FROM goldfish to tarantulas, there is a wide variety of pets to choose from.
However, one vet has warned against a popular animal they said is more work than people realize.
In a Reddit post, the unnamed veterinary technician revealed why they hate a certain kind of rodent.
The animal expert explained they are on edge daily in anticipation of the unwanted patient breed entering the clinic.
“I have been so extremely unlucky with guinea pig owners for the past few months, just seeing one in the waiting room makes me anxious,” the professional said.
The veterinary worker went as far as to say they “detest” every kind of guinea pig.
However, the poster’s issue has less to do with the pet itself and more about the lack of research people put in before getting one.
They explained that guinea pig owners are the most guilty of complaining out of all pet parents.
The expert added that they also tend to have “ridiculous expectations” for their pet.
According to the animal pro, guinea pigs are fragile animals and often require an extensive medical routine.
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Despite the Reddit user’s apprehension, they still agree to have the rodent breed as a patient.
“Those awful suckers still need help and there are only two other vets around who see exotics, so I still feel an obligation to help them, even when their owners are cretins,” the vet explained.
However, the animal expert added that they still “will never own one myself.”
“F**k that rodent,” they joked at the end of their Reddit rant.
The veterinary experts at Merck Manual broke down the medical conditions most commonly found in guinea pigs.
“The most common health problems for these animals affect the lungs or the digestive system,” they explained.
“A sick guinea pig may have diarrhea or discharge from the eyes or nose.
Common medical conditions in guinea pigs
The experts at Merck Manual shared some of the most frequent issues experience by the breed.
- Issues with lungs and breathing.
- Digestive problems leading to diarrhea.
- Discharge from the eyes or nose.
- Dental problems.
- Inner ear issues.
Source: Merck Manual
They added that dental and inner ear problems are also frequent among the species.
Reddit users shared their thoughts on the pet breed in the comments section.
“As a vet who has guinea pigs but will generally not see them this cracked me up. You’re doing the lord’s work,” wrote one reader.
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“I worked at an exotics vet. Every. Single. Time. A guinea pig would come in, without fail, I would get ringworm. I would pick a snake or hedgehog over a guinea pig any day,” said another Redditor.
“I’ve had many guinea pigs over the years. They are little s**ts and as soon as they show the slightest sign of sickness, it’s an emergency,” commented a third person.
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Roisin Chapman
