Respiratory infections in guinea pigs are particularly difficult to treat.

Respiratory infections in guinea pigs are particularly difficult to treat.

March is “Adopt a Guinea Pig” month, and it is important for current and future guinea pig parents to learn about common respiratory disorders in this small mammal! One study suggests that approximately 40% of guinea pigs seen by a veterinarian have been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, with upper respiratory infections being the most commonly reported [1]. However, because guinea pigs are extremely sensitive to the effects of many antibiotics, understanding possible sources of infections and how they manifest is critical for guinea pig owners. It is important to note that while this article is going to focus on bacterial infections, there are several other diseases (ranging from parasitic infections to viral infections) that are common and also necessitate immediate interventions. Visiting an exotic pet veterinarian if you suspect your guinea pig is sick is always recommended.

And so without further ado, here are three common bacterial infections to be on the lookout for your furry best friend.

1. Bacterial Pneumonia

As one of the most common significant diseases in guinea pigs, pneumonia causes inflammation of the lungs that can cause death. Damp and/or humid environments provide the ideal breeding ground for pathogens that invade your guinea pig’s respiratory tract, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, and more [1,2]. Occasionally, pneumonia can also be caused by adenovirus [2]. Bacterial pneumonia infections develop when the pathogen attaches to the guinea pig’s respiratory epithelium, where it inhibits ciliary movement and causes an inflammatory response, antiphagocytic activity, and dermonecrosis [3]. Understanding the causative pathogen for respiratory infections is key for early and successful treatment.

Symptoms include:

  • Oozing/discharge from nose
  • Sneezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sudden death

2. Bordetella bronchiseptica Infection

While Bordetella bronchiseptica can be a causative pathogen for pneumonia, guinea pigs without signs of illness may be carriers, leaving them susceptible to future infections if their respiratory microbiome becomes imbalanced [4]. Bordetella is a Gram-negative rod bacterium that not only causes severe respiratory infections but is also associated with stillbirths, abortions, infertility and infections of the reproductive system and tympanic bullae [5]. Bordatella causes a purulent bronchopneumonia, and notably may bind variably to antigen presenting cells in the respiratory epithelium; this may lead to chronic infections through an altered immune response [5].

The image above depicts a 3D representation of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The image above depicts a 3D representation of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

3. Streptococcus pneumoniae infection

Similarly, Streptococcus is also transmitted by asymptomatic carriers of various species, which allows for infections to propagate unexpectedly. Streptococcus is a Gram-positive coccus that is transmitted by direct contact, aerosolization, and from fomites [5]. Streptococcal presentations of pneumonia may also be accompanied with dyspnea, Contemporary research has made significant strides in characterizing Streptococcus, as a spectrum of virulent strains has been identified using Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) [6].

Preventing Infections in Guinea Pigs

Respiratory Disorders in Guinea Pigs

To prevent respiratory infections in your guinea pig, proper animal husbandry is critical.

Proper animal husbandry is critical to ensure that your pet guinea pig has a strong immune system. Environmental factors like unclean cages, improper climate, lack of nutrition, and more can compromise your guinea pig’s immune system and leave your furry pet susceptible to opportunistic bacteria.

Read the Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic Guide here to learn everything you need to know about proper guinea pig care.

Guinea Pig Infection Treatment and Diagnostics

Veterinarians recommend that guinea pigs visit yearly to ensure the well-being of these difficult to diagnose small mammals. The aforementioned infections in this article all may require medical intervention, with treatment ranging from fluids and oxygen therapy to antibiotic courses [2]. Treatment for respiratory infections in guinea pigs is particularly complex, largely because guinea pigs are sensitive to the effects of many antibiotics [2]. Whether these effects are due to the medication itself or because of the disruption of gut flora due to antibiotics, guinea pigs that receive certain antibiotics may develop:

  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • dehydration
  • drop in body temperature
  • death

Unfortunately, even guinea pigs that are asymptomatic are at risk for adverse outcomes. The good news is certain antibiotics are less harmful than others, and your veterinarian will also help you identify possible lifestyle changes you and your guinea pig can make to improve their quality of life and lessen the risk of recurrent infections. This entails understanding the exact pathogen that is impacting your guinea pig, with modern technological advances allowing for more targeted clinical diagnostic interventions.

For example, a recent study assessing the genetic diversity of oral streptococci in guinea pigs was able to use metagenomics technology to characterize the bacteria [7]. Metagenomics sequencing allowed the researchers to uncover guinea pig mouths are inhabited by a vast number of phylogenetically diverse streptococci populations, which could have significant implications for treatment approaches [7]. This indicates the clinical applicability of using genomic sequencing to identify, analyze, and eventually treat guinea pigs more effectively.

MiDOG Technology in Action

Our technology is currently being used by veterinarians to treat guinea pigs! Meet Weiler, who was suffering from chronic pneumonia and was non-repsonsive to treatment after discontinuing medications for one week. Our diagnostic technology detected a 47.5% bacterial relative abundance of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and a 99.9% fungal relative abundance of Kazachstania pintolopesii. Below is Weiler’s bacterial analysis, which is one of the many pieces of information we send back to the veterinarian so they can make informed clinical decisions!

The image above depicts Weiler the Guinea Pig's bacterial analysis using MiDOG technology.

The image above depicts Weiler the Guinea Pig’s bacterial analysis using MiDOG technology.

The MiDOG All-in-One Microbial Test may provide the answer to the diagnostic conundrum that guinea pigs infections pose. Utilizing NGS technology to detect and quantify all microbial DNA through untargeted and comprehensive sequencing and quantitative comparisons to reference databases, the MiDOG NGS technology provides a useful opportunity to shed light on the microbial makeup of your guinea pig’s infection for clinical application. The MiDOG microbiome test is a microbial identification test grounded on scientific research that provides veterinarians DNA evidence for the guided treatment of respiratory infections in guinea pigs.

 

MiDOG Swab Collection Kit

 

Find out if your vet uses MiDOG before you book your next appointment!

For health-related questions about your pet, reach out to an exotic pet veterinarian.

Citations:

[1] Roberts-Steel, S., Oxley, J. A., Carroll, A., & Wills, A. P. (2019). Frequency of Owner-Reported Bacterial Infections in Pet Guinea Pigs. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 9(9), 649. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9090649

[2] Quesenberry, K. and Donnelly, T., 2019. Disorders and Diseases of Guinea Pigs – All Other Pets – MSD Veterinary Manual. [online] MSD Veterinary Manual. Available at: <https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/disorders-and-diseases-of-guinea-pigs#:~:text=Signs%20of%20pneumonia%20include%20oozing,among%20groups%20of%20guinea%20pigs.>.

[3] Harkness, J. E., Murray, K. A., & Wagner, J. E. (2002). Biology and Diseases of Guinea Pigs. Laboratory Animal Medicine, 203–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012263951-7/50009-0

[4] Woode, G. and Mcleod, N., 1967. Control of Acute Bordetella Bronchiseptica Pneumonia in A Guinea-Pig Colony. Laboratory Animals, 1(2), pp.91-94.

[5] O’Rourke D. P. (2004). Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, 245–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-72-169377-6/50026-5

[6] Hu, Y., Fu, S., Zou, G. et al. Genome analysis provides insight into hyper-virulence of Streptococcus suis LSM178, a human strain with a novel sequence type 1005. Sci Rep 11, 23919 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03370-0

[7] Król, J., Nowakiewicz, A., Błaszków, A. et al. Genetic diversity of oral streptococci in the guinea pig as assessed by sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and groEL genes. Folia Microbiol (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-021-00936-3


Categories: Exotic Pets, Guinea Pigs, Respiratory Infection

animal diagnostics

Validated by Veterinarians

“Clients expect their veterinarians to stay up to date on all matters that affect the health and well being of their non-human family members. The current technique that we have used to determine the presence and antibiotic sensitivity of organisms causing disease in our pets is over a century old.

With the emergence of dangerous antibacterial resistance, it is critical that veterinarians are able to offer laser focused diagnostics and treatment. MiDog enables us to offer care that exceeds the typical standard of care.”

Bernadine Cruz, DVM, Laguna Hills Animal Hospital Laguna Woods, CA

“I love the absolute abundance and comparing the fungal with bacterial infection. I do not worry as much about getting a false negative urinary infection reading as I do with traditional urine cultures. Several times the same urine would culture negative but MiDOG would detect pathogens.”

Michael Morgan, DVMQuail Animal Hospital, Tustin, CA

“The MiDOG All-in-One Test is amazing, I would use it instead of culture and sensitivity.  Such rapid and detailed results, I will reach for MiDOG before culture next time!

Thank you very much MiDOG, for sharing the opportunity to try your technology.”

Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM, President of Forensic Veterinary Investigations, LLC – Boston, MA

The MiDOG All-in-One Microbial Test is our new gold standard of pathogen identification. The results are so accurate and valuable – especially with assessing both bacterial and fungal infections with the same sample.

Thank you MiDOG!”

Kathy Wentworth, DVM, Diplomate ABVP Canine and Feline Practice – PetPoint Medical Center, Irvine, CA

“The MiDOG staff was extremely helpful and supportive.”

Cathy Curtis, DVM – London, UK

“I have had great results using the MiDOG® Test. Compared to traditional culture tests, I am better able to target the treatment for dogs because the MiDOG® Test is so sensitive that it identifies all pathogens including bacteria and fungi, as well as antibiotic sensitivity.

The cost and turnaround time are about the same as a culture test, but I get much more data. The test has great performance and I believe the NGS technology will be a game changer for veterinarians treating dogs with lesions or other infections.”

Michael Kavanagh, DVM, Practice owner – Saddleback Animal Hospital, Tustin, CA

“It’s helpful to have an NGS spectrum because it gives you a broader insight of what’s happening and what might be going on.”

Richard Harvey BVSc DVD DipECVD PhD FRSB FRCVS – European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology – Head of Dermatology, Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service – Solihull, England UK

“I have been using MiDog for over 4 years now and exclusively as my test of choice for all cultures for 3 years.  It is so great to submit a culture and feel confident there will be a result when it comes back, especially for urine cultures.  The reports were intimidating at first because they contain so much information.  After the first few, I am now quickly able to glance over it and pick out the highlights.  I can then come back later and pour over all the details.  I have been extremely pleased with my patients’ results using the test as well.  I don’t envision ever going back to traditional culture and susceptibilities again.”

Brian M. Urmson, DVM, Columbiana Veterinary Associates

“As an exotic veterinarian, there are numerous tests we have to consider to check specific bacterial and fungal organisms based on the species. MiDOG eliminates the need for many of these separate samples and provides definitive results quickly to help us treat our patients more efficiently and effectively. The lab is wonderful to work with and has never rejected our samples- they even processed a lizard toe we amputated and determined the cause of skin infection.”

Dr. Melissa Giese, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital

“MiDOG’s diagnostic approach offers the unique ability to identify pathogens that evade traditional culture and sensitivity testing. I have found that adding a molecular based testing approach in the form of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) from MiDOG to my routine diagnostic cultures can be extremely helpful in the identification and diagnosis of uncommon pathogens in veterinary medicine.”

Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz, Animal Dermatology Clinic – Tustin

“She [Dr. Krumbeck] really did a great job of making complicated concepts accessible and demonstrating the value of your services. I’m really looking forward to working with MiDOG on my research project!”

Dr. Yaicha Peters, Animal Dermatology Clinic – San Diego

“As a proud collaborator with MiDOG, I deeply appreciate their dedication to fostering partnerships between industry and veterinary experts. Their commitment to enhancing diagnostic quality for veterinarians is commendable. In my experience, their support has been invaluable, earning them a ‘Double A+, Triple Star’ rating. Their assistance has been faultless, contributing significantly to the success of my projects and studies. I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration.”

Dr. Richard Harvey, BVSc DVD DipECVD PhD FRSB FRCVS; European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology

“We’re seeing that, if we prescribe too many antibiotics or they’re taken too frequently, animals are developing inappropriate or pathogenic strains of bacteria. We’re also seeing that our antibiotics are just not working against them anymore… It’s a good example of why we need better diagnostic testing, like MiDOG, so that we’re selecting the correct antibiotic every time our patients have an infection.”

Dr. Alissa Rexo, DVM, CVA, DACVD, Mid-Atlantic Veterinary Dermatology

“The NGS technique as offered by MiDOG is wonderful because pathogens like Melissococcus plutonius, for example, are difficult to grow and keep alive in the laboratory. A standard laboratory cannot truly examine or even properly diagnose this pathogen in bee hives at this time. But with NGS, we can reliably diagnose it.”

Dr. Joerg Mayer, Entomologist and Microbiologist at the University of Georgia

“For me, as a clinician and as a researcher, I see the immense value in the product [the All-in-One Test]. I have had great success using MiDOG clinically, including identifying Mycoplasma in a 24 year old pigeon, a Nannizziopsis spp in a ball python from a large pet distributor, Mycoplasma and Fusobacterium necrophorum co-infection in a peacock, and to identify an abnormal gut GI in a technician’s dog that tested negative for everything else (but we were able to establish what was abnormal, and work toward fixing it).”

Dr. Jeremy Rayl – Veterinarian, Block House Creek Animal Hospital, Cedar Park, Texas

“With MiDog results I not only receive a list of organisms detected in the sample, but also cell counts which allow me to target the most abundant pathogens or the most pathogenic. The identification of antimicrobial resistance genes is also helpful in selecting an appropriate antibiotic. Another benefit is that sample handling is less prone to risk of overgrowth and is stable at room temperature. Easy and informative. A great tool in our diagnostic toolbox!!”

Lauren Palmer DVM, MPH, Marine mammal Care Center Los Angeles