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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Guinea pigs or “cavy” originate from South America and in the wild are a type of burrowing animal. They are nocturnal herbivores and were originally domesticated by the Incas as a source of nutrition. Guinea pigs are widely used in experimentation for a number of reasons, including highly developed young at birth (due to a relatively lengthy gestation period), the ability of the young to eat solid food at age 2-3 days, being fully haired and completely mobile. These factors reduce many issues and complications regarding the use of experimentation animals. Guinea pigs are also among the easiest laboratory animals to handle and can be housed in open top cages due to their in ablility to climb or jump.  

Guinea pigs or “cavy” originate from South America and in the wild are a type of burrowing animal. They are nocturnal herbivores and were originally domesticated by the Incas as a source of nutrition. Guinea pigs are widely used in experimentation for a number of reasons, including highly developed young at birth (due to a relatively lengthy gestation period), the ability of the young to eat solid food at age 2-3 days, being fully haired and completely mobile. These factors reduce many issues and complications regarding the use of experimentation animals. Guinea pigs are also among the easiest laboratory animals to handle and can be housed in open top cages due to their in ablility to climb or jump.  

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 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 />

Pregnancy toxaemia 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 />

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 />

Necropsy will show an empty stomach and pathology including fatty liver and kidneys, fetae with varying levels of haemorrhage and large fat reserves in the abdomen.

Necropsy will show an empty stomach and pathology including fatty liver and kidneys, multiple fetae with varying levels of haemorrhage and large fat reserves in the abdomen.

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===Hypocalcemia (Eclampsia)===

===Hypocalcemia (Eclampsia)===

Pregnant sows can develop an acute calcium deficiency due to the metabolic demands of parturition combined with lactation. Obesity and stress are key predisposing factors.

Pregnant sows can develop an acute calcium deficiency due to the metabolic demands of parturition combined with lactation. Obesity and stress are key predisposing factors.

===Heatstroke===

===Heatstroke===

Although this can occur in outdoor guinea pigs exposed to direct sunlight, heavily pregnant females are the most susceptible especially if they have been deprived of water. This can be a problem during transportation or during problems with laboratory infrastructures such as air conditioning.<br />

Although this can occur in outdoor guinea pigs exposed to direct sunlight, heavily pregnant females are the most susceptible especially if they have been deprived of water. This can be a problem during transportation or during problems with laboratory infrastructures such as air conditioning.<br />