Diseases of Pet Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Presented to a Specialist Exotic-Animal Clinic: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study describes the relative frequency of common diseases in pet Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus, GP) presented to a specialist exotic-animal clinic (Exo-Pet Veterinary Center, Budapest, Hungary). Data from 600 GPs across 1768 visits were reviewed; 51.3% were male and 48.7% female. Malocclusion of the molars was the most common problem (27.5%), followed by urinary tract diseases (18.67%), reproductive tract diseases (16.2%), ectoparasites (16.5%), neoplasms (tumors), and tumor-like lesions (15.8%). We fitted multivariable logistic-regression models with coat type, age, and sex as predictors. Almost one-third of the intact females (32.40%) had ovarian cysts. Age was associated with the recorded incidence of several diseases, although diagnostic opportunity was generally greater in older animals. The incidence of infectious diseases (e.g., fungal disease) declined with age. Owners should be made aware of ectoparasites and fungal infections to prevent potential zoonotic disease. The odds of ovarian cysts, neoplasms (tumors) and tumor-like lesions, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and urinary disease increased with age; these associations remained after adjustment for the number of veterinary visits. Males are more likely to develop malocclusion of the molars and incisors. Regular, detailed dental examinations of GPs are important for both prevention and early diagnosis.