Hospital-associated infections

Hospital associated/acquired infections are known as nosocomial infections and in any clinical environment where ill animals are in proximity to each other it is possible that infections can spread from a sick animal to a healthy animal. Some healthy animals can also harbour diseases but may not show any clinical signs. Veterinary hospitals are always following strict infection control procedures, but it occasionally can still occur.

It is important to remember that hospital-associated infections are rare and the vast majority of guinea pigs that enter a hospital environment will not contract any illness as a result of being there. This should in no way ever put you off allowing your guinea pig to be admitted to hospital should they need it.

Any number of bacteria, viruses, or protozoa can spread within a veterinary hospital as well as internal and external parasites.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can spread through direct contact with an infected guinea pig, or by contact with objects that have been near an infected guinea pig, such as bowls, water bottles and bedding, etc.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial infection that can spread from guinea pigs and rabbits to other guinea pigs either through direct contact or aerosol or infected objects. The disease can cause pneumonia and can also lead to consolidation of lung lobes. Young guinea pigs and those with a compromized immune system are most at risk.

E. cuniculi is spread in the urine of infected rabbits and cases (although rare) have been reported in guinea pigs. Many rabbits carry the parasite but do not show clinical signs. The parasite is passed onto other animals, normally through spores in the urine.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria and is a critically important human pathogen that is also an emerging concern in veterinary medicine. It is present in a wide range of animal species, including, guinea pigs, both as a cause of infection and in healthy carriers. MRSA can enter the body via open wounds, causing wounds that won’t heal. Any wound is potentially at risk including surgical wounds post neutering.

Infection control practices are strictly monitored in veterinary practices in order to prevent cross contamination between patients. Surfaces are disinfected and strict handwashing procedures are carried out between patients. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is also used when handling patients and disposed of between patient changes. Any patients suspected of harboring a contagious disease are isolated away from other animals.

Barrier nursing of patients in isolation includes housing them in an area separate from the main hospital, usually with a separate ventilation system. Animals are cared for using separate utensils, bins, bedding, and food. Hospital staff wear protective gear in the isolation area so that when they leave the area, they can remove the gear and not contaminate patients outside of it. Only trained personnel are allowed into the isolation area.

If you think that your guinea pig may be infectious to other guinea pigs, ie they are sneezing, have discharge from their eyes or have any bald patches in the fur, then it is important to tell the receptionist when you are booking an appointment at the veterinary hospital. Follow the instructions from the hospital staff about how to bring your guinea pig into the practice. They may ask you to wait in the car until your appointment, or they may book an appointment at the end of the day so the practice can be thoroughly cleaned prior to any other guinea pigs coming into the practice the next day.

You will need to discuss your concerns with your veterinary hospital and also ensure your guinea pig receives the appropriate treatment. It may be possible, such as in the case of Bordetella bronchiseptica, that your guinea pig was already infected, and the stress of a hospital stay or vet trip has bought on the illness rather than them actually getting infected from being at the hospital.