Guinea pig leukosis

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Guinea pig leukosis: swelling of the cervical lymph nodes . The knee fold and popliteal lymph nodes were also greatly enlarged.

The Meerschweinchenleukose is a virus-related infectious disease in the guinea pig , with a greatly increased production of white blood cells ( leukocytes is associated). Causative agent of Meerschweinchenleukose is a gamma retrovirus , the Guinea pig type-C oncovirus .

The infection usually occurs through the placenta or through breast milk. The incubation period of the disease is unknown, but can be several years. Guinea pig leukosis manifests itself in reluctance to eat, enlarged lymph nodes and liver, and fatigue. Occasionally, breathing difficulties occur as a result of a chest effusion . The blood count shows a decrease in the number of red blood cells ( anemia ) and a sharp increase in the number of white blood cells ( leukocytosis ).

Specific treatment is not possible. The course of the disease can possibly be stopped by administering prednisolone or L-asparaginase .

literature

  • E. Wasel: Leukosis . In: K. Gabrisch and P. Zwart (eds.): Diseases of pets . 6th edition, Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft, Hannover 2005, p. 59, ISBN 3-89993-010-X .