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Management of husbandry‐related problems in guinea pigs
Author(s) -
Fawcett Anne
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inp.d1812
Subject(s) - animal husbandry , etiology , veterinary medicine , medicine , new guinea , guinea pig , intensive care medicine , pathology , biology , agriculture , ethnology , history , ecology
Poor husbandry is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in guinea pigs. Subtle signs of illness in guinea pigs are also easily overlooked by owners, which means that many guinea pigs are often presented to the veterinary surgeon in a critical condition. By this stage, treatment, no matter how aggressive, may be unrewarding. This article discusses the common conditions affecting pet guinea pigs and the role of husbandry and diet in the aetiology and prevention of these diseases. In addition, it highlights the importance of educating clients to ensure they seek veterinary attention as soon as possible if their guinea pigs display signs of illness.