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Guinea Pigs (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 14:55, 22 October 2010
, 14:55, 22 October 2010no edit summary
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Ascaridae are not a natural parasite of guinea pigs but if housed outdoors in areas which has been contaminated with dog or cat faeces guinea pigs will suffer from weight loss, unthriftiness and diarrhoea.<br />
Ascaridae are not a natural parasite of guinea pigs but if housed outdoors in areas which has been contaminated with dog or cat faeces guinea pigs will suffer from weight loss, unthriftiness and diarrhoea.<br />
===Musculoskeletal System===
'''Pododermatitis'''
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The origin of the swelling and ulceration of the foot pad is usually bacterial, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment of advanced infections is rarely successful. <br />
'''Osteoporosis'''
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This condition will occur if guinea pigs are over-supplemented with vitamin D via forced such as cod-liver oil. The excess vitamin D leads to excess calcium resorption and subsequent bone weakness. Clinical signs are usually paralysis and most commonly seen in the hind legs first. <br />
The diet should contain a maximum of 1600iu of vitamin D per kg.<br />
'''Metastatic Calcification'''
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This condition is caused by an imbalance between calcium, phosphrous and vitamin D. Metastatic calcification is mainly seen in males in which they exhibit joint stiffness, poor weight gain and eventually death. There will also be calcium deposits in skeletal muscle and other organs.<br />
The diet should have a calcium:phosphorus ratio of 1:5 and the same vitamin D level as above. <br />
'''Scurvy'''
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This condition is due to a deficiency of vitamin C where an adult guinea pig requires 10-30mg per day. Haemorrhages will be found around joints and on all serosal surfaces. Clinical signs range from an unsteady gait, painful locomotion and bleeding gums.<br />
'''Osteoarthritis'''
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In guinea pigs the most commonly affected joint is the stifle and clinical symptoms can range from lameness to weight loss in guinea pigs of 9 months and older.<br />
'''Osteosarcoma'''
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Although relatively uncommon in guinea pigs they can be seen as painful bony swellings in guinea pigs over 1 ear of age.<br />