ABSTRACT Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are very common rodent pets. They are considered “minor” species for which very few antimicrobials are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Inappropriate antibiotic therapy will suppress the normal enteric bacterial flora and allow overgrowth of Clostridia spp. with subsequent enterocolitis, cecitis, enterotoxemia and death. Antibiotics with a predominantly [...]

Why should I spay my guinea pig? I do not routinely recommend spaying female guinea pigs if they are not in the same cage with intact male. The major reasons to have your guinea pig spayed are to prevent and/or remove ovarian cysts and to avoid the production of offspring. After 8 months of age [...]

Why should I neuter my guinea pig? The best reason to have your guinea pig neutered is to avoid the production of offspring. There are no obvious health reasons for guinea pigs to be neutered as there are for rabbits. Neutering does not change their behavior or affect smell in any way. The best age [...]

Why should I spay my rabbit?   Spaying female rabbits achieve following health benefits. Prevention of uterine cancer- the most common cancer of female rabbits Decrease aggressive territorial behavior in a rabbit and urine spraying Minimize aggression towards other rabbits and humans No babies No false pregnancies No other genital tract cancers Decrease incidence of [...]

Why should I neuter my rabbit? Neutering male rabbits is done for several reasons. It drastically reduces aggression in sexually mature bunny, prevents urine spraying and testicular abscesses, hematomas and cancer. The best time to neuter your rabbit is 6 months of age. What are the anesthetic risks? The anesthetic risks for rodents are higher [...]