Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Oral azithromycin use and side effects in guinea pigs and chinchillas
By Mitchell, Michaela & Mans, Christoph·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2026·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective evaluation of orally prescribed azithromycin in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 131 cases (2009-2025).
- Species:
- rodent
Plain-English summary
A group of guinea pigs and chinchillas were treated with the antibiotic azithromycin for various health issues, such as ear infections in guinea pigs and dental problems in chinchillas. While most pets tolerated the medication well, about 10% of guinea pigs experienced minor side effects like decreased appetite, and one guinea pig had a severe reaction that led to euthanasia. Fortunately, no adverse effects were noted in the chinchillas. Overall, azithromycin seems to be a safe option for treating these small pets, but it's important for owners to monitor their pets for any unusual symptoms during treatment.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the use and adverse effects of oral azithromycin prescribed in guinea pigs and chinchilla patients. METHODS: The medical record database of a veterinary teaching hospital was searched from 2009 to 2025 for records of guinea pigs or chinchillas that were prescribed oral azithromycin. Data reviewed included age, weight, indicated use, azithromycin dose, treatment duration, follow-up, and potential adverse effects within 4 weeks of administration. RESULTS: 101 guinea pigs and 30 chinchillas were included in this study. The most common indications for treatment were otitis media in guinea pigs and dental disease in chinchillas. The median azithromycin dose was 30 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours, in both species. Minor adverse effects occurred in 10% of guinea pigs with follow-up information available (6 of 58), with hyporexia being reported in all 6 cases. In addition, in 3 of these cases, diarrhea and weight loss were reported. One guinea pig (1 of 58) developed severe adverse effects (typhlitis) during their third course of azithromycin and was euthanized. There were no documented adverse effects of azithromycin prescribed in chinchillas within 4 weeks of administration. CONCLUSIONS: In guinea pigs prescribed oral azithromycin, 10% (6 of 58) had minor adverse effects, while 1 guinea pig (1 of 58) developed severe adverse effects and was euthanized during their third course of azithromycin. There were no documented adverse effects of oral azithromycin prescribed to chinchillas. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on this retrospective study, orally administered azithromycin appears suitable for clinical use in guinea pigs and chinchillas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41849821/