Hay Pokes
Fibrous Osteodystrophy, also known as Satin Disease, remains a poorly understood condition. Join Saskia as she highlights the challenges in identifying and managing this debilitating disease in Satin guinea pigs.
According to Gallego et al. (2017), a significant 38% of Satin guinea pigs are afflicted with Satin Guinea Pig Syndrome (SGPS), a statistic that underscores the severity of this genetic condition.
Thankfully, Satin guinea pigs are relatively uncommon at the rescue. I like to think that the pet store suppliers have the good sense not to breed guinea pigs that might suffer from this serious genetic defect.
Spotting a Satin Guinea Pig
When a Satin comes into the rescue, I evaluate the animal for any signs of Fibrous Osteodystrophy (Satin Disease).
Closer Observation is Needed
I closely observe the pig while it is eating. I specifically look for the time it takes between one dip down and the next. Pigs with teeth issues often appear to eat, but they are chewing, not necessarily swallowing the food. You want to see the food disappear into the mouth and then see the pig dip down for the next bite. If the pig appears to be a slow or fussy eater, then overgrowth of the molars may be present.
Diagnosis
The most effective way to diagnose this disease is an X-ray. In the worst cases, the skeleton will look like Swiss cheese on the X-ray. It is very obvious.
Treatment
There is no cure for SGPS, so pain management is the most important thing. I have found that CBD cream applied to the ear flaps does a good job but does not relieve enough pain. I recommend asking the veterinarian for strong painkillers. Metacam is commonly used, but ask the vet about Tramadol and Butorphanol. These may be good choices and are stronger than Metacam. However, long-term use of pain medication can have adverse effects. Your vet will be able to discuss all options with you.
Alternative Treatment
Vitamin D deficiency affects bone development and growth. In people, it can cause thin, brittle, or misshapen bones. Since those symptoms are very similar to SGPS, some people use UV light treatment. The UV lamp emits ultraviolet radiation similar to sunlight, which produces vitamin D3 in the body. There have been no studies on the positive effect of UV light therapy on Satin Syndrome guinea pigs, but it certainly won’t harm the animal. Pain management is the most important factor in guinea pigs with Satin Syndrome.
Note Regarding ‘CBD Cream’ Mentioned in the Article:
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in marijuana and hemp. We use it by rubbing a pea-sized amount on the inside and outside of both ears. This is because there are many veins in the ears, making it a great place for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream immediately. We sell it here and ship it all over the world without issue.
References:
Case Report of a Satin Guinea Pig with Fibrous Osteodystrophy That Resembles Human Pseudohypoparathyroidism. Miguel Gallego, Madrid, Spain. Published 27th July 2017. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2017/1321656/
According to Gallego et al. (2017), a significant 38% of Satin guinea pigs are afflicted with Satin Guinea Pig Syndrome (SGPS), a statistic that underscores the severity of this genetic condition.
Thankfully, Satin guinea pigs are relatively uncommon at the rescue. I like to think that the pet store suppliers have the good sense not to breed guinea pigs that might suffer from this serious genetic defect.
Spotting a Satin Guinea Pig
When a Satin comes into the rescue, I evaluate the animal for any signs of Fibrous Osteodystrophy (Satin Disease).
- Affected animals often look much older than they are because of the devastating effects of the disease.
- Guinea pigs tend to be smaller, petite, and delicate-looking.
- I check teeth and molars for any signs of overgrowth and observe how the pig walks; often, affected guinea pigs will walk with their butts in the air, and some may be seen to hop.
- Hopping is often observed in pigs with painful arthritis. Early-onset arthritis is also a common symptom seen in Satins.
Closer Observation is Needed
I closely observe the pig while it is eating. I specifically look for the time it takes between one dip down and the next. Pigs with teeth issues often appear to eat, but they are chewing, not necessarily swallowing the food. You want to see the food disappear into the mouth and then see the pig dip down for the next bite. If the pig appears to be a slow or fussy eater, then overgrowth of the molars may be present.
Diagnosis
The most effective way to diagnose this disease is an X-ray. In the worst cases, the skeleton will look like Swiss cheese on the X-ray. It is very obvious.
Treatment
There is no cure for SGPS, so pain management is the most important thing. I have found that CBD cream applied to the ear flaps does a good job but does not relieve enough pain. I recommend asking the veterinarian for strong painkillers. Metacam is commonly used, but ask the vet about Tramadol and Butorphanol. These may be good choices and are stronger than Metacam. However, long-term use of pain medication can have adverse effects. Your vet will be able to discuss all options with you.
Alternative Treatment
Vitamin D deficiency affects bone development and growth. In people, it can cause thin, brittle, or misshapen bones. Since those symptoms are very similar to SGPS, some people use UV light treatment. The UV lamp emits ultraviolet radiation similar to sunlight, which produces vitamin D3 in the body. There have been no studies on the positive effect of UV light therapy on Satin Syndrome guinea pigs, but it certainly won’t harm the animal. Pain management is the most important factor in guinea pigs with Satin Syndrome.
Note Regarding ‘CBD Cream’ Mentioned in the Article:
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in marijuana and hemp. We use it by rubbing a pea-sized amount on the inside and outside of both ears. This is because there are many veins in the ears, making it a great place for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream immediately. We sell it here and ship it all over the world without issue.
References:
Case Report of a Satin Guinea Pig with Fibrous Osteodystrophy That Resembles Human Pseudohypoparathyroidism. Miguel Gallego, Madrid, Spain. Published 27th July 2017. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2017/1321656/
