Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Research, Breeding and Production of Laboratory Animals Deptartment, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
2
Pathology Deptartment, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
10.22092/ari.2026.370837.3872
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Guinea pigs normally have a predominantly Gram-positive intestinal flora.
The use of antibiotics causes an imbalance of gram-positive relative to gram-negative bacteria. This leads to acute enterocolitis and then poisoning and death.
Objective: This study was conducted in a laboratory animal breeding facility on a colony of guinea pigs previously treated with antibiotics. Based on clinical and necropsy findings, antibiotic toxicity was diagnosed. Clinical signs included, anorexia, and emaciation, occasionally leading to death. Necropsy findings included congestion in the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and intestines. There was also distension of the gallbladder, cecum, and bladder.
Material and Methods: 48 adult guinea pigs from the affected colony were selected and divided into four experimental groups. Group 1 (control) continued antibiotic therapy. Group 2 discontinued antibiotics. Group 3 received daily probiotic yogurt alongside antibiotics. Group 4 received only probiotic yogurt. Necropsies were performed on deceased or clinically ill animals from the experimental groups and the breeding colony to investigate infectious agents and histopathological changes.
Results: By the fourth week, clinical cases in Groups 1–4 were 50, 30, 25, and 5 percent, respectively, with mortality rates of 100, 50, 35, and 0 percent. Necropsy findings transitioned from hyperacute to mild or normal. Due to the significant reduction in clinical signs and mortality with probiotic, it was introduced to the colony for four months. By the fourth month, no antibiotic toxicity cases with the aforementioned symptoms were observed in the colony. The disease was completely cured, and no recurrence was detected during at least two reproductive cycles in breeding females.
Conclusion: The use of antibiotics in guinea pigs should be done with extreme caution. The use of yogurt or supplements containing lactobacilli is effective at the same time as and after the administration of antibiotics to help restore the normal microbiota of the guinea pig's intestine.
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