The geriatric guinea pig

Arthritis is often seen in guinea pigs that are suffering from hypovitaminosis C (scurvy) as this results in intra-articular haemorrhage (Witkowska et al, 2017). It has also been noted in those...

Small mammal herbivores part 3: taking a dietary history and providing nutritional support

Taking a thorough history is a cornerstone of exotic animal medicine: estimates of the prevalence of husbandry-related diseases vary depending on the study, but it is generally agreed that inadequate...

Small mammal herbivores part 1: digestive system adaptations to a herbivorous diet

The selected species considered in this article are monogastric hindgut fermenters: they have a single, non-compartmentalised stomach, and a large caecum that is the site of microbial fermentation...

Endotracheal intubation of small exotic mammals

Small exotic mammals are prone to stress in hospital environments and should be given time to become accustomed to their unfamiliar surroundings. These species have high sympathetic tone that can...

Setting up a nurse-led nutrition service

Within private practice a dedicated veterinary nurse, who is well trained, could also set up a nutrition service. The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians has a board certified training...

Gastric dilatation volvulus in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Susie is an approximately 2–3-year-old female entire guinea pig, and is a Lakeland breed of guinea pig (this is a gene carrier for skinny hairless breed). The patient had been used to breed from...

Guinea pig anaesthesia — how can risks be reduced?

Before even considering an anaesthetic, patients should undergo a full clinical examination and history taking with an experienced veterinary surgeon..