Develop your knowledge and understanding of bordetella bronchiseptica infection in guinea pigs. This is a one-part course that can also be taken as part of the Respiratory conditions course bundle. 

This module looks at pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and outcomes of bordetella bronchiseptica infection in guinea pigs, including:
Cause – Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria.
Signs – pneumonia, although an infected guinea pig may show no clinical signs, or have varying degrees of anorexia, inappetence, nasal and ocular discharge, dyspnea and death.
Diagnosis – culture of bacteria from exudate of nasopharynx, trachea, bronchial lumen or middle ear. PCR swabs from the above sites as well as conjunctival pouch if ocular discharge is present. Pneumonia may be identified by radiography; middle ear opacity may be detected by radiography/CT.
Treatment – usually palliative for chronic infections. Antibiotics such as trimethoprim/sulfa or chloramphenicol orally, but dependent on culture/sensitivity. Supportive care with fluid, assist feeding, vitamin C supplementation, bronchodilators for pneumonia.
Prognosis – individual pets usually respond to treatment well. Colonies may be problematic for elimination of infection clearance and have a guarded prognosis. Vaccination using canine vaccines may prevent clinical signs, but carrier state may persist.

Support and Resources 
This online module includes an e-Book with content from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Exotis (guinea pigs) followed by a quiz leading to a personalized certificate. Written by some of the world's leading veterinarians, ensuring accuracy and depth of content. 

This course was written and peer reviewed by:

• Anna Meredith
• Cathy Johnson-Delaney

CPD Hours
This module is worth approximately 60 minutes of CPD.