Retrospective evaluation of parenteral penicillin G procaine/benzathine and ceftiofur crystalline free acid use in chinchillas and guinea pigs: 124 cases (2001-2023).

Parenteral ceftiofur appears safe in guinea pigs and chinchillas; penicillin rarely causes adverse effects.

This retrospective study evaluated the safety and use of two parenteral antibiotics in guinea pigs and chinchillas over a 22-year period at a university veterinary teaching hospital. A total of 124 cases were reviewed: penicillin G procaine/benzathine was administered to 58 animals (15 guinea pigs, 43 chinchillas), while ceftiofur crystalline free acid was given to 66 animals (42 guinea pigs, 24 chinchillas). All injections were administered subcutaneously at median doses of 50,000 IU/kg for penicillin and 40 mg/kg for ceftiofur. Adverse effects were rare, occurring in only 3 penicillin-treated animals (1 guinea pig, 2 chinchillas) with no gastrointestinal signs reported. Notably, no adverse effects were documented following ceftiofur administration in any animal. The findings suggest parenteral ceftiofur is well-tolerated in both species, while penicillin may occasionally cause adverse effects unrelated to dysbiosis. However, the clinical efficacy of these drugs remains unknown due to lack of species-specific pharmacokinetic data.

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