63 guinea pigs were dumped in one dog crate in the night drop box at a shelter recently. It appears that most are females - many are very pregnant, many are babies and many are juveniles. Several rescues around California stepped forward to take some of these into their own rescue, including Wee Companions, North Star Small Animal Rescue, Rabbit Ears Pet Supplies, Harvest Home, Bakersfield Guinea Pig Rescue and Orange County Cavy Haven.
Sadly, some of the guinea pigs had giardia, which resulted in weight loss and diarrhea. Traditional methods of treatment have not been very effective and losses have been high. The affected guinea pigs were isolated from everyone else. We spent many hours syringe feeding, giving subcutaneous fluids, making runs to veterinarians, disinfecting cages etc. The severe diarrhea resulted in 6 prolapsed rectums, requiring more trips to the vets.
The good news is that we have had no new cases since February 11. Giardia is spread via feces and water contamination so close attention to good hygiene can stop it's spread. Our vet recommended one month of quarantine for any of those who came into contact with the guinea pigs. All of the guinea pigs will have completed their month of quarantine March 11 (some earlier).
These guinea pigs are beautiful. The photos below don't do them justice. These photos were take before they came into our rescue for some good nutrition and fattening.
Martinez Piggies in rescue in Southern California
Article in BestFriends.org about Martinez Rescue
Martinez Guinea Pigs at Cavy House Hoping for a better life
Here are a few photos...
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Sows From Martinez Rescue