Guinea Pigs VETC 285

What type of digestive system do they have?

Hindgut fermenter

Guinea pigs are rodents.

True

Guinea pigs belong to which taxonomic family?

Caviidae

What essential vitamin must be provided in their diet?

Vitamin C

Why do guinea pigs require dietary vitamin C?

They can’t synthesize it endogenously.

Vitamin C can be stored long term in Guinea pig tissues.

False

What is the most common clinical sign of vitamin C deficiency?

Scurvy

What is scurvy?

A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency leading to connective tissue weakness

Common signs of scurvy

Lameness, hemorrhage, joint pain, poor wound healing

Vitamin C deficiency can cause painful joints in Guinea pigs.

True

What is unique about Guinea pig dentition?

All teeth are continuously growing (open-rooted)

Which factor most commonly contributes to dental disease in guinea pigs?

Lack of chewing fiber

Why is dietary fiber crucial for Guinea pigs?

Maintains GI motility and dental wear

Sudden diet changes can cause GI stasis in guinea pigs.

True

What is most common cause of respiratory disease in guinea pigs?

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Why are guinea pigs particularly sensitive to respiratory infections?

Small airways and stress sensitivity

Which clinical signs suggests respiratory infection in guinea pigs?

Sneezing and nasal discharge

Why must antibiotic selection be done carefully?

Risk of fatal dysbiosis

Penicillins are safe for guinea pigs.

False

Which antibiotic class is contraindicated in them?

Penicillin

What unique reproductive concern exists in female guinea pigs?

Pubic symphysis fusion after 6-8 months

Why is breeding older female guinea pigs dangerous?

Increased risk of dystocia

Guinea pigs are induced ovulators.

False

What type of young do guinea pigs give birth to?

Precocial young

Which feature is seen in guinea pig neonates?

A. Eyes closed

B. Hairless

C. Fully furred and mobile

D. Dependent for weeks

C

What is the safest way to restrain a guinea pig?

Gentle support of body and hindquarters

Guinea pigs are prone to spinal fractures like rabbits.

False

Why is stress reduction critical in guinea pigs?

Stress can worsen illness and suppress immunity

A stressed guinea pig is most likely to show:

Vocalization and freezing

What is the most common ectoparasite in guinea pigs?

Trixacarus caviae

What disease dose Trixacarus cause?

Mange with intense pruritus

Severe pruritus in guinea pigs can lead to seizures

True

Is Bordetella bronchiseptica zoonotic?

Rarely but possibly in immunocompromised people

Guinea pigs are common rabies carriers

False