Gastrointestinal disease

Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney

doi:10.22233/9781910443903.15

British Small Animal Veterinary Association , e19 (2026); https://doi.org/10.22233/9781910443903.15

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Gastrointestinal disease

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Author: Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney
From: BSAVA Manual of Guinea Pigs
Item: Chapter 15, pp 171 - 187
DOI: 10.22233/9781910443903.15
Copyright: © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Publication Date: January 2026

This chapter provides essential knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the guinea pig gastrointestinal system, as well as extensive guidance to the recognition and management of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions. Bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic and non-infectious causes are discussed.

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Figures

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15.1

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15.1 Normal faeces, which are typically eaten directly from the anus.

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15.2

The oral cavity of a guinea pig. The ostium (white arrow) in the caudal pharynx has been opened to show the glottis (*). The epiglottis is denoted by the black arrowhead. The oesophagus (black arrow) is located alongside the glottis. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.2 The oral cavity of a guinea pig. The ostium (white arrow) in the caudal pharynx has been opened to show the glottis (*). The epiglottis is denoted by the black arrowhead. The oesophagus (black arrow) is located alongside the glottis.

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15.3

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15.3 The gastrointestinal tract of the guinea pig. Drawn by S.J. Elmhurst BA Hons (www.livingart.org.uk) and reproduced with her permission.

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15.4

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15.4 Appearance of the normal gastrointestinal tract in situ. (Reproduced from the BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets)

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15.7

Lateral view of the abdomen of a guinea pig with ileus. Note that the stomach, caecum and loops of the small and large intestine are dilated with gas. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.7 Lateral view of the abdomen of a guinea pig with ileus. Note that the stomach, caecum and loops of the small and large intestine are dilated with gas.

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15.8

(a) Dorsoventral and (b) lateral contrast views of the abdomen of a guinea pig with ileus. The entire gastrointestinal tract appears to be affected. (a) The gas-filled stomach (black arrowhead), gas-filled and distended caecum (white arrow) and distended colon (white arrowhead) can be seen on the dorsoventral view. The accumulated barium contrast medium is denoted by the black arrow. (b) The gas-filled dilated caecum (arrowed) is clearly visible on the lateral view. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.8 (a) Dorsoventral and (b) lateral contrast views of the abdomen of a guinea pig with ileus. The entire gastrointestinal tract appears to be affected. (a) The gas-filled stomach (black arrowhead), gas-filled and distended caecum (white arrow) and distended colon (white arrowhead) can be seen on the dorsoventral view. The accumulated barium contrast medium is denoted by the black arrow. (b) The gas-filled dilated caecum (arrowed) is clearly visible on the lateral view.

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15.10

Lateral radiographic view of the abdomen of a guinea pig with gastric dilatation and volvulus. Note the gas-filled and distended stomach (arrowed). There is no gas visible distal to the distended stomach, which is consistent with gastric dilatation and volvulus. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.10 Lateral radiographic view of the abdomen of a guinea pig with gastric dilatation and volvulus. Note the gas-filled and distended stomach (arrowed). There is no gas visible distal to the distended stomach, which is consistent with gastric dilatation and volvulus.

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15.11

Cranial displacement of the small intestine (arrowed) is frequently seen in cases of gastric dilatation and volvulus. In this instance, the stomach (*) appears caudal to the liver (arrowhead) and intestinal loops. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.11 Cranial displacement of the small intestine (arrowed) is frequently seen in cases of gastric dilatation and volvulus. In this instance, the stomach (*) appears caudal to the liver (arrowhead) and intestinal loops.

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15.12

Severe gastric dilatation and volvulus (black arrow) in a guinea pig. The stomach has been displaced to the right side of the abdomen. The intestinal loops (arrowhead) have been displaced to the left side of the abdomen. There is little ingesta present. Hepatic lipidosis is present in the liver (white arrow). (Courtesy of Drury Reavill) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.12 Severe gastric dilatation and volvulus (black arrow) in a guinea pig. The stomach has been displaced to the right side of the abdomen. The intestinal loops (arrowhead) have been displaced to the left side of the abdomen. There is little ingesta present. Hepatic lipidosis is present in the liver (white arrow). (Courtesy of Drury Reavill)

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15.13

Gastric dilatation and volvulus reflected to show the site of torsion (arrowed). The stomach (arrowhead), liver (*) and gall bladder (X) are labelled for reference. (Courtesy of Drury Reavill) © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.13 Gastric dilatation and volvulus reflected to show the site of torsion (arrowed). The stomach (arrowhead), liver (*) and gall bladder (X) are labelled for reference. (Courtesy of Drury Reavill)

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15.14

Torsion involving the omentum (black arrows). The stomach (black arrowhead), entrapped small intestinal loops (*) and uterus (white arrow) can also be seen. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.14 Torsion involving the omentum (black arrows). The stomach (black arrowhead), entrapped small intestinal loops (*) and uterus (white arrow) can also be seen.

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15.15

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15.15 Rectal impaction in an entire boar.

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15.16

A long-haired (Peruvian mix) guinea pig being combed to remove excess hair. Long-haired guinea pigs should be groomed routinely to decrease the possibility of trichobezoar formation. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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15.16 A long-haired (Peruvian mix) guinea pig being combed to remove excess hair. Long-haired guinea pigs should be groomed routinely to decrease the possibility of trichobezoar formation.