Etiology:  Interstitial nephritis is the most common aging lesion in guinea pigs.  Guinea pigs may develop chronic interstitial nephritis as a sequela to staphylococcal pododermatitis [1].  It has also been reported in animals with diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia.

Incidence:  Chronic interstitial nephritis is common in aged guinea pigs.

Clinical Signs:  Clinically, no signs may be noted until end stage renal failure occurs; wasting, generalized edema, PU/PD, and proteinuria are then noted.

Pathology:  Chronic nephritis is characterized by pitted, small, tan kidneys.

1.            Quesenberry, K.E., Carpenter, James W., Ferrets, Rabbits, And Rodents Clinical Medicine And Surgery2003, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146: Saunders.