Retrospective evaluation of parenteral penicillin G procaine/benzathine and ceftiofur crystalline free acid use in chinchillas and guinea pigs: 124 cases (2001-2023).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use and adverse effects of parenterally administered penicillin G procaine/benzathine and ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CFA) in guinea pig and chinchilla patients. METHODS: Retrospectively, the medical records of a university veterinary teaching hospital were searched for guinea pigs and chinchillas evaluated between 2001 and 2023 that were prescribed penicillin G procaine/benzathine or ceftiofur parenterally. Information on signalment, indication for treatment, drug dose, and administration frequency and duration, as well as potential adverse effects, was extracted. RESULTS: Penicillin G was administered to 15 guinea pigs and 43 chinchillas. Ceftiofur was administered to 42 guinea pigs and 24 chinchillas. The drugs were administered SC in all cases. The median doses for both species were 50,000 IU of penicillin G/kg and 40 mg of ceftiofur/kg. Adverse effects were suspected in 1 of 15 guinea pigs and 2 of 43 chinchillas following parenteral penicillin administration. No gastrointestinal clinical signs, such as diarrhea, were reported as adverse effects. No adverse effects were reported in any animals after ceftiofur injection. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral ceftiofur CFA appears to be safe in guinea pigs and chinchillas. While parenteral penicillin procaine/benzathine may result in adverse effects, which are challenging to distinguish from the consequences of underlying disease processes, gastrointestinal signs secondary to dysbiosis are not to be expected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Parenteral ceftiofur CFA administration can be considered safe in guinea pigs and chinchillas, but its clinical efficacy for the treatment of bacterial infections is unknown because of a lack of species-specific pharmacokinetic data.