Sepsis secondary to cystitis in a guinea pig ( <i>Cavia porcellus</i> )

Abstract Cystitis is a frequent, often chronic and recurrent disease in guinea pigs ( Cavia porcellus ). This report describes a case of a 2‐year‐old, entire, female Abyssinian guinea pig with fatal cystitis. The animal was presented with progressive chronic cystitis and had previously been treated with several antibiotics and analgesics. Radiographs demonstrated a mineral‐dense opacity in the urinary bladder, and urinalysis revealed numerous leukocytes. The animal received subcutaneous fluid boluses and a change of antibiotic treatment. The general condition deteriorated, and the animal died acutely 1 day after being admitted to the hospital. Pathology revealed severe, chronic‐active, multifocal, purulent to fibrinous, haemorrhagic cystitis. A bacteriological examination of the urinary bladder wall and urinary bladder contents revealed Facklamia sourekii, Corynebacterium renale and Enterococcus casseliflavus . Myocarditis and steatitis were also noted, supporting sepsis secondary to cystitis as the cause of death.