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Guinea Pigs (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 13:45, 22 October 2010
, 13:45, 22 October 2010→Digestive System
'''Clostridia'''
'''Clostridia'''
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Normally this species are present in the large intestines as commensals but during certain circumstances such as antibiotic administration they are able to proliferate and cause fatal enterotoxaemia. ''Clostridium'' species can be cultured from the lumen of the infected intestine.
Normally this species are present in the large intestines as commensals but during certain circumstances such as antibiotic administration they are able to proliferate and cause fatal enterotoxaemia. ''Clostridium'' species can be cultured from the lumen of the infected intestine.<br />
===Parasitic Causes of Diarrhoea===
'''Nematodes'''
The only nematode that affects guinea pigs is Paraspidodera uncinata and is usually restricted to outdoor housed animals. Heavy infestation can cause enteritis and the Paraspidodera resides in the caecum and can be 11-28mm long. <br />
'''Protozoa'''
A wide range of commensal protozoa are carried and are not pathogenic except for Coccidia. Protozoan infections are generally the result of poor husbandry. Contact with reabbits can allow other rare protozoan infections in guinea pigs. <br />
Eimeria caviae is the coccidial species contracted by guinea pigs eating contaminated food, however coccidiosis in guinea pigs is rare. Droppings will be slimy and contain blood. Oocysts will be present in the faeces and can be seen on microscopic examination.<br />
'''Ascaridae'''
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 />