How much blood can be drawn from a guinea pig?

How much blood can be drawn from a guinea pig?

Volume for blood collection The average circulating blood volume of a guinea pig is 75 ml per kg body weight. As a general rule, it is safe to remove up to 10% of the blood volume in a normal, healthy animal, which means that 6.5–7.5 ml blood per kg body weight can be collected once in 3–4 weeks2.

Where do you draw blood from a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs and some larger rodents can simply be grasped around the thorax and shoulders for venipuncture restraint. Restraining smaller species is more difficult.

Where do you get blood from a guinea pig?

Blood is collected from the lateral saphenous vein, which runs dorsally and then laterally over the tarsal joint. Conscious guinea pigs should be restrained either manually or using a restraint tube. This can cause stress and therefore the duration of restraint should be minimised.

Is it normal for a guinea pig to poop?

So the next time you see your guinea pigs bending over and eating something that’s coming out of his butt, don’t be shocked! This is completely healthy and normal for the guinea pig to maintain their health. 5. Smelly, Soft, Mushy Poop. Smelly and/or wet poop may point to a nutritional or diet problem, or even worse diarrhea.

How can you tell if your guinea pig has a disease?

Signs and Symptoms of Common Guinea Pig Ailments. Also be aware of physical changes such as hair loss, constant itching or scratching, redness, swelling, or any other physical change. Monitor any change and speak with your veterinarian at any time you suspect there might be something off with your pet guinea pig.

What should I do if my guinea pig has skin problems?

Be aware before introducing any new guinea pigs if they seem to have any skin conditions. Before introducing food or bedding into the cage, make a habit of freezing it for a day. The extreme cold temperatures will kill off any potential parasites that may have been lurking in the packages. Spaying your female guinea pig is definitely recommended.

What to do if your guinea pig has a respiratory infection?

Take notice of your guinea pig’s cage location and be sure to keep them away from drafts, open doors, and open windows. This simple act will help decrease the likelihood of them getting a respiratory infection.

So the next time you see your guinea pigs bending over and eating something that’s coming out of his butt, don’t be shocked! This is completely healthy and normal for the guinea pig to maintain their health. 5. Smelly, Soft, Mushy Poop. Smelly and/or wet poop may point to a nutritional or diet problem, or even worse diarrhea.

How can you tell if your guinea pig is sick?

Since guinea pigs are able to hide the symptoms so well, we have to use the little clues they leave us. Unlike dogs and cats, guinea pigs don’t vomit, which is usually a tale-tell sign that a pet is sick.

Why does my guinea pig poop like a tear?

If the poop is tear-shaped, it could be an indicator of a gut problem. Guinea pigs should be eating as much hay as their own body. The fiber found in hay is an essential part of their diet so that guinea pig’s digestive system are functioning properly.

How long can a guinea pig go without water?

Guinea pigs should drink 10% of their body weight in water, and can only last 24 hours without any water (time is dependent on climate). When guinea pigs are dehydrated they may start having low energy and become clumsy. Another symptom may be that they start to develop a fever and also have a loss of appetite.

How do you take blood from a guinea pig?

Restrain the guinea pig and extend the hind leg downward while applying gentle pressure immediately above the knee joint to provide stasis. Puncture the vein using a 21 G needle or lancet. Collect blood e.g., by using a collection or capillary tube. Gently manipulate the leg to aid the blood flow.

What is lateral saphenous vein?

Blood is collected from the lateral saphenous vein which runs dorsally and then laterally over the tarsal joint. This stretches the skin over the ankle, making it easier to clip and immobilise the saphenous vein.