BEHAVIOR 1094-9194/01 $15.00 + .00 NORMAL BEHAVIOR AND THE CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS Teresa A. Bradley, DVM BEHAVIOR OF GUINEA PIGS (CAVIA PORCELLUS) It cannot be overstated how important it is for practitioners to be knowledgeable about normal behavior in all of the pets that we treat. This is especially true in exotic prey species that tend to hide signs of illness in order to survive. If a veterinarian does not have a grasp of how each species behaves in both the natural and the captive environments, it is difficult to interpret history and clinical signs as well as to understand and address what is abnormal in that patient. There is little information available that specifically addresses the behavior of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). This article is presented to aid the practitioner in understand- ing the normal and abnormal behavior of guinea pigs so the needs of their guinea pig patients may be better served. Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, have become extremely popular as pets because they are easy to care for, gentle, quiet, and take up a relatively small amount of space. In the past, cavies were mostly consid- ered a child’s pet; however, like most small mammal species, it has become extremely common to see them as beloved family members in households with and without children. From the Belton Animal Clinic, Belton, Missouri VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA: EXOTIC ANIMAL PRACTICE VOLUME 4+ NUMBER 3 + SEPTEMBER 2001 681682 BRADLEY Figure 1. Healthy guinea pigs have bright eyes, sleek, shiny coats, and are actively interested in their environment. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.) GUINEA PIG HEALTH Healthy guinea pigs will be active, inquisitive, and curious about their environment and have both bright eyes and a shiny coat (Fig. 1). Eyes and nose will be free of discharge. Cavies who are ill will be inactive and lethargic with dull, unfocused eyes and dull, rough hair coats (Fig. 2). They will eat and defecate less or not at all. Immediate veterinary care is necessary when signs of sickness are noted. Figure 2. Sick guinea pigs have rough, unkempt coats, and eyes will appear dull and unfocused. They will often be immobile and uninterested in their environment. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.)NORMAL BEHAVIOR AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS 683 SOCIALIZATION, PLAY, AND EXERCISE Guinea pigs are generally non-aggressive, docile animals that sel- dom scratch or bite unless frightened or provoked. With frequent, gentle handling and petting they are extremely responsive to attention and make affectionate pets. They readily and enthusiastically respond vocally in greeting their human companions as well as to the sound of a refrigerator door opening and the crinkle of a produce bag. In the wild they live in herds or groups of five to ten’ and exhibit a definitive social hierarchy with a dominant male and female. As an extremely social species, they employ the “safety in numbers” theory as more eyes help alert them to the presence of predators (Fig. 3). They can often be seen standing or lying side by side when resting and when eating.’ For these reasons, they tend to do better in bonded pairs or trios rather than kept as solitary pets. Intraspecies aggression can occur especially with two males in the presence of females but may also be seen between cavies that have not been raised together, especially two unaltered males. Introducing a new pig should be done slowly and carefully and with direct supervision. As with other species, introductions may be best performed in neutral territory. Occasionally, however, it may be helpful to introduce the more dominant cavy into the established territory of the less dominant one, giving the subordinate guinea pig a “home field” advantage. As a species, guinea pigs are intelligent and playful; they will initiate play with both human and animal companions including chase type games. For caged guinea pigs, periods of exercise should be pro- vided at least several times per week. This can be accomplished by creating a guinea pig-safe area (eliminate hazards of electric cords and dangerous items that can be eaten or chewed) for the pigs to run. Since guinea pigs generally do not climb or jump, it is not necessary to provide Figure 3. Juvenile guinea pigs huddle by the sow for comfort and protection. Because guinea pigs are a social species it is preferable to keep them in groups of two or three. rather than as a single pet. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.)684 BRADLEY tops on enclosures. Owners can lie on the floor with their pets and talk softly. The guinea pig will generally be much more likely to approach a person that is no longer at “prey” height. This is an excellent way to increase confidence and encourage bonding. HAND TAMING It is important to approach slowly and speak softly when attempting to hand tame a guinea pig that is not used to being handled. If the cavy is in a cage, the owner can sit motionless with a hand inside the cage and talk in a quiet, gentle voice for acclimation. This should be done for short periods of time several days in a row. Attempting to hand feed favored vegetable treats during this time may also be helpful. Being patient and allowing time for the guinea pig to learn to trust is im- portant. Generally, guinea pigs who are unaccustomed to handling will run if approached from behind. Once the cavy is used to having one’s hand in the cage, begin to gently but firmly stroke the head and the top of the nose. Some like to be scratched behind the ears or petted under the chin with one finger. Once the guinea pig's trust is gained, try lifting it up gently and firmly by scooping the rear end as the pig is grasped behind the front legs. It is important not to stress the guinea pig by chasing it around the cage prior to lifting. This process takes time, and it is best to work with shy individuals for short periods at a time in order for them to get accustomed to the owner without being overly stressed, REST AND LOCOMOTION As a diurnal species, cavies are most active in the early morning and the evening. If not disturbed, they will spend most of the day quietly resting with intermittent periods of activity and nibbling on food. At rest, guinea pigs will lay on their sides with feet extended or remain sternal with feet tucked under them. They will often seek the shelter of a towel or hidebox during resting periods. During midday sedentary periods, they often remain still with eyes open and may startle if disturbed. When active, they ambulate by alternating all four feet as they walk. Weight is carried evenly on alll legs, and guinea pigs walk with only the pads of the feet touching the ground (Fig. 4). When running, the legs are also alternated. Occasionally, when excited or during play, they can be seen kicking out with the rear legs as they run. Head tilt, paralysis, and paresis in cavies are generally less commonly seen in comparison to lagamorphs. Ruleouts are similar, however, and include trauma, infec- tion, neoplasia, and parasites. Trauma is perhaps the most commonNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS 685 Figure 4. A guinea pig demonstrates severe pododermatits of the front feet and is walking down on the carpi to take weight off of the extremely painful feet. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.) causal factor which necessitates care in handling and direct supervision when not in a guinea pig-safe area. When presented with a guinea pig patient that is lame, it is im- portant to palpate and examine all four legs as the body weight is often shifted to compensate for the injured limb making it difficult to assess which leg or foot is actually affected. Guinea pigs generally acclimate well to amputation of either a front or rear limb if this becomes a medical necessity. GROOMING-NORMAL AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR Like most small mammal species, guinea pigs tend to be meticulous groomers. It is important to brush longhaired species regularly to mini- mize matting and ingestion of hair as it is shed. Since guinea pigs are unable to vomit, prevention of trichobezoar production is important. It is not uncommon for guinea pigs to lick human companions as a sign of affection and acceptance. Also, in stressful situations (e.g., in the exam room) a guinea pig will lick its owner as if seeking comfort and familiarity. Mutual or self-barbering can occur when a guinea pig is bored, and a dominant pig (usually a male) may barber subordinates as well.! Self- barbering should be considered if the head and neck, which cannot be reached, are unaffected. Decreasing overcrowding, providing free-choice grass hays, hideboxes, and other distractions such as cardboard paper towel rolls may help to lower stress and to curb these negative behaviors. Guinea pigs will also pull and chew hair at sites of pain including686 © BRADLEY limbs and abdomen (Fig. 5). If the hair and skin are otherwise normal and alopecia is noted dorsally, laterally, or in the flank area, it is wise to palpate for masses or pain in the abdomen and consider performing radiographs. Occasionally, pathologic conditions of the skin such as a severe mite infestation can lead to a secondary overproduction of secretions from glands in the skin. Often these cavies are too uncomfortable (painful and pruritic) to groom and appear unkempt. The cavies may squeal, panic, and run when touched. In some cases, especially in overweight males, the penis can become surrounded and even constricted by a combination of these secretions and shed hair (Fig. 6). For this reason, careful examination of the penis should be performed in all male guinea pigs during physical examination. FEEDING BEHAVIORS As a precocial species, guinea pigs are fully haired when born and are able to eat solid foods soon after birth. They are strictly herbivorous, and juveniles will imprint on a food item in the first few days after which they are often reluctant to change to other food items. It is important to provide a variety of foods right from birth in order to prevent them from becoming imprinted on one food item so that a balanced, varied diet will be accepted later on. Addition of new foods should be made gradually providing only a small amount over the first few days to weeks. Often it will take a week or more for a new item to be recognized as food and tasted. It is best to Figure 5. Alopecia from solf-varbering caused by abdominal pain associated with bilateral cystic ovaries. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.)NORMAL BEHAVIOR AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS 687 Figure 6. Secretions and hair surround the penis of this guinea pig. This condition is secondary to mite infestation. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.) add only one new food at a time so adverse reactions (e.g., diarrhea) to a particular food may be noted. Cavies may refuse to eat or drink if there is a change in fexture, color, shape, or taste of the food or if the water is fouled. Guinea pigs have an extremely high metabolic rate and need to eat almost continuously. Small amounts of fresh pellets (containing, addi- tional Vitamin C) made specifically for this species should be provided. As with other species, the addition of seeds and treats to the pellets may create problems as a guinea pig may selectively eat only favored items. This decreases the nutritional completeness of the diet. Gastrointestinal stasis and obstruction have been noted in guinea pigs and rabbits new to a treat/pellet mix that have eaten Canadian trapper peas to the exclusion of all other food items (Fig. 7). Access to free-choice timothy or other grass hay along with dark green leafy vegetables should be available twice per day. As a crepuscu- lar species, guinea pigs are most active at twilight and before sunrise.' These are the best times to provide greens and vegetables. The addition of hay and greens to the diet provides a needed distraction and stimula- tion fo these naturally grazing critters. It also helps to maintain proper nutritional balance, as well as healthy teeth and gastrointestinal function. One quarter of an orange per day can be given to guinea pigs to ensure adequate Vitamin C. As with any new food item, the orange may not be readily accepted. It may take up to 4 weeks for a new food item to be recognized as such and eaten. Provide a fresh slice of orange each day until it is readily eaten. Some guinea pigs prefer orange with the peel and some without so both should be offered. Also, providing the orange in the morning before giving any other favored fruit/vegetable treats makes it more likely that the orange will be eaten.688 BRADLEY Figure 7. Two guinea pigs were fed a treat/pellet mix they were unaccustomed to. Over- ingestion of Canadian trapper peas in the diet led to obstruction as seen in these radio- graphs. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.) Liquid vitamin C supplements that can be added to water are also available for those that refuse oranges. This necessitates cleaning the water bottle daily with hot soapy water in order to decrease the build up of a bacterial slime on the inner surface of the water bottle. Vitamin C tablets can also be crushed and put into a solution of a favored fruit flavored drink and given orally by way of syringe or dropper. Guinea pigs tend to be messy eaters and enjoy mixing food and water in their mouths. Oral examination with an otoscope is somewhat hindered by a greenish mush of food that is ever present in the oral cavity. If particulate food matter is not detected in the mouth, the guinea pig has likely been off feed for some time. Often this greenish mush will be pushed back into the sipper tube of a water bottle. Therefore, it is important to clean water bottles and bowls daily in order to keep them fresh and to minimize bacterial contamination. Typically, guinea pigs will stand up on the edge of bowls and crocks to eat making it necessary to provide stable heavier containers to avoid tipping.NORMAL BEHAVIOR AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS. 689 DENTAL MALOCCLUSIONS AND OROFACIAL ABNORMALITIES Dental and orofacial problems in guinea pigs may be evidenced by behavioral changes that range from subtle to obvious. Clinical signs of pathology include anorexia, hypersalivation (with or without secondary perioral dermatitis or dermatitis of the chin or neck area), pawing at the mouth, grinding of teeth, and polydipsia. More subtle signs may include: preferential chewing on one side of the mouth, exhibiting interest in a food item without its consumption, or picking up and then dropping food items. Changes in food preferences, such as avoiding carrots or pellets or other normally preferred food items, might also indicate oral pathology. Early detection of orofacial problems depends on the ability of the owner and the clinician to recognize these often minor behavioral changes. LITTER HABITS Guinea pigs tend to urinate and defecate in approximately the same place(s) each day if the position of cage or pen furniture is not changed. In healthy guinea pigs, large quantities of stool and urine are produced necessitating daily changes of soiled bedding and at least weekly re- placement of all of the bedding. It is not uncommon for them to defecate in food and water containers. GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH Because of their extremely high metabolic rate, it is important that guinea pigs be defecating almost continuously. Feces tend to be dark green or brown, firm, cylindrical pellets, and defecation is a relatively passive process. Guinea pigs are coprophagic and ingest the soft cecal feces from the anus (cecotropes) throughout the day.> Cavies rarely strain to defecate. Unfortunately, lack of stool produc- tion (usually secondary to anorexia and gastrointestinal stasis) is often misinterpreted by clients and veterinarians alike as constipation and is therefore mistreated. Specifically, enemas should never be given to a guinea pig or other small mammal unless radiographs indicate obstipa- tion and/or other treatments have been unsuccessful. ABNORMALITIES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT Guinea pigs have predominantly gram positive bacteria in the gas- trointestinal tract; therefore, the balance of the flora is very sensitive and easily disturbed by sudden changes in diet, including changes in food690 BRADLEY brand, which may precipitate gastrointestinal stasis and anorexia. Any change in the quantity or consistency of stool should be monitored carefully, and clients should be counseled to seek veterinary care if it persists for greater than 12 hours. Older, obese guinea pigs, especially males, may get loose feces trapped in the perianal folds, which necessitates weekly gentle cleaning with a moistened cotton swab or manual expression. This may occur because of the presence of additional fatty folds in this area, loss of muscle tone,’ and the inability of the guinea pig to groom the perianal area because of obesity. Each physical examination should include a check of the perianal folds regardless of the reason for presentation. URINATION Urine can range from creamy white to thick yellow with a turbid consistency. Guinea pigs are herbivores; therefore, the urine will have an alkaline pH and can contain many crystals.’ When urinating, guinea pigs will just barely squat and raise their heads slightly. Normal urina- tion is a relatively passive process. A guinea pig may urinate if it is stressed, nervous, or frightened. Stranguria is evidenced by an exaggerated lifting of the bottom and may be accompanied by grunting sounds and a strained facial expres- sion, Pollakiuria, stranguria, and oliguria can be seen with cystitis, cystic calculi, cystic ovaries, pyometra, hydrometra, and metritis REPRODUCTIVE, PERINATAL, AND NEONATAL, BEHAVIORS Sexual maturity in female guinea pigs occurs as early as 4 to 6 weeks. Sows should be bred prior to 6 months of age to prevent compli- cations in farrowing owing to fusion of the pelvic symphysis and accu- mulation of fat in the pelvic area, Females are polyestrus, cycling every 15 to 17 days, with spontaneous ovulation.! Males reach puberty at 9 to 10 weeks. There is a short copulation time, and ejaculation occurs immediately. Several hours after breeding, the copulatory plug, of coagu- lated ejaculate may be seen in the cage.’ Females do not make nests prior to giving birth? They may experi- ence alopecia of flanks and back and can double in size during the 59 to 72-day gestation period. Since sows can become pregnant immediately after parturition,’ the boars should be separated from pregnant and nursing sows until after the piglets are weaned at approximately 14 to 21 days of age. Quickening can be noted approximately 1 week prior to parturition. Sows will readily eat the placenta after parturition and, in an un- complicated farrowing, the birth of each pig occurs relatively quickly with approximately 5 minutes between births. Dystocia may be evi-NORMAL BEHAVIOR AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS 691 denced by straining, vocalizations, anxiousness, and biting at the abdo- men. If the sow strains for more than one half hour, appears depressed, or exhibits a hemorrhagic or discolored vaginal discharge, veterinary advice should be sought immediately as an emergency caesarian section may be warranted. Nursing sows will readily foster babies from another litter and are protective of each other’s piglets; however, an inexperienced sow may cannibalize or reject her young if stressed or disturbed during, the periparturient period. Neonates may not nurse for up to 12 hours.’ The sow and litter should not be disturbed during this time. Sows usually sit up rather than lay out during nursing. This allows the piglets to push up under the abdomen to reach the mammary glands. Young will also eat the sow’s feces, which helps to populate their gastrointestinal tract with a proper balance of bacterial flora.’ As a precocial species, newborn cavies (referred to as pups) are born with their eyes open and are fully haired, active, alert, and groom- ing soon after birth. They will nurse several times throughout the day and will show an interest in solid food in the first 24 hours. Pups rarely survive if they do not receive sow’s milk for the first 3 to 4 days after birth? As with other species, it is necessary for sows to lick the anogeni- tal region of the young in order to stimulate defecation and urination for the first two weeks.’ Neonates will begin to eat solids within the first few days. It is important to remember that food preferences are developed early; there- fore, it is best to provide a variety of foods in these important first weeks to months of life. When excited or frightened, the babies may jump in the air in a movement referred to as “popcorning.” SAFETY IN HANDLING Guinea pigs have little sense of an edge when placed on a table, counter, or bed and may readily walk off the edge and fall to the ground. If not well supported when carried, they will wiggle and squeal until they feel secure and can hurt themselves in the process. Correct handling includes grasping the trunk behind the front legs while scooping up and supporting the hindquarters with the other hand (Fig. 8). Close ‘supervision of children is recommended to insure proper handling of their guinea pigs. For younger children, it is best to place the guinea pig in a towel on the child’s lap. Alternatively, the pet may be placed on the floor in a guinea pig-safe area so the pig can be petted without carrying it and thus feel more secure. IN THE HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT Place a towel or mat on the exam table to provide traction and warmth in order to decrease stress of guinea pig patients. This allows692 BRADLEY Figure 8. Correct way to hold 2 guinea pig is with the rear end well supported and held close to the body of the handler. This cavy originally presented with generalized alopecia and could not be touched because of severe pruritis secondary to a mite infestation (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.) clinicians to visually observe behavior, mobility, and alertness while collecting diet and environmental history and assessing, clinical com- plaints. Providing a small amount of greens, hay, and carrots during the exam (after oral examination with an otoscope has been performed) can also help the clinician assess overall health, as well as calm a nervous patient. It is best to approach slowly and quietly from eye level if the guinea pig is frightened. Talking quietly about procedures being performed also seems to keep guinea pig patients calmer. When hospitalized, they will feel more secure if provided with a hide box, shelter, or towel to burrow into and under for sleeping as well as to retreat to if startled. These items simulate the burrows that are often used in the wild for shelter and safety. It is important to keep them in a quiet area away from cats, barking dogs, and other loud noises PRE- AND POST-SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS Since guinea pigs are unable to vomit, it is not necessary or recom- mended to fast them prior to surgery. They should be encouraged to eat and drink right up to the time of surgery and soon after recovering from anesthesia (except after gastrointestinal surgery). It is a necessity to provide preoperative and postoperative analgesics to guinea pigs inNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS 693 order to decrease postoperative stress and pain in this delicate prey species. Pre- and post-operative use of gastrointestinal motility en- hancers is recommended; warmed fluids and analgesics also are needed in order to maintain gastrointestinal function that may be compromised secondary to the anesthetic, pain, fear, stress, and illness SIGNS OF FEAR Guinea pigs tend to panic when frightened and may freeze with the head elevated slightly or legs drawn in as the pig presses against objects. If startled or scared, they may run in fast circles and stampede while squealing. At these times it is not uncommon for them to hurt them- selves. Young can be trampled during this stampeding if they are under- foot.! Because of the tendency to stampede in a circular fashion, it is highly recommended to provide square or rectangular shaped cages or pens in order to decrease the likelihood that trauma occurs. When frightened, eyes will bulge and the expression may appear to be strained. Guinea pigs that are normally passive may bite when afraid and will squeal and struggle to escape. They may rush in panic in reaction to an unexpected noise, sight, or other stimulus. STRESS AND THE SICK PIG Guinea pigs tend to be susceptible to stressful situations and do not accept change well, often going off feed and losing weight in response to new or different situations such as a cage or environment change. Sick guinea pigs stress easily and do not tolerate much in the way of handling. It is important to limit diagnostic procedures and minimize handling, in severely debilitated guinea pigs while providing the neces- sary supportive care. Often guinea pigs that are well adapted to their environment and are socialized tend to have a much better prognosis regardless of the disease. The lack of stress and subsequent physiologic response that stress induces seems to give these more human-oriented guinea pigs a greater advantage in tolerating surgery, hospitalization, and recovery. These patients also appear to respond better and faster to treatment when handled, stroked, and talked to gently by the veterinary staff at times other than when being handled for treatment. PAIN MANAGEMENT As a prey species, early recognition of pain is extremely important as it can produce secondary physiologic changes that can be life threaten- ing. These changes can include decreased peripheral circulation, drop in body temperature, gastrointestinal stasis, shock, and even death. Signs694 BRADLEY Figure 9. A guinea pig holds extremely still with head extended and eyes slightly bulging in response to palpation of a painful caudal abdomen. Stinting upon palpation may also be seen when pain is present. (Courtesy of Teresa A. Bradley, DVM, Belton, MO.) of pain in a guinea pig can range from subtle to obvious behavioral changes and are more easily recognized when the practitioner is familiar with how a guinea pig would behave under similar circumstances when not in pain The eyes of a guinea pig, in pain may appear dull and unfocused (sometimes with lids partially closed) or fixed and bulging in a strained expression. They will often stand quietly with head extended (Fig. 9) and breathing may be rapid and shallow. Their mucous membranes may be pale. Polydipsia is commonly noted in small mammal herbivores experiencing gastrointestinal or other abdominal pain. Cavies may chew at the abdomen or other affected body parts, leaving areas of alopecia and even excoriations from self-trauma. They may stop eating (anorexia) and defecating and appear reluctant to move. If in pain, a normally mild-mannered guinea pig might bite, jump, squeal, or run when touched if painful. A normally nervous flighty cavy may become lethargic and allow handling without a struggle. Managing pain in all species has fortunately become a priority in veterinary medicine. For guinea pigs and other prey species that easily succumb to the stress associated with pain, the necessity for appropriate analgesics cannot be overemphasized. When pain is managed in guinea pig patients they tend to recover more quickly from trauma, illness, and surgery, eat sooner, and are less prone to suffer from the effects of gastrointestinal stasis, which can be life threatening. SUMMARY Cavies are becoming more popular as pets because they are rela- tively easy to care for and provide never-ending love and entertainmentNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR IN GUINEA PIGS 695 with their curious but gentle nature. As with other species, the best way to learn about guinea pig behavior is to own guinea pigs. Understanding normal behavior provides the practitioner with the ability to more easily recognize pathology and abnormal behavior. This allows the veterinarian to provide necessary supportive care and pain management more quickly while performing diagnostics and determin- ing the need for therapeutics. Understanding the behavior of cavies allows the clinician to better educate guinea pig-owning clients and to better and more quickly serve the needs of their guinea pig patients. Common Postures and Vocalizations* Nudging or Head Butting- a determined push with the head to stimulate petting or to indicate that your attention is not wanted. Angry or agitated cavies will nudge bedding, towels, and cage furniture in a show of irritation. Guinea pigs will also nudge human companions and conspecifics if they are bored, in play, and asa show of dominance. Nose touching- a gesture made in greeting as a hand shake is toa human or a sniff is to a dog. Digging- a behavior associated with boredom, agitation, and attempts to es- cape. Playing Dead- lying motionless on the back in defense /survival if approached by predators, Stretching Out- denotes relaxation and comfort. Licking- guinea pigs will lick human and other companions in a show of affection, to gain attention, and to seek comfort. Leg Stiffening- to appear bigger and more threatening to a potential predator. Standing on Hind Legs- to view the surrounding area and to initiate petting, attention, or feeding. Alert Stance- stretching out with head forward, watchful and ready to run, if necessary. Biting- to show dominance, to gain attention, and to discourage unwanted attention. Shudder- a whole body shake, usually after being handled, which can indicate irritation at the handler as well as relaxation after being handled. Popcorning- the quick jumping seen in neonates when excited or frightened. Grunting- mating sound made by aroused males, sometimes associated with hunger. Chutting- a sound made to signal curiosity. Purring- a contented sound. Teeth Clatter, Clacking, or Hissing- denotes threat or aggression. Weeping, Weeking, Whistling- a high pitched sound denoting happiness or anticipation of a favored treat, person, or companion. This sound is also made when pigs are hungry. “Additional information on guinea pig, vocalizations can be found in Berryman JC: Guinea pig vocalizations: Their structure, causation and function. Z Tierpsy- chol 41:80-106, 1976. Harper LV: Behavior. In Wagner JE, Manning PJ (eds): The Biology of the Guinea Pig. ‘New York, Academic Press, Inc, 1976, pp 31-48696 BRADLEY Squealing- an alert sound to signal danger, pain, fear, or the need for help. Drr- a sound made as the pig becomes frightened or aroused. Cooing- a low, quiet sound that a sow makes to her babies to comfort them if they are frightened. Whining- a sound made to signal danger, fear, or pain. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Many thanks to those who helped to provide information for this article including Dani Anderson, Dana Egan, and Elizabeth Evans, DVM. Thanks especially to “Pudgers” Fudge Bradley and to Rodney, Ringo, Sassy, and Sally for their individual personalities and for teaching me about the precious nature of guinea pigs. References 1. Harkness JE: A Practitioner’s Guide to Domestic Rodents. Lakewood, CO, American Animal Hospital Association, 1993, pp 11-17 2. Harkness JE, Wagner JE: The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents, 4th ed, Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins, 1995 3. Hillyer EV, Quesenberry KE, Donnelly TM: Biology, husbandry, and clinical techniques of guinea pigs and chinchillas. J Hillyer EV, Quesenberry KE (eds): Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1997, pp 243-256 4. Manning PJ, Wagner JE, Harkness JE: Biology and diseases of guinea pigs. In Fox JG, Cohen B}, Loew FM (eds): Laboratory Animal Medicine. Orlando, FL, Academic Press, Inc, 1984, pp 149-17 5. Richardson VCG: Diseases of Domestic Guinea cations, 1992 6. Sisk DB: Physiology. In Wagner JE, Manning PJ (eds): The Biology of the Guinea Pig. New York, Academic Press, 1976, pp 63-92 7. Walker ER: Mammals of the World, Vol II, 3rd ed. Baltimore, John Hopkins University Press, 1975 ;s. London, Blackwell Scientific Publi- Address reprint requests to Teresa Bradley, DVM 504 N. Park Drive Belton, MO 64012 e-mail: Belancl@aol.com