooepidemicus & S. moniliformis
- C/S→pus filled ventral cervical mass; septicemia; possible bronchopneumonia
- TX→ SX exicsion or lance & drain; Antibiotics, supportive care.
What is the ZOONOTIC mite that GPs get?
TX?
TQ!
Trixacarus caviae
TX- Lime sulfur dip
What causes Conjunctivitis in GPs
and is of zoonotic importance?
TQ
Chlamydiophila psittaci
