Anaesthesia and analgesia

Angela M. Lennox; Bob Doneley

doi:10.22233/9781910443903.7

British Small Animal Veterinary Association , e11 (2026); https://doi.org/10.22233/9781910443903.7

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Anaesthesia and analgesia

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Authors: Angela M. Lennox and Bob Doneley
From: BSAVA Manual of Guinea Pigs
Item: Chapter 7, pp 62 - 72
DOI: 10.22233/9781910443903.7
Copyright: © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Publication Date: January 2026

Guinea pigs have a higher perioperative mortality than cats, dogs and rabbits, but studies do not support an overall poor prognosis for guinea pigs undergoing anaesthesia. With careful planning, improved techniques, modern drugs and an individualized approach, guinea pigs can survive long, complicated surgeries. This chapter provides a thorough guide to general anaesthesia in guinea pigs. Analgesia and local anaesthesia are also described.

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Figures

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7.1

A small plastic ‘igloo’ fitted with a simple inexpensive camera transmitting remotely to a tablet or smartphone for postoperative observation of a guinea pig. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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7.1 A small plastic ‘igloo’ fitted with a simple inexpensive camera transmitting remotely to a tablet or smartphone for postoperative observation of a guinea pig.

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7.2

The structure of a myelinated peripheral nerve. (Reproduced from the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology) Drawn by Allison L. Wright MS CMI and reproduced with her permission. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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7.2 The structure of a myelinated peripheral nerve. (Reproduced from the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology) Drawn by Allison L. Wright MS CMI and reproduced with her permission.

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7.3

(a–b) Lateral and (c) ventral aspects of the cranial nerves. (b) Some tissues have been removed to show deeper structures. See Chapter 20 for further information about cranial nerves and their functions. Drawn by Allison L. Wright MS CMI and reproduced with her permission. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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7.3 (a–b) Lateral and (c) ventral aspects of the cranial nerves. (b) Some tissues have been removed to show deeper structures. See Chapter 20 for further information about cranial nerves and their functions. Drawn by Allison L. Wright MS CMI and reproduced with her permission.

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7.8

An intravenous cephalic catheter in a guinea pig. For this patient, induction was performed with slow intravenous administration of alfaxalone to effect. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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7.8 An intravenous cephalic catheter in a guinea pig. For this patient, induction was performed with slow intravenous administration of alfaxalone to effect.

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7.10

Forced mask ventilation in a guinea pig using a tight-fitting mask over the nares and mouth. The seal must be complete for effective ventilation. There is an intraosseous catheter in the left tibia. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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7.10 Forced mask ventilation in a guinea pig using a tight-fitting mask over the nares and mouth. The seal must be complete for effective ventilation. There is an intraosseous catheter in the left tibia.

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7.11

(a) Demonstration of endotracheal intubation in a guinea pig cadaver using a 1.9 mm semi-flexible endoscope within a 2.0 mm endotracheal tube. The inset shows the tube entering the glottis as viewed with a second 2.7 mm endoscope. (b) A live guinea pig intubated with a 2.0 mm endotracheal tube secured with tape. © 2026 British Small Animal Veterinary Association

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7.11 (a) Demonstration of endotracheal intubation in a guinea pig cadaver using a 1.9 mm semi-flexible endoscope within a 2.0 mm endotracheal tube. The inset shows the tube entering the glottis as viewed with a second 2.7 mm endoscope. (b) A live guinea pig intubated with a 2.0 mm endotracheal tube secured with tape.