Retrospective analysis of risk factors, clinical features, and prognostic indicators for urolithiasis in guinea pigs: 158 cases (2009-2019)

OBJECTIVE To investigate risk factors, clinical features, and prognostic indicators in guinea pigs with urolithiasis. ANIMALS 158 guinea pigs with urolithiasis. PROCEDURES Medical records of an exotics animal specialty service were searched, identifying guinea pigs with urolithiasis. Signalment, clinical data, and outcomes were recorded. Variables of interest were analyzed for statistical associations with outcome. RESULTS Overall, 54.4% (86/158) of animals survived to discharge. Median survival time was 177 days. Females (53.2%; 84/158) were more common than males (46.8%; 74/158). Males were presented younger (mean age, 3.64 years) than females (4.41 years). In 81 of 154 (52.5%) cases, animals were presented with primary urinary concerns, while 73 (47.5%) presented for nonurinary primary concerns. Females more commonly presented with distal urinary tract urolithiasis (63/84; 75%) but fared better overall with a longer median survival time (1,149 days) than males (59 days). Surgical intervention was not a risk factor for nonsurvival; however, increased age (> 4.1 years), male sex, anorexia, weight loss, and lower rectal temperature (< 37.2 degrees C) on presentation were associated with nonsurvival. Reoccurrence was noted in 13.9% (22/158) of cases, at an average of 284 days.

Automated summary

This study investigated risk factors, clinical features, and prognostic indicators in guinea pigs with urolithiasis. Female guinea pigs were more common and had longer median survival time than males. Increased age, male sex, anorexia, weight loss, and lower rectal temperature on presentation were associated with nonsurvival. The recurrence rate was 13.9%.