Frequency of Owner-Reported Bacterial Infections in Pet Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Simple SummaryGuinea pigs are common pets but are susceptible to a range of diseases, some of which can be rapidly fatal without prompt veterinary attention. Bacterial infections are one cause of respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in guinea pigs, but few studies have reported how commonly these infections occur in pet guinea pigs or which types of bacterial infection are most often seen. A survey of guinea pig owners was conducted to assess the types of infections and signs of illness pet guinea pigs had suffered from. From the 524 responses it was determined that just under 40% of owners reported that their guinea pig had been diagnosed with a bacterial infection by their veterinarian. Upper respiratory tract infections were most common followed by urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal infections. Guinea pigs may not tolerate some antimicrobial drugs well due to disruption of the bacteria within their gut, therefore treatment of these types of infection can be challenging even if diagnosed early. Based on the frequency of bacterial infections reported by owners in this study, it is suggested that guinea pig owners practice good hygiene and husbandry and remain vigilant for signs of ill health in their pets.AbstractDomestic guinea pigs suffer morbidity and mortality due to a range of bacterial infections amongst other causes. Microorganisms such as Bordetella bronchiseptica and Streptococcus pneumoniae are commonly implicated in respiratory disease; however, there is a lack of research surrounding the prevalence of these bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency with which owners reported bacterial infections in pet guinea pigs and to assess owner knowledge of correct husbandry practices to inform prevention of the development of bacterial infections. An online questionnaire, consisting of 30 questions was promoted to guinea pig owners. Of all respondents (n = 524), 39.39% reported that their guinea pig(s) had been clinically diagnosed with a bacterial infection, with upper respiratory tract infections the most commonly reported (46.95%), followed by urinary tract (15.49%) and then gastrointestinal infections (11.73%). Owners demonstrated knowledge of correct husbandry practices and there was no significant effect (p = 0.475) of owner knowledge on having owned a guinea pig with a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections may be more common in guinea pigs than was previously thought. Further research is required to understand why bacterial infections are common in pet guinea pigs and to help owners to prevent and recognize these infections.

Caracterización anatomopatológica de neumonías en cuyes producidas por Streptococcus pneumoniae en crianza intensiva

“…De las muestras de pulmón evaluadas, el 17.4% (24/138) resultó positivo a Streptococcus pneumoniae, este patógeno también se reporta en dos estudios a partir de diferentes órganos de cuyes (20), además ha sido asociada con neumonías en perros (21). Sin embargo, se ha identificado otras formas bacterianas concomitantes en los pulmones neumónicos evaluados, que han sido reportados en otros estudios, como Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Klebsiella pneumoniae y Pasteurella multocida, debido a que se asocian como causa común de neumonía bacteriana en cuyes (4,5,13,22). Asimismo, se asoció Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis en alpacas (10), Pasteurella sp, E. coli, Staphylococcus sp en cabras con neumonía (23).…”

“…Los animales tienen microorganismos que constituyen la microbiota de diferentes tejidos, el Streptococcus pneumoniae forma parte del tracto respiratorio superior del cuy (5,12,13); sin embargo, también es considerado portador subclínico, pues ha sido reportado como patógeno en el tracto respiratorio superior con una prevalencia alta, con una frecuencia mayor al 50% en algunas poblaciones, esto explica las epizootias esporádicas que ocurren cuando los animales son estresados o desnutridos (4).…”

Current welfare state of pet guinea pigs in the UK

“…For example, dental disease, the most commonly diagnosed condition affecting guinea pigs, is believed to be often associated with poor diet 22 24 . A recent survey suggested that the occurrence of bacterial infections was unrelated to level of owner knowledge, 25 but did not test for associations with specific aspects of care. The authors’ survey asked about the occurrence of the most common diseases as reported in the literature, 10 21 22 and compared their occurrence with animal's housing and husbandry.…”

Antibacterial activity of plant extracts against Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates from guinea pigs with lymphadenitis in Ecuador

“…Research reveals its involvement in cases of lymphadenitis in Cusco, Peru with frequencies of 70 and 100 % in guinea pigs sampled with lesions [ 42 ]. However, other bacterial agents have also been identified, including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium , Salmonella enteritidis , Staphylococcus aureus , Micrococcus spp, Streptococcus spp and Corynebacterium spp [ 43 ]. In addition to lymphadenitis S. equi subsp.…”