[Gpdd] [Health] Bad info from Family Circle

[Dr Kay Dudman]

Thanks to Anita for pointing out where Family Circle have issued incorrect
information for guinea pig care.  I emailed Hagen when I saw that they had
a wheel for guinea pig use on their website - their chief veterinary
adviser replied to me, and immediately removed the wheel from Hagen's
website, so that was a success!  Here is my email to Family Circle, in
case anyone else wants to write and complain:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 23:45:48 +0100 (BST)
From: Dr Kay Dudman
To: fcfeedback at familycircle.com
Subject: Guinea pigs as pets

I was horrified to learn that you have recommended a running WHEEL for
guinea pigs in your August edition of Family Circle magazine.  Normally
your magazine can be relied upon for useful hints and tips, but this
suggestion MUST be corrected URGENTLY as it is dangerous for guinea pigs.
The spine of a guinea pig cannot take the backward bend that a wheel
would impose, and this could cause serious damage.  Earlier this year I
contacted Hagen (suppliers of equipment for pets) about the wheel they had
on their website for the same reason, and I am pleased to report that
their veterinary adviser ensured that the wheel was removed from the
company's website.

In addition I would point out that guinea pigs are social animals, and
need constant care and attention to ensure they have sufficient fresh hay,
food and water, and that they are thriving.  It is important that owners
get to know their guinea pigs well, so that they are able to detect the
first signs of illness in order to obtain immediate veterinary care
and advice from a veterinary surgeon who is familiar with guinea pigs.
This is particularly important as (a) guinea pigs tend to conceal signs of
illness as they would be vulnerable to predators in their native
environment, and (b) treatments suitable for cats and dogs can prove fatal
to guinea pigs, so specialist expertise is required.

What I would suggest is that you issue a prominent correction in the next
edition of your magazine, and indicate that professional guidance can be
sought from the Cambridge Cavy Trust and the RSPCA.  It would also be
useful to potential guinea pig owners to recommend "The Proper Care of
Guinea Pigs" by Peter Gurney as an excellent guide to looking after guinea
pigs as pets.  Sadly, Peter Gurney has recently passed away, but he has
written several books that are valuable for existing and intending guinea
pig owners.

I would appreciate your comments.

Kay Dudman

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Dr Kay Dudman
London Metropolitan University