Changes

This type of infection is usually caused when a foreign body such as saw dust becomes trapped in the prepuce causing preputial dermatitis. This can lead to a swelling of the prepuce but also cause inability to copulate. Similarly it has been found that saw dust can also block the vagina of the female also leading to an inability to achieve copulation. <br />

This type of infection is usually caused when a foreign body such as saw dust becomes trapped in the prepuce causing preputial dermatitis. This can lead to a swelling of the prepuce but also cause inability to copulate. Similarly it has been found that saw dust can also block the vagina of the female also leading to an inability to achieve copulation. <br />

To decrease the risk of preputial infections and vaginal blockage wood shavings are superior to saw dust.<br />

To decrease the risk of preputial infections and vaginal blockage wood shavings are superior to saw dust.<br />

===Urinary System===

==Urinary System==

==Polydipsia==

===Polydipsia===

Guinea pigs should consume approximately 10ml/100g but will vary dependant on the water content of the diet. Polydipsia often accompanies chronic renal failure and diabetes. Polydipsia is also associated with abdominal swelling and hydronephrosis of both kidneys. <br />

Guinea pigs should consume approximately 10ml/100g but will vary dependant on the water content of the diet. Polydipsia often accompanies chronic renal failure and diabetes. Polydipsia is also associated with abdominal swelling and hydronephrosis of both kidneys. <br />

==Polyuria==

===Polyuria===

Guinea pigs should have a urinary output of approximately 20-25ml per day. Polyuria is seen as a consequence of polydipsia.  Excess urine output can lead to urine scalding and dermatitis.<br />

Guinea pigs should have a urinary output of approximately 20-25ml per day. Polyuria is seen as a consequence of polydipsia.  Excess urine output can lead to urine scalding and dermatitis.<br />

==Haematuria==

===Haematuria===

“Bloody urine” can be a common symptom found in guinea pigs, both male and female. Cystitis, neoplasia of the bladder or uterus, urolithiasis and cystic endometritis are all causative factors for haematuria.<br />

“Bloody urine” can be a common symptom found in guinea pigs, both male and female. Cystitis, neoplasia of the bladder or uterus, urolithiasis and cystic endometritis are all causative factors for haematuria.<br />

==Acute Renal Failure==

===Acute Renal Failure===

This condition is uncommon but where is does occur it is invariably fatal in guinea pigs. Oxalic acid poisoning can result from the consumption of large amounts of beetroot, spinach or dock leaves once the stems of these vegetables have turned woody. Clinical symptoms prior to death include depression, salivation and muscle tremors.<br />

This condition is uncommon but where is does occur it is invariably fatal in guinea pigs. Oxalic acid poisoning can result from the consumption of large amounts of beetroot, spinach or dock leaves once the stems of these vegetables have turned woody. Clinical symptoms prior to death include depression, salivation and muscle tremors.<br />

==Chronic Renal Failure==

===Chronic Renal Failure===

Chronic renal disease may initially be indicated via polydipsia together with a period of anorexia, depression, diarrhoea, collapse and then death. Staphylococcol pododermatitis, chronic intersititial nephritis, diabetes and hydronephrosis have all been shown to lead to chronic renal failure in guinea pigs.<br />

Chronic renal disease may initially be indicated via polydipsia together with a period of anorexia, depression, diarrhoea, collapse and then death. Staphylococcol pododermatitis, chronic intersititial nephritis, diabetes and hydronephrosis have all been shown to lead to chronic renal failure in guinea pigs.<br />

==Diabetes==

===Diabetes===

Diabetes is a common occurrence in guinea pigs together with polydipsia and weight loss despite a strong appetite. Some guinea pigs will develop cataracts and glycosuria. <br />

Diabetes is a common occurrence in guinea pigs together with polydipsia and weight loss despite a strong appetite. Some guinea pigs will develop cataracts and glycosuria. <br />

Exogenous insulin is not required in treatment for this disease and guinea pigs often have spontaneous remissions.<br />

Exogenous insulin is not required in treatment for this disease and guinea pigs often have spontaneous remissions.<br />