M,N,O,P

M is for:

Magpie: Head is half black half white, the body is a mixture of equal balance of black and white and black/white mixture.

Manuka Honey: Can be a useful antibiotic.

Medibed: A short chopped medicated straw that is soft enough and safe enough for bedding guinea pigs on. Do not use the longer straw that is commonly used for rabbits this often leads to eye poke injuries. See www.dengie.com for a list of stockists.

Megazorb: Is a bedding made from high temperature drying of wood pulp to remove moisture, kill spores and bacteria. See: Megazorb information.

Metacam: A painkiller and antiinflammatory that is also an NSAID. There have been some instances of guinea pigs not responding well to Metacam, i.e being lethargic and off food. As Metacam is in the body for a long time it is a while before a different drug can be tried instead. Metacam must be dosed per kilogram of body weight, therefore dosage will vary. Read more about Metacam and NSAIDs here.

Merino: A Rexed, crested and long haired variety of guinea pig. The rexoid version of the Coronet.

Mites: Parasites that are usually species specific in guinea pigs. A mite infestation must be treated with a product containing Ivermectin on day 1 and day 10, with a bath inbetween to relieve any the skin by ridding it of dead parasites, eggs etc. Gorgeous Guineas make guinea pig specific shampoos that are ideal for this.

N is for:

NSAID: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs or NAIDs , are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic and, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects – they reduce pain, fever and inflammation. NSAIDs include Metacam and Rimadyl as well as drugs for humans such as Nurofen. Click here for a link to an interesting site about Metacam and Rimadyl.

O is for:

Osteodystrophy: A metabollic disease found in some Satin guinea pigs. The disease has been found to skip several generations making it difficult to keep trace of.

Otter: Black with Lemon eye circles and belly as the predominant ‘markings. Also in Lilac.

Otodex: Ideal for treating minor cases of ear mites. Available from www.sphsupplies.co.uk

Oxbow Critical Care: A complete food for anorexic guinea pigs. Contains necessary fibre etc. A powdered mix that is based on Timothy Grass which has the correct Calcium to Phosphorus ratio. Contains Fennel which gives it the distinctive Aniseed smell and taste that guinea pigs love. Available from your vet (possibly) or from SPH Supplies. An essential part of the guinea pig first aid kit.

P is for:

Perfect Paws: An ointment made by Gorgeous Guineas especially for guinea pigs.

Peruvian: A long haired variety of guinea pig. Two rump rosettes throw the hair forward into a fringe over the face. Regular trimming is needed to prevent matting. The Peruvian comes in all colours.

Peter Gurney: A rodentologist and author who is no longer with us. Visit his website here. Remember that the information on his site is dated and there may be more up to date and effective alternatives now.

Pup: A baby guinea pig. Replicas of adults almost, from birth. Eyes are open and they are eating within 24 hours of being born.

December 29, 2008   Posted in: Wheekerpedia

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