High plasma amylase concentrations linked to increased mortality in guinea pigs, study shows

27 March 2025

Guinea pigs with markedly high plasma concentrations of amylase are more likely to die within 30 days of plasma biochemistry analysis, according to new research.

Amylase is an often-overlooked digestive enzyme, and the clinical significance of alterations in plasma amylase is unknown in many species, including guinea pigs.

A new study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice assessed whether plasma amylase concentrations in guinea pigs were associated with survival or mortality during the 30 days following blood draw. Medical records of 278 guinea pigs that had a biochemistry panel performed that included plasma amylase concentrations, from four veterinary hospitals, and survival rates were retrospectively reviewed. Guinea pigs presented for a variety of reasons (including emergency, sick, wellness appointments) and diagnoses included an integument disease, reproductive issues, urinary disease, gastrointestinal disease, and hyporexia/anorexia.

Guinea pigs with markedly elevated plasma amylase concentrations (1910 to 3985 U/L) were seven times more likely to die within 30 days compared to those with a concentration within the reference interval (1339 to 1573 U/L). Additionally, guinea pigs with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations higher than the reference interval (62 mg/dL) had an almost 30 times increase in mortality risk, compared to those with a BUN concentration lower than 62 mg/dL. These findings show that plasma amylase and BUN concentrations have a prognostic value in guinea pigs and may be clinically significant.

Dr Ashley Souza and Dr Sarah Ozawa, lead authors of the study, said: “Guinea pigs can be a challenging species to treat, especially when they enter a veterinary hospital in critical condition.  It is our hope that this study provides further diagnostic tools for veterinarians to use when explaining options and prognosis to an owner, helping guide treatment and care for this species.”

As the actual prognostic capacity of amylase alone is limited, veterinarians should use this information as part of the whole clinical picture and not make decisions on euthanasia or surgical outcomes based solely on this analyte.

You can access the full study here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13843