Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Hematologicalassessment Inpetguineapigs (Cavia Porcellus) : Blood Sample Collection and Blood Cell Identification
Hematologicalassessment Inpetguineapigs (Cavia Porcellus) : Blood Sample Collection and Blood Cell Identification
Hematologicalassessment Inpetguineapigs (Cavia Porcellus) : Blood Sample Collection and Blood Cell Identification
Kurt Zimmerman, DVM, PhD, DACVPa,*, David M. Moore, MS, DVM, DACLAMb,
Stephen A. Smith, MS, DVM, PhDa
KEYWORDS
Guinea pig Guinea pig blood collection Guinea pig hematology
Guinea pig hemogram Guinea pig WBC morphology Guinea pig differential count
KEY POINTS
Pet guinea pigs are presented to veterinary clinics for routine care and treatment of clinical
diseases.
In addition to obtaining clinical history and physical exam findings, diagnostic testing may
be required, including hematological assessments.
Guinea pigs are subject to dental problems (malocclusion), nutritional problems (vitamin C
deficiency), bacterial infections (cervical lymphadenitis, pneumonia), reproductive/meta-
bolic problems (dystocia, pregnancy toxemia), internal and external parasites, and
musculoskeletal problems (fracture of the spine), some of which may require hematolog-
ical assessment by veterinary clinicians.
Approximately 1.3 million guinea pigs are maintained as pets in about 0.84 million
homes in the United States.1 They have a long lifespan (5–7 years)2,3 compared
with other, smaller rodents, and are more likely to be presented for clinical care
than other rodent species. Guinea pigs are subject to dental problems (malocclusion),
nutritional problems (vitamin C deficiency), bacterial infections (cervical lymphadenitis,
pneumonia), reproductive/metabolic problems (dystocia, pregnancy toxemia), internal
This article originally appeared in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice,
Volume 18, Issue 1, January 2015.
a
Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology (0442), Virginia-Maryland Regional
College of Veterinary Medicine, Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; b Department
of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, 300 Turner Street Northwest, Suite
4120 (0497), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: kzimmerm@vt.edu
and external parasites, and musculoskeletal problems (fracture of the spine), some of
which may require hematological assessment by veterinary clinicians. As a resource
for veterinarians and their technicians, this article describes the methods for manual
restraint, collection of blood, and identification of blood cells in guinea pigs.
Table 1
Comparison of blood collection sites in the guinea pig
Fig. 1 shows the location of the primary venipuncture sites on the hind limb. The fur
over the selected site should be removed with electric clippers, and the site swabbed
with an appropriate disinfectant solution.
The lateral saphenous vein runs dorsoventrally and then laterally over the tarsal joint.
The foot should be grasped and traction applied to extend the leg. An assistant should
apply digital pressure, gently squeezing the leg between the thumb and forefinger,
proximal to the venipuncture site. Blood collection may be accomplished using a nee-
dle and syringe, or the vessel may be pricked/punctured using a sterile needle or
644 Zimmerman et al
Fig. 1. Location of the lateral saphenous and lateral metatarsal veins in the guinea pig.
Volume Collected
In general, up to 50 mL of blood can collected in a microhematocrit tube from the
saphenous vein, metatarsal vein, ear veins, or clipped toenail in adult guinea pigs.13
Larger volumes of blood may be collected, within a range of 0.5 to 0.7 mL/100 g of
body weight.4,8,14 That range is based on the consensus that 7% to 10% of blood vol-
ume can safely be collected at any 1 time, with an average adult blood volume of 69 to
75 mL/kg of body weight.4,15,16
Fig. 2. Representative guinea pig blood cells. (A) Heterophil and red blood cells (RBCs). (B)
Lymphocyte and RBCs. (C) Eosinophil, platelets, and RBCs. (D) Monocyte, platelets, and RBCs.
(E) Kurloff cell, platelets, and RBCs. (Wright-Giemsa stain, original magnification 1000x).
between 6.6 and 7.9 mm. An increase in the relative numbers of polychromatophils in
the blood smear indicates a regenerative response to anemia. In normal nonanemic
cavies, polychromatic erythrocytes may total 25% of circulating erythrocytes in neo-
nates, 4.5% in juveniles, and 1.5% in adults.17–20 Comparative values of erythrocyte
numbers are provided in Table 2.
Table 2
Reference ranges of normal hematological parameters in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Abbreviations: Hgb, Hemoglobin; MCH, Mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCHC, Mean corpuscular
hemoglobin concentration; MCV, Mean cell volume; PCV, Packed cell volume; RBC, Red blood cell;
WBC, white blood cell.
Data from Refs.13,25,32
646 Zimmerman et al
Thrombocytes (Platelets)
In blood smears, guinea pig platelets appear as irregular oval cytoplasmic fragments 2 to
3 mm in diameter with concentric dark inner and lighter outer staining regions (see Fig. 2).
Reported normal platelet numbers range from 120 to 850/mm3.2–4,8,13,16,19,21–26
Comparative values of thrombocyte numbers are provided in Table 2.
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)
A variety of factors can influence white blood cell (WBC) total count and differential
counts: circadian rhythm (time of day the sample is collected), time of last feeding,
breed, and gender.25 The ranges of total WBC numbers and the WBC cell types
observed in a standard differential count are provided in Table 2.
Neutrophils (Heterophils)
Guinea pigs heterophils or pseudoeosinophils are the functional counterparts of neu-
trophils seen in other species and are the next most commonly noted white cell type
(see Fig. 2A).8,19 These cells measure 10 to 12 mm in width, with dense nuclei with 5 or
more segments. Cytoplasm of heterophils contains multiple pale round eosinophilic
inclusions versus the more elongated inclusions seen in eosinophils. Toxicity (acceler-
ated marrow production and shortened maturation time) manifests, as seen in other
small animal species, by the presence of increased small basophilic Dohle bodies,
cytoplasmic basophilia, and occasionally increased cytoplasmic vacuolation.27
Reduced nuclear segmentation (bands, left shift) typically accompanies these toxic
changes and in most cases can be viewed as markers for the presence of inflamma-
tion. Comparative values of neutrophils observed in differential counts in normal
guinea pigs are provided in Table 2.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are the predominant WBC type in guinea pig blood.3,4,8,13,16,21,27 Both
small and large forms of lymphoid cells are seen, but most are small cells (see
Fig. 2B).2,8,13,19 The larger forms can be double the size of the small cells (about the
same size as erythrocytes), and may contain a few azurophilic cytoplasmic granules.
Comparative values of lymphocytes observed in differential counts in normal guinea
pigs are provided in Table 2.
Eosinophils
The granules in eosinophils are more pointed than those in heterophils, and they stain
more prominently. Eosinophils are larger (10–15 mm wide) with less nuclear segmen-
tation (see Fig. 2C).8,13,17,19 Comparative values of eosinophils observed in differential
counts in normal guinea pigs are provided in Table 2.
Basophils
Basophils are slightly larger than heterophils with lobulated nuclei and many round
variably sized reddish purple to black cytoplasm granules. Comparative values of ba-
sophils observed in differential counts in normal guinea pigs are provided in Table 2.
Monocytes
Guinea pig monocytes are morphologically similar to those seen in common domestic
species, being larger and having darker grey-blue cytoplasm compared with the pre-
viously mentioned large lymphocytes (see Fig. 2D). Their nuclei tend to be oval to
ameboid with a loose lacy chromatin pattern. Comparative values of monocytes
observed in differential counts in normal guinea pigs are provided in Table 2.
Hematological Assessment in Guinea Pigs 647
Kurloff Cells
Kurloff cells are a leukocyte type observed in guinea pigs and capybaras (a close rela-
tive). The cell is considered a normal incidental feature, appearing as larger mononu-
clear cells, possibly of lymphoid origin, containing a single reticulated eosinophilic
cytoplasmic inclusion 1 to 8 mm wide and present in 3% to 4% of the lymphoid cells
or 1% to 2% of the total leukocytes (see Fig. 2E).2 These inclusions consist of a muco-
polysaccharide that is toluidine blue, periodic acid-Schiff, and Lendrum stain posi-
tive.2,17 The exact origin and function of these cells is unknown, although it has
been speculated that they may function as natural killer cells in the general circulation
or as protectors of fetal antigen in the placenta because their numbers can increase
under the influence of increased estrogens.8,13,17,19,28–31
REFERENCES
1. American Veterinary Medical Association. 2012 U.S. pet ownership & demo-
graphic sourcebook. Schaumburg (IL): Membership & Field Services, American
Veterinary Medical Association; 2012.
2. Percy DH, Barthold SW. Pathology of laboratory rodents and rabbits. 3rd edition.
Ames (IA): Blackwell Pub; 2007. p. 325.
3. Vanderlip SL. The guinea pig handbook. Hauppauge (NY): Barron’s; 2003.
4. Harkness JE, Turner PV, VandeWoude S, et al. Harkness and Wagner’s biology
and medicine of rabbits and rodents. 5th edition. Ames (IA): Wiley-Blackwell;
2010. p. 111.
5. Hawk CT, Leary S. Formulary for laboratory animals. 3rd edition. St Louis (MO):
Wiley-Blackwell; 2005.
6. Mitchell MA, Tully TN. Manual of exotic pet practice. St Louis (MO): Saunders
Elsevier; 2009. p. 470.
7. Gaertner DJ, Hallman TM, Hankenson FC, et al. Anesthesia and analgesia for lab-
oratory rodents. In: Fish RE, Brown MJ, Danneman PJ, et al, editors. Anesthesia
and analgesia in laboratory animals. 2nd edition. San Diego (CA): Academic
Press; 2008. p. 279–80.
8. Marshall KL. Clinical hematology of rodent species. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim
Pract 2008;11:523–33.
9. Ott Joslin J. Blood collection techniques in exotic small mammals. J Exot Pet Med
2009;18:117–39.
10. Reuter RE. Venipuncture in the guinea pig. Lab Anim Sci 1987;37:245–6.
11. Hem A, Smith AJ, Solberg P. Saphenous vein puncture for blood sampling of the
mouse, rat, hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, ferret and mink. Lab Anim 1998;32:364–8.
12. Dolence D, Jones HE. Pericutaneous phlebotomy and intravenous injection in the
guinea pig. Lab Anim Sci 1975;25(1):106–7.
13. Zimmerman LK, Moore MD, Smith SA. Hematology of the guinea pig. In:
Weiss DJ, Wardrop KJ, Schalm OW, editors. Schalm’s veterinary hematology.
6th edition. Ames (IA): Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. p. 893–8.
14. Hillyer EV, Quesenberry KE. Biology, husbandry, and clinical techniques (of
guinea pigs and chinchillas). In: Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents: clinical medicine
and surgery. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1997. p. 432.
15. Osmond DG, Everett NB. Bone marrow blood volume and total red cell mass of
the guinea-pig as determined by 59-Fe-erythrocyte dilution and liquid nitrogen
freezing. Q J Exp Physiol Cogn Med Sci 1965;50:1–14.
16. Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW. Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents: clinical medicine
and surgery. 3rd edition. St Louis (MO): Elsevier/Saunders; 2012.
648 Zimmerman et al
17. Thrall MA. Veterinary hematology and clinical chemistry. 2nd edition. Ames (IA):
Wiley-Blackwell; 2012.
18. Albritton EC, American Institute of Biological Sciences, Committee on the Hand-
book of Biological Data. Standard values in blood, being the first part of a hand-
book of biological data. Dayton (OH): Air Force, Wright Air Development Center;
1951.
19. Campbell TW, Ellis C. Avian and exotic animal hematology and cytology. 3rd edi-
tion. Ames (IA): Blackwell Pub; 2007.
20. Schermer S. The blood morphology of laboratory animals. 3rd edition. Philadel-
phia: FA Davis; 1967.
21. Suckow MA, Stevens KA, Wilson RP. The laboratory rabbit, guinea pig, hamster,
and other rodents. 1st edition. London; Waltham (MA): Academic Press/Elsevier;
2012.
22. Johnson-Delaney CA. Exotic companion medicine handbook for veterinarians.
Lake Worth (FL): Wingers Pub; 1995.
23. Kaspareit J, Messow C, Edel J. Blood coagulation studies in guinea pigs (Cavia
porcellus). Lab Anim 1988;22:206–11.
24. Jones TC, Garner FM, Benirschke K, et al. Pathology of laboratory animals. New
York: Springer-Verlag; 1978.
25. Mitruka BM, Rawnsley HM. Clinical biochemical and hematological reference
values in normal experimental animals. New York: Masson Pub. USA; 1977.
26. Valenciano CA, Decker SL, Cowell LR. Interpretation of feline leukocyte re-
sponses. In: Weiss DJ, Wardrop KJ, Schalm OW, editors. Schalm’s veterinary
hematology. 6th edition. Ames (IA): Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. p. 335–43.
27. Banks RE. Guinea pig. Exotic small mammal care and husbandry. Ames (IA):
Wiley-Blackwell; 2010. p. 115–24.
28. Izard J, Barrellier MT, Quillec M. The Kurloff cell. Its differentiation in the blood
and lymphatic system. Cell Tissue Res 1976;173:237–59.
29. Eremin O, Wilson AB, Coombs RR, et al. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
in the guinea pig: the role of the Kurloff cell. Cell Immunol 1980;55:312–27.
30. Debout C, Quillec M, Izard J. New data on the cytolytic effects of natural killer
cells (Kurloff cells) on a leukemic cell line (guinea pig L2C). Leuk Res 1999;23:
137–47.
31. Marshall AH, Swettenham KV, Vernon-Roberts B, et al. Studies on the function of
the Kurloff cell. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 1971;40:137–52.
32. Jain NC. Normal values in blood of laboratory, furbearing and miscellaneous zoo,
domestic and wild animals. In: Jain NC, editor. Schalm’s veterinary hematology.
Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1986. p. 274–343.