Why Guinea Pigs are NOT Small Rabbits!

Abigail Edis | RSFC2023

45 minute video - Certificated at 1 hour of CPD

Whilst guinea pigs are also herbivorous small mammals and have similar gastrointestinal systems and similar diets to lagomorph species, they have many differences in their husbandry needs and common illnesses seen.

This presentation will talk through the common differences in caring for guinea pigs and why they are often medical mysteries when it comes to seeing them in practice.

We will also discuss some of the common presentations and the probably often underdiagnosed diseases these species are prone to developing. This will ultimately help us to educate owners more effectively and recognise signs of illness in guinea pigs when presented with one.

Key learning points:

• Understand why guinea pigs are not the same as rabbits when it comes to husbandry
• Be confident at educating owners on the husbandry and care in these species and what to watch out for when recognising signs of illness at home.
• Know what the common and sometimes underdiagnosed conditions in the species are and their typical clinical signs and treatments.