Ch 22: Guinea Pigs

What is the scientific name for their guinea pig?

A. Oryctolagus cuniculus

B. Cavia porcellus

C. Sus scrofa

D. Phodopus sungorus

B. Cavia porcellus

What is another common name for a guinea pig?

They are also known as a “cavy”

A male guinea pig is called a:

Boar

A female guinea pig is called a:

Sow

Hairless guinea pigs are different from nude mice in what way?

A. They have some fur on the face

B. They lack a thymus

C. They have an abnormal immune system

D. They are physiologically and immunologically normal

D. They are physiologically and immunologically normal

What is the best way to hold a guinea pig?

A. By the scruff at the back of the neck

B. Place thumb and forefingers behind front legs with the other hand supporting the hindquarters

C. By the tail

D. Scoop up with one hand under the abdomen

B. Place thumb and forefingers behind front legs with the other hand supporting the hindquarters

Female guinea pigs bred after 7 months of age may have a specific reproductive problem. What is the problem and what can it lead to?

Fused pelvic bones can lead to slow, difficult birth and could be fatal

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize which vitamin?

A. A

B. C

C. D3

D. B1

B. C

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method of euthanasia for guinea pigs?

A. Intraperitoneal injection of barbiturates

B. Decapitation

C. Overdose of inhalant anesthetics

D. CO2 inhalation

B. Decapitation

Why should guinea pigs not be housed in caging with wire bottoms?

They could develop pododermatitis (bumblefoot)

Which of the following is commonly used for environmental enrichment for guinea pigs?

A. Extra large cage

B. Hammock

C. PVC tube

D. Cotton square

C. PVC tube

True or False:

Guinea pigs can either freeze or stampede in response to sudden movements

True

True or False:

Guinea pigs are very neat and clean and will defecate only in one corner of their pens

False - they sit, urinate, and defecate in feed dishes

True or False:

Guinea pigs will blow partially chewed food into water bottle sipper tubes

True

True or False:

Barbering is common in guinea pigs

True

True or False:

Guinea pigs can eat the standard rodent chow used for rats and mice

False - they need feed rich in vitamin C

True or False:

There is a large difference in the anogenital distance seen between male and female guinea pigs

False - there is no difference

True or False:

Stillbirths and spontaneous abortions are common in guinea pigs

True

True or False:

Guinea pig babies are born altricial

False - born precocial (fully furred and eyes open)

True or False:

Guinea pigs are great climbers

False - their short legs and stocky bodies make it difficult