Changes

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.

<br />

<br />

===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.