Critical care of the guinea pig: a veterinary nurse's guide part 2

Abstract

The popularity of guinea pigs as pets potentially results in veterinary nurses encountering these stoic species relatively frequently, and it is advisable to acknowledge the species’ anatomical and behaviour traits prior to handling and treatments. Veterinary nurses should be encouraged to be involved in patient assessment and nursing care planning to facilitate efficient and appropriate treatment administration and, in particular, confident responses to patients requiring critical and emergency action. This article aims to address some successful nursing initiatives and skills that can facilitate the critical care, emergency response and recovery of pet guinea pigs.