Evaluation of neurologic testing in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract

BackgroundUp-to-date, specialized literature provides very little information on performing and interpreting clinical neurological tests on small mammals, particularly guinea pigs. MethodsTwo clinical neurologists performed separate neurological examinations of 25 guinea pigs. The structure of the examination was similar to those performed in other companion animals and included hands-off examination, postural reaction tests, cranial nerve tests, and spinal reflex tests. Each test was evaluated for feasibility, reproducibility, and associated stress level for the animals. ResultsThe following tests revealed an excellent ability to elicit the expected response: hopping reaction in the thoracic limbs, wheelbarrowing and hemiwalking, medial and lateral palpebral reflex, auricular sensitivity, maxillary sensitivity, horizontal oculocephalic reflex, tone of the jaw, voluntary movement of the tongue, and direct pupillary light reflex. On the other hand, a poor ability to elicit the expected response was observed in the following tests: visual paw replacement of the thoracic limbs, tactile paw replacement in both thoracic and pelvic limbs, paper test for thoracic and pelvic limbs, mandibular sensitivity, vertical oculocephalic reflex, menace response, patellar reflex, cutaneous trunci reflex, and perineal reflex. The most reliable spinal reflex test with a good ability to elicit the expected response was the withdrawal reflex for both thoracic and pelvic limbs. The guinea pigs experienced the most stress during the spinal reflex tests. ConclusionIt is possible to apply several clinical neurological tests on guinea pigs and produce meaningful results. However, certain tests elicited high stress responses in the animals and should therefore only be used if necessary. Based on the results, we propose a possible protocol for neurological examination in guinea pigs. Clinical relevanceThis is the first study to evaluate a full range of clinical neurological tests performed on guinea pigs. The results of this study could lead to a better understanding of lesion localization and serve as a basis for further diagnostic and therapies in guinea pigs with neurological diseases.