Heat Stroke Common
Signs: listlessness, raising of head, shallow rapid breathing
Tx: cool immediately by wrapping in a towel soaked in cool water or spray with cool water. ± cool pedialyte® offered orally;
SQ, IO, IP or IV fluids may also be necessary
Respiratory Infections
Very susceptible to upper resp. infections
Symptoms: nasal discharge, sneezing, difficulty breathing
Bordetella bronchiseptica & Strep. Pneumoniae are the most common
Can quickly lead to pneumonia
SMZ-TMP at 15-30mg/kg PO BID
Enrofloxicin at 5-10mg/kg PO BID
Doxycycline 2.5-5mg/kg PO BID
Conjunctivitis
Most common in neonates
Chlamydia most common pathogen
Treat with topical tetracycline (Terramycin®) - Systemic treatment usually not necessary
Normal/Behavioral Dermatologic Conditions
Normal alopecia behind ear and on medial aspect of front inner legs
Sebaceous glands are abundant along the dorsal surface of the guinea pig and around the anal opening. These sebaceous glands
are testosterone dependent and the sebaceous secretions can be excessive in the adult male. May see clumping of hair and can
lead to dermatitis in this region.
Alopecia in females can be caused by a Telogen deflexion freq. seen last trimester of pregnancy or during lactation. The alopecia
is most prominent on lumbosacral area and flanks. Thinning of haircoat is also common at weaning and spontaneously resolves.
Barbering
Behavioral
Self-induced or by cagemates
Treatment
Isolate pig, apply Bitter apple spray, Ignore, Increase hay (fiber)
Check for a Nutritional deficiency
