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Guinea Pigs (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 17:29, 21 October 2010
, 17:29, 21 October 2010→Reproductive System
===Pseudopregnancy===
===Pseudopregnancy===
Although this condition is rare in guinea pigs, its duration is 17 days. Care must be taken that sows do not develop mastitis during pseudopregnancy.<br />
Although this condition is rare in guinea pigs, its duration is 17 days. Care must be taken that sows do not develop mastitis during pseudopregnancy.<br />
===Pregnancy toxaemia===
Pregnancy toaemia is a metabolic disorder similar to twin lamb disease in sheep. Predisposing factors include obesity and stress leading to negative energy balance. The energy imbalance progresses to ketoacidosis together with aciduria, proteinuria and hyperlipaemia. There is also a fatty degeneration of the liver. <br />
In cases of stress the sow stops eating, becomes depressed and will have a ruffled appearance. Some sows may also salivate profusely and the distinctive smell of ketones (pear drops) may be present. The condition is more prevalent in hot weather.<br />
===Toxoplasmosis===
===Toxoplasmosis===
A Toxoplasmosis infection is caused by a protozoan parasite called ''Toxoplasma gondii'' in which the definitive host is the cat. Guinea pig infection is caused by consumption of food contaminated with cat faeces, i.e. a faecal-oral route. Tissue cysts from the parasite can be found in muscle, heart, eye and brain. Toxoplasmosis can also cause vulval bleeding and abortion.<br />
A Toxoplasmosis infection is caused by a protozoan parasite called ''Toxoplasma gondii'' in which the definitive host is the cat. Guinea pig infection is caused by consumption of food contaminated with cat faeces, i.e. a faecal-oral route. Tissue cysts from the parasite can be found in muscle, heart, eye and brain. Toxoplasmosis can also cause vulval bleeding and abortion.<br />