title: Hematological assessment in pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): blood sample collection and blood cell identification.
abstract: Pet guinea pigs are presented to veterinary clinics for routine care and treatment of clinical diseases. In addition to obtaining clinical history and exam findings, diagnostic testing may be required, including hematological assessments. This article describes common blood collection methods, including venipuncture sites, the volume of blood that can be safely collected, and handling of the blood. Hematological parameters for normal guinea pigs are provided for comparison with in-house or commercial test results. A description of the morphology of guinea pig leukocytes is provided to assist in performing a differential count.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology (0442), Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. Electronic address: kzimmerm@vt.edu.
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, 300 Turner Street Northwest, Suite 4120 (0497), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology (0442), Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000166:cytology; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000662:veterinary*; D006168:Guinea Pigs / Q000097:blood*; D006405:Hematology / Q000379:methods; D057805:Pets / Q000097:blood*
keywords: Guinea pig; Guinea pig WBC morphology; Guinea pig blood collection; Guinea pig differential count; Guinea pig hematology; Guinea pig hemogram