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Table 1( part 2 of 4). Summary of findings.
Reference and country Sample Findings
Norman R, Wills AP. An investigation into the relationship between owner knowledge, diet and dental disease in guinea pigs( Cavia porcellus). Animals. 2016; 6( 11): 73. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.3390 / ani6110073.
Country not stated
• 344 guinea pigs( 56.7 % female, 42.7 % male, 0.6 % unknown sex)
• 150 online surveys
• No significant relationship between owner knowledge, diet and dental disease was identified in the sampled population
• Aetiology of dental disease in guinea pigs needs to be explored more
• Highlighted housing as an important factor in dental health maintenance – found outdoor access linked to much fewer instances of dental disease signs. Authors suggest that natural grazing may be better for prevention
Staple food
• 77.9 % were fed pellets
• 11.3 % were fed pellet and muesli mix
• 9.6 % were fed muesli only
• 1.2 % were fed a different type of feed
Hay
• 99.4 % were fed hay
• Timothy( 44.2 %) and meadow( 42.7 %) most popular
Fresh food
• 7.3 % > BID
• 44.2 % BID
• 40.1 % daily
• 4.1 % alternate days
• 2.3 % less than alternate days
• 2 % not fed
•‘ Fresh food’ included vegetables, salad leaves, fruit, garden plants, other – specific types are unknown and garden plants may be toxic
Other dietary components
• Cut grass( 47.4 %)
• Treats( 21.5 %) Vitamin C
• 25.3 % of owners provided a vitamin supplement and vitamin C was most popular( 24.1 %)
Knowledge scores
• Mean actual score – 73.83
Housing
• Access to outside exercise run( 42.2 %)
• Only kept in hutches( 6.7 %)
Appendix 2( to page 25 of VNJ). Summary of findings.
Veterinary Nursing Journal | Volume 40( 5) • October 2025 | EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL CONTENT
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