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Antibiotics and Guinea Pigs
Any time a guinea pig is put on antibiotics, there is some element of risk involved. Even the "safe" varieties can have toxic effects, and as a general rule, they should only be prescribed when a bacterial infection has, or is suspected to have, taken place. This page describes what the risks are in putting a guinea pig on antibiotics, and how you can minimize those risks. Why are antibiotics dangerous? Guinea pigs primarily eat grasses and greens, and as such they have a sophisticated digestive system that depends upon bacteria. Both "good" and "bad" bacteria grow inside the guinea pig's digestive tract, and it is the "good" bacteria that aids in the digestion of their food. These bacteria are sensitive to antibiotics, because the primary purpose of an antibiotic is to kill bacteria. A large number of antibiotics are actually toxic to the guinea pig, and even the "safe" antibiotics can kill off the "good" bacteria in their digestive system, leading to diarrhoea and other side effects, especially if administered in the wrong quantities. When is it appropriate to use antibiotics? You should only administer antibiotics when under the direction of a veterinarian that is experienced in the treatment of guinea pigs. They should be used when a bacterial infection has, or is suspected to have, taken place. Because of their inherent risks, they should never, ever be administered as a precaution. Do not attempt to administer antibiotics without seeing a qualified vet first. The proper drug must be chosen for the situation, and your vet will need to calculate the required dosage based on your guinea pig's body weight. Which antibiotics are toxic? There are actually several antibiotics that are toxic to the guinea pig. The list provided below is neither comprehensive, nor complete.
amoxicillin
bacitracin
clindamycin
chlortetracycline
erythromycin
lincomycin
oxytetracycline
penicillin
streptomycin
A vet experienced in treating guinea pigs should never prescribe any of these medicines, and should be able to provide you with a more complete list.
How are antibiotics administered? Antibiotics can be administered either orally, or by injection. Both methods have their pros and cons.
Orals
Oral antibiotics are typically in a suspension form that is flavoured so that the guinea pig will willingly take them. They are measured out into an open syringe (a syringe without the needle), and the end of the syringe is place inside the guinea pig's mouth from the side (behind the front incisors). The antibiotic is then slowly injected into the guinea pig's mouth, so that he or she can lap it up as it comes out of the syringe.
Oral antibiotics are fairly easy to administer, provided the guinea pig likes the flavouring of the suspension, but they are very hard on the stomach and digestive tract, because the antibiotic directly comes into contact with the bacteria in their digestive system. Injections Injections can be done at home if you have your vet show you the proper technique. Most antibiotics can be injected into muscle tissue, and many vets recommend that you choose the rear leg muscles, which are large and soft. Guinea pig skin is rather thick, so a proper injection requires that you pop the needle in with a jabbing motion. Once it is in, you can inject the antibiotic very quickly, and pull the needle out right away. Most guinea pigs will squeal when the needle is inserted, and again when it's pulled out, but will be fine immediately afterwards. Administering antibiotics by injection is easier on the guinea pig's digestive system, since the antibiotics don't come into direct contact with the bacteria in the digestive tract. However, they usually present more of a problem for the owner, who may be squeamish at the idea of sticking a needle in their pet. It is helpful to cover the guinea pig's head with a towel, so that he or she can't see what you are doing (otherwise, the cavy might squirm or try to get away, and you could end up injuring him or her with the needle).
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