Kalusha's Cavies

I am currently training to be Rodentologist. It is such a brilliant course and is proving invaluable. The course is run by the British Association of Rodentology (BAR) and the Cambridge Cavy Trust (CCT). Details can be found at: http://www.britishassociationofrodentologists.co.uk/
Once I have qualified, I would like to run clinics for people in the South-West to offer specialist health care and advice, health checks and treatments.

A Rodentologist is a qualified specialist with extensive in-depth knowledge of rodents:
This includes:

* anatomy and physiology
* naturally occurring diseases
* treatment
* nursing
* healthcare
* welfare
The training specifically focuses on guinea pigs, but a brief outline is provided for other rodents and rabbits.

What can a Rodentologist do?

* A full-body health check
* Clip nails
* Worming
* Bathing
* Grooming
* Skin care – including fungal infections
* Parasite prevention and treatment
* First aid
* Intensive care nursing (circumstances permitting)
* Syringe feeding
* Give injections
* Recognise and treat most medical conditions
* Some minor surgery
* Corrective dentistry – without anaesthesia
* X-rays – without anaesthesia (facilities permitting)
* Refer to a good vet when appropriate

If the course is not for you, I HIGHLY recommend buying the book "Diagnostic Guide to Guinea Pig Problems". It contains everything you need as a cavy owner to ensure your vet can take care of your cavy correctly. See the BAR website for details www.rodentology.co.uk

 You can check & cut even a guinea pig’s
BACK TEETH without anaesthetic?

Above special Buccal Pad Separators allow you to
perform checks & procedures while the animal is
fully conscious! They are used to open the guinea’s mouth so back molars can be seen (if you look closely you will see them in the picture above)

You can perform an X-RAY without a
general anaesthetic?

This picture shows a towel wrapped guinea. This
technique is really useful to get medication & fluids into guineas. Medication can be better administered in measured doses by syringing it to a towel wrapped guinea pig, rather than giving it in the drinking water.