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SECTION II

The Mammals

Chapter 21

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs, or cavies, as they are sometimes called, ticularly squirmy pig, a clean, loose-fi tting stockinet
come in a great variety of colors and hair coats and are can be placed over the limbs and torso, using a tongue
among the most docile of the small cage pets (Figures depressor to make any needed positional adjustments
21-1 through 21-3). Pigs, as they are sometimes affec- before exposure (Figure 21-7). Otherwise, conventional

tionately termed, are classified as rodents and have a positioning can be employed, with or without the aid
life expectancy of 4 to 5 years. of chemical restraint.

III RADIOGRAPHY
III SONOGRAPHY
When bringing a guinea pig into the radiology area, it
is best to bring the animal in a cage or carrier and The most difficult things about performing ultrasound

preferably covered, especially when dogs and cats are examinations on guinea pigs and other small rodents
present (Figure 21-4). Once the exposure has been set are their diminutive size and reluctance to remain still.
and the radiographers are ready, the pig should be I prefer to scan these animals as shown in Figure 21-8,
gently removed from its cage and well secured in prep- where the pig is held snuggly in the lap of an assistant
aration for being radiographed (Figure 21-5). in the upright position, with the animal’s feet and
Many guinea pigs, particularly when they are ill, rump supported by a second person. If assistance is
can be radiographed while crouched on a cassette—at unavailable, I often conduct a brief examination with
least for the dorsoventral (DV) projection (Figure 21-6). the pig positioned in my lap, in which case I must set
A lateral image can also be obtained from the same the controls of the ultrasound machine before begin-
position by using a horizontal x-ray beam. For a par- ning the examination.
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