Basic techniques

Kimberley Tozer; Emma Sciacca; Akshata Taggers

doi:10.22233/9781910443903.4

Basic techniques

British Small Animal Veterinary Association , e8 (2026); https://doi.org/10.22233/9781910443903.4

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Basic techniques

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Authors: Kimberley Tozer, Emma Sciacca and Akshata Taggers
From: BSAVA Manual of Guinea Pigs
Item: Chapter 4, pp 33 - 39
DOI: 10.22233/9781910443903.4
Copyright: © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Publication Date: January 2026

For practitioners who do not see guinea pigs often, medicating these animals or advising owners on how to medicate their pet may seem daunting. This chapter demystifies the use of medication in guinea pigs, including positive training techniques for teaching guinea pigs to accept oral medications. Grooming and practical aspects of euthanasia are also covered. Chapter 24 covers the ethical aspects of euthanasia and quality of life assessment.

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Figures

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4.1

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4.1 A hair clip is useful to mark the site of application of topical local anaesthetic cream before injection of subcutaneous fluids.

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4.2

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4.2 A butterfly catheter or winged infusion set is helpful for giving subcutaneous fluids.

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4.3

Injection into the quadriceps muscle. (a) The muscle is grasped using the thumb and fingers of one hand. (b) The needle is inserted at the cranial aspect of the leg, perpendicular to the skin. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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4.3 Injection into the quadriceps muscle. (a) The muscle is grasped using the thumb and fingers of one hand. (b) The needle is inserted at the cranial aspect of the leg, perpendicular to the skin.

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4.4

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4.4 (a) The lateral saphenous vein is ideal for intravenous catheter placement. (b) The cephalic vein can also be used but is smaller and shorter.

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4.5

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4.5 The tibial crest is a suitable location for intraosseous catheter placement.

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4.6

Positive reinforcement techniques incorporating counterconditioning with a reward in the medication syringe. (a) Positive reinforcement should be offered as soon as the animal engages with the syringe. This can be a method of counterconditioning where the appetitive stimulus overrules the aversive nature of the syringe (in this case, the syringe is filled with banana purée). (b) Once the animal is familiar with the syringe, a dose of the food reward from the syringe provides immediate reinforcement. When oral medications are delivered, some may be more palatable (e.g. commercial convalescence feed) and themselves act as a reinforcer, whereas others may require continued positive reinforcement with another high-value treat. (c) If the animal walks away or is startled, the training period should end and be repeated at the next feeding time. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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4.6 Positive reinforcement techniques incorporating counterconditioning with a reward in the medication syringe. (a) Positive reinforcement should be offered as soon as the animal engages with the syringe. This can be a method of counterconditioning where the appetitive stimulus overrules the aversive nature of the syringe (in this case, the syringe is filled with banana purée). (b) Once the animal is familiar with the syringe, a dose of the food reward from the syringe provides immediate reinforcement. When oral medications are delivered, some may be more palatable (e.g. commercial convalescence feed) and themselves act as a reinforcer, whereas others may require continued positive reinforcement with another high-value treat. (c) If the animal walks away or is startled, the training period should end and be repeated at the next feeding time.

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4.8

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4.8 A horny growth on the footpad of a guinea pig.

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4.9

Nails should be trimmed to the level shown by the white lines. The nails of guinea pigs have long quicks that disappear with digital pressure, and care must be taken to not trim them too short due to the risk of bleeding. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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4.9 Nails should be trimmed to the level shown by the white lines. The nails of guinea pigs have long quicks that disappear with digital pressure, and care must be taken to not trim them too short due to the risk of bleeding.

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4.10

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4.10 (a, b) Footprints make an ideal keepsake/memorial of a guinea pig that has been euthanased.

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4.11

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4.11 An example of respectful presentation of a pet guinea pig’s remains.