Develop your knowledge and understanding of diabetes mellitus in guinea pigs. This is a one-part course that can also be taken as part of the Nutrition course bundle.

This module looks at pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and outcomes of diabetes mellitus in guinea pigs, including:
Cause – may be diet related – foods high in carbohydrates such as fruits fed as a greater portion of the diet, although it has been described as a possible model of adult onset diabetes in laboratory guinea pigs.
Signs – polyuria/polydipsia, glucosuria, hyperglycemia, secondary cystitis, voiding dysfunction, chronic weight loss, cataracts, breeding problems with decreased fertility; in colonies, can discern decreased life spans.
Diagnosis – hyperglyceimia on repeated testing, glucosuria where cystitis ruled out.
Treatment – dietary correction: the largest portion being timothy or grassy hay (high fiber), and a small quantity of a timothy hay-based pellet (low fat), high fiber green leafy vegetables. Treats such as fruits or commercial yogurt or sugar-based foods should be avoided. Rarely insulin therapy.
Prognosis – good.

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:

• Cathy Johnson-Delaney
• Aidan Raftery

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