Cystitis in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): Clinical findings and treatment outcomes

This retrospective study examined the incidence, diagnostic methods, bacterial isolates, treatments and outcomes associated with cystitis in guinea pigs presented at a single clinic between 2009 and 2022.

The clinic's medical records database was reviewed using easyvet software to identify cases eligible for inclusion in the study. Inclusion criteria were leukocyturia and/or bacteriuria, with at least one radiographic and one ultrasonographic examination. Culture-confirmed cases with imaging-based diagnoses were also included.

Forty-six guinea pigs met the inclusion criteria. Clinical signs included haematuria (n = 12), incontinence (n = 10), stranguria (n = 5), abdominal discomfort (n = 6), inappetence (n = 8), weight loss (n = 4) and apathy (n = 3). Ultrasonography revealed ascites (28%), peritonitis (33%) and urinary bladder sludge (63%). Bacterial isolates were obtained in 21 cases, with Corynebacterium renale (50%) and Staphylococcus spp. (21%) being most frequently isolated. Resistance to fluoroquinolones was observed, while the highest susceptibility was observed with chloramphenicol. Recurrence/reinfection occurred in 37% of cases, and the median survival time was 249 days. Euthanasia owing to severe cystitis was required in 24% of cases.

The absence of urine culture in 25 cases reduced diagnostic certainty. The retrospective nature limited full assessment of antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Cystitis involving C. renale was linked to chronic progression and high recurrence rates.