Giardiasis in Guinea Pigs
Pocket Pet · Cavia porcellus · typical adult weight 0.70–1.20 kg
2 cited drugs treat Giardiasis in guinea pigs: Fenbendazole, Metronidazole.
Intestinal infection with Giardia (a flagellate protozoan). Common in young or recently rehomed animals and across exotic species kept in groups; presents as soft to watery diarrhoea, often intermittent. Treatment options vary by species — some species tolerate metronidazole poorly.
The overview above describes Giardiasis across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to guinea pigs — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Fenbendazole(Panacur)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 20–50 mg/kg | q24h x 5 days | 5 days | Giardiasis, nematode infections - upper end (to 50 mg/kg) is for giardiasis only, a lower dose is generally preferred | Moderate | Adamcak A, Otten B. Rodent therapeutics. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2000;3:221-237 doi:10.1016/s1094-9194(17)30102-0.; Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015.; Morrisey JK, Carpenter JW. Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.2 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Rodents). |
Metronidazole(Flagyl)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 20–25 mg/kg | q12h | 5-7 days | Giardia, anaerobic infections | Moderate | Beck W, Pantchev N. Praktische Parasitologie bei Heimtieren, Schluetersche Verlagsgesellschaft MBH & Co, Hannover, Germany; 2006. — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.2 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Rodents).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Other conditions in Guinea Pigs
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.