Pain management in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): a review of limitations of current knowledge and practice

Objective

To describe recent evidence-based and peer-reviewed literature on the topic of pain assessment and pain management in guinea pigs in a systematic review. To consider impacts of current practice on guinea pig welfare and to identify areas in need of further research.

Databases used

ScienceDirect, PubMed and CAB abstracts along with relevant information from books and ebooks were searched. Terms used were guinea pigs, cavies, Cavia porcellus, pain, surgery, surgical procedures, grimace, dental, bloat, analgesia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and opiates.

Conclusions

There are few studies available in the areas of pain assessment and pain management in guinea pigs. Grimace scales and in-clinic pain assessment scales are available for other species but have not been developed for guinea pigs. Doses of analgesic drugs are extrapolated from other species or used from anecdotal evidence in the absence of validated values. The specified dose for the only UK licenced analgesic drug for guinea pigs (meloxicam) is significantly lower than doses suggested in the reviewed literature which may have a negative impact on the welfare of this species. To improve the welfare of guinea pigs, further research into the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of analgesic drugs specific to this species are required. Further research into the development and validation of pain assessment methods is also indicated to promote better welfare of this species.