Species-specific neurological examinations are necessary in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and do not differ between client-owned and laboratory animals.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate for differences in normal neurological examination findings between client-owned and laboratory guinea pigs and establish a species-specific neurological examination. METHODS: Healthy adult client-owned and laboratory guinea pigs were prospectively enrolled in an observational study. Neurological examination tests commonly used in cats and dogs were performed and results documented. The study evaluated the ability to perform each test and whether it generated the result expected (extrapolated from cats and dogs). Differences between groups of > 20% were evaluated with Fisher exact tests. Tests with > 90% feasibility and expected response rate were used to generate a species-specific neurological examination. RESULTS: 34 guinea pigs were included, consisting of 17 in the client-owned group and 17 in the laboratory guinea pig group. Most tests (40 of 41 [98%]) could be successfully performed in over 90% of animals with minor modifications, while 27 of 40 tests (68%) resulted in expected results in over 90% of animals. Expected response rates for tactile placing of the pelvic limbs were different between groups but overall low. The rest of the neurological examination was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological examinations in guinea pigs should be performed and interpreted with caution, as tests used in other species may not yield reliable results. A species-specific neurological examination should be considered. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings allowed the creation of a guinea pig-specific neurological examination template that can be used in clinical patients and laboratory settings.