Etiology:  The cause of metastatic mineralization is not known, but may be due to an inappropriate dietary mineral balance [1].

Incidence:  Metastatic mineralization is infrequently seen in guinea pigs over one year of age.

Clinical Signs:  Clinical signs are non-specific and may include alopecia, muscle stiffness and unthriftiness.

Pathology:  Mineral deposits accumulate most commonly within the kidney [here within the smooth muscle of the vasculature (A)], but can also be seen within the periarticular soft tissues, liver, heart (B) and GI tract (photo, far right).

Diagnosis:  Mineralization of smooth and cardiac muscle and kidney tissues are seen on histology.

1.            The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, And Other Rodents. 1 ed2012, 225 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA 02451: Elsevier.