Guinea Pigs

What is the scientific name for guinea pigs?

Cavia porcellus.

What family do guinea pigs belong to?

Rodent family.

What are guinea pigs native to?

South America.

How many vocal patterns do guinea pigs have?

At least 11 different vocalizations.

What are the two common breeds of guinea pigs mentioned?

Abyssinian and Peruvian.

What is a significant nutritional requirement for guinea pigs?

Vitamin C.

What type of environmental structure do guinea pigs prefer to live in?

Burrows.

Describe the body type of guinea pigs.

Docile, hardy, and short stocky bodies.

What is barbering behavior in guinea pigs indicative of?

Dominance or boredom.

How do guinea pigs typically react to sudden noises?

They become easily excited and may freeze or scatter.

What is the gestation period for guinea pigs?

63 to 68 days.

What is the primary use of guinea pigs in research?

They are a valuable research model due to their similarities to humans.

What is the unique feature of Kurloff cells?

They contain intracytoplasmic inclusions and are more prevalent in females.

How can male and female guinea pigs be sexed?

By visualizing the penis in males and noting that sows have a single pair of nipples.

What dietary issue can guinea pigs face if not properly fed?

Scurvy due to lack of Vitamin C.

How should guinea pigs be housed to prevent health issues related to feet?

In solid bottom cages with bedding.

What is a common bacterial disease affecting guinea pigs?

Ulcerative pododermatitis or bumblefoot.

What is the primary treatment for scurvy in guinea pigs?

Parenteral or oral ascorbic acid.

What does the term 'precocious' refer to in young guinea pigs?

They are born fully haired, with teeth, and their eyes and ears open.

How long after giving birth can sows experience postpartum estrus?

2 to 10 hours.

What happens if sows are not bred before six months of age?

The pelvic symphysis fuses, leading to dystocia.

What kind of bedding is recommended for guinea pigs?

Soft, deep bedding.

What is the effect of high temperatures on guinea pigs?

They are susceptible to heat stress.

What should guinea pig diets contain?

Only guinea pig diet, rich in Vitamin C.

What is a behavior associated with dominance in guinea pigs?

Barbering.

What is the usual health status regarding red blood cell levels in guinea pigs?

Low compared to other rodents.

Describe how guinea pigs handle stress and unfamiliar sounds.

They tend to freeze and develop rigid habits.

What type of anatomical study have guinea pigs historically been used in?

Ear anatomy for audiology studies.

Why is it important not to feed guinea pigs rabbit chow?

Guinea pigs have a genetic deficiency and need exogenous vitamin C.

What is the name of the unique mononuclear lymphocyte in guinea pigs?

Kurloff cell.

What does the vocalization of guinea pigs indicate?

Communication and learning behavior.

What is one major predisposing factor for bumblefoot in guinea pigs?

Obesity.

What specific technique is important for handling guinea pigs?

Support their hind limbs while lifting.

How should guinea pigs be injected for treatment?

SQ in the skin on the back, IM in gluteal or quads, and IP with two persons.

What is a key challenge in intubating guinea pigs?

The continuous tongue and soft palate with a small hole at the pharynx.

What is the role of the cecum in guinea pigs?

It is large and plays an important role in digestion.

How often do guinea pigs cycle, and what is the length of the cycle?

Polyestrous, cycling every 15 to 17 days.