Department of Veterinary Pathology
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Veterinary Systemic Pathology Online
H-B02 - Cervical lymphadenitis (lumps) - Lymph node - Guinea pig
Morphologic Diagnosis:   Lymph node, cervical (per contributor): Lymphadenitis,
necrosuppurative, chronic, focally extensive, severe (abscess),
with cellulitis, guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), rodent
Etiologic Diagnosis:   Streptococcal lymphadenitis
General Discussion:
- The most common cause of cervical lymphadenitis in guinea pigs is Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, Lancefield’s group C, a gram-positive encapsulated coccus that produces beta hemolysis on blood agar plates
- Occasionally, cervical lymphadenitis is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis
- Females are more susceptible to the disease than males
- Stress increases susceptibility to infection
Typical Clinical Findings:
- The presence of bilaterally enlarged cervical lymph nodes in otherwise healthy guinea pigs is the usual and only sign
- The acute septicemic form causes depression, anorexia, pyrexia, or sudden death
- Torticollis is seen with middle and inner ear infections
- Dyspnea, cyanosis, and nasal/ocular discharge occur with pneumonia