Veterinary Vertex
Veterinary Vertex
AVMA Journals
Rethinking Neurological Exams in Guinea Pigs: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
12 minutes Posted Apr 16, 2026 at 5:00 am.
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Welcome And Guest Introduction
Why Study Guinea Pig Neurology
Prey Species Stress Changes Exams
When Standard Reflexes Fail
Pet Versus Lab Handling Effects
Practical Neuro Exam Checklist
Better Diagnostics And Less Stress
Next Research And Wider Species
Where To Read And Closing
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Send us Fan Mail Guinea pigs don’t read the dog-and-cat neurology textbook and that’s exactly where clinicians get into trouble. We sit down with Dr. Vishal Murthy to unpack what a truly species-specific neurologic examination looks like for guinea pigs, why so many “standard” tests can be misleading, and how prey-species stress can flatten reflexes and hide both normal function and real disease. If you’ve ever felt unsure interpreting postural reactions or reflex testing in small mammals, th...