Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.
American Guinea Pig
GUINEA_PIG· SMALL· Lifespan: 5-7 years
📋 Breed Predispositions
| Condition | Prevalence | Onset | Severity | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency) | Extremely common | Any age | SEVERE | Clinical signs: swollen joints, petechiae, poor wound healing |
| Ovarian Cysts | 76% of intact females over age 2 | 2+ years | MODERATE RISK | Abdominal ultrasound |
| Pododermatitis (Bumblefoot) | Very common | Any age | MODERATE RISK | Foot pad inspection at every exam |
🩸 Breed-Specific Lab Normals
| Test | Breed Normal | General Range | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Glucose | 60-125 mg/dL | N/A (species-specific) | Guinea pigs are prone to diabetes, especially Abyssinians. Fasting glucose > 200 mg/dL is diagnostic. |
| WBC Count | 5,000-17,000/μL | N/A | Heterophils (not neutrophils) are the predominant granulocyte. Lymphocyte-predominant differential is normal. |
🏥 Anesthesia Considerations
⚠ Difficult intubation (narrow oropharynx, large tongue)
Otoscope-guided intubation or supraglottic airway. NO fasting (hindgut fermenter). High oxygen demand. Hypothermia prevention critical.