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Los Altos, California 94022

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Pneumonia in Guinea Pig

Saving Bebe

Bebe, a three year old Roan Abyssinian guinea pig, presented on December 26, 1999 with episodes of twitching, lethargy, and anorexia.

On physical examination, Bebe was breathing hard and crackles (popping sounds) could be auscultated (heard) in her chest. She had cataracts in both eyes (which can often be congenital) and she had many fatty benign lumps called lipomas.

After discussing the physical exam findings with her mom, we decided to hospitalize Bebe and take some x-rays. The radiographs demonstrated an increased fluid density in the chest. There appeared to be fluid or inflammation in her chest (see picture below). Our concerns at that time were pneumonia, which is common in guinea pigs and is often caused by Bordatella infections, or heart failure.

Bebe was placed in an incubator with oxygen supplementation. She was treated with Propulsid (a GI motility medication to help stimulate her appetite), Baytril (broad spectrum antibiotic), Lasix (a diuretic to draw fluid out of her lungs), and syringe feedings. We discussed at that time that a cardiac ultrasound would be the most diagnostic tool, however, due to her small size and lack of reference numbers to compare to, it would be difficult to identify any disease unless her condition was severe. We also wanted to wait until she was more stable before causing her more stress. We decided to see how she would respond to therapy. Bebe slowly improved over three days and was sent home once she was stable and did not have to be in oxygen.

Bebe's mother worked diligently giving her all her meds including a lactobacillus (friendly bacteria) supplement. Bebe came in for a recheck one week later and her radiographs showed marked improvement. At that time a CBC (Complete Blood Count) was drawn. The WBC (White Blood Cell) count came back normal and there were no toxic changes, indicating that there was no infection or pneumonia The antibiotics were discontinued.

Bebe came in for a two week recheck. Her appetite was slowly coming back and she was starting to eat on her own again. She was finally starting to maintain her weight. The Propulsid was discontinued. We decided to add Enalapril (a vasodilator) to help with the function of the heart.

Bebe, with her mother's excellent nursing care, is doing well so far. She is eating on her own and is very active and happy. She is due for another recheck in a couple of weeks. We are monitoring her weight carefully to make sure she regains the weight she had lost.

Date: December 26, 1999

Species: Guinea Pig

Diagnosis: Heart failure

Doctor: Curt Nakamura

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