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Study reveals most common guinea pig disorders
Overgrown nails were the most commonly seen condition.
Researchers examined clinical records of over 3,500 guinea pigs.

Overgrown nails, ringworm, and eye ulcers are the most common conditions seen in pet guinea pigs in the UK, a new study has found.

Researchers from the VetCompass research programme at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) analysed anonymised clinical records from a random sample of 3,785 guinea pigs which were under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2019.

The records showed that overgrown nails were by far the most recorded disorder, seen in 26.55 per cent of guinea pigs. The second most common issue, ringworm, affected 6.02 per cent of the animals in the study, and 4.99 per cent had an eye ulcer. Other common health issues included anorexia and abscesses

Males were found to be more likely to have bite injuries, anorexia and dental problems such as overgrown incisors, whereas females were more likely to have eye disorders, such as coreal ulcerations, and abdominal masses

The research also revealed that females lived longer than males, with female guinea pigs having a life expectancy of 4.56 years compared to the males’ 3.74 years.

As several of the most common disorders are linked to sedentary lifestyles, the authors believe that the findings can help veterinary professionals advise guinea pig owners about providing the right conditions and care to keep their pets healthy.

Dan O’Neill, lead author of the study, said: “This study highlights that many of the most common health issues of pet guinea pigs are related to how we keep them as pets in captivity.

“With this new awareness, owners can better understand the world from the guinea pigs' perspective and provide exercise, bedding and nail care to ensure these wonderful creatures enjoy healthier lives.”

The study has been published in the journal PLOS One.

Image © Shutterstock

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.