The symphysis is a joint of tough fibrous cartilage located between the two pubic bones of the pelvis. Dystocia occurs commonly in guinea pigs and may be due to uterine inertia, pregnancy toxemia, fetuses that are too large to pass through the pelvic canal, or because the os coxae fail to separate, despite relaxin release, to the 2.5–3 cm needed to allow a fetus to pass. Fig. l.-The Picture on the left is from an x-r&~ of Guinea Pig 408 taken three days before she was mated. separation of the pubic symphysis. Bree Abstract. Gently run your finger down her spine towards her genitals and just before you reach it there are 2 small bones directly in front of it, these are the pelvic bones. Thanks to all who help! The symphysis (a joint of tough fibrous cartilage which firmly joins the 2 pubic bones) becomes less flexible upon reaching adulthood and may not … allowing considerable separation of the pubic bones. Ok my guinea pig is really huge now and at least 7 weeks into her pregnancy. This transformation is remarkable in several species, including guinea-pigs, mice, bats and humans [3]. Signs of impending labour include the separation of the pelvic bones to let the pups through (over 2 - 4 days before pregnancy - feel the pelvis at the base of the spine). If you gently rest your finger between the pelvic bones and the gap is about as wide as your finger (about 1 inch) then she should have babies within the next hour-2 days. An extraordinary example of pelvic relaxation is found in the preg- nant guinea pig. Gently placing your guinea pig on her back on your chest and feel for the 2 small bones directly in front of her genitals. In sows (pregnant guinea pigs), this is usually caused by the normal stiffening of the tough fibrous cartilage which joins the two pubic bones – medically referred to as the symphysis. Number 2. I don't know exactly when she become pregnant so that doens't help any. I just know that she's getting close and I kinda need to know how to tell if my guinea pigs pelvic bones are seperating to make room for the babies to pass through. Keep them all together, they are like a support system for the new mum. Your pig may also loose interest in food, and her daily habits may change (particularly toileting patterns). S ince the discovery by Hisaw (1926) that the separation of the pubic bones in the guinea pig was under the control of a specific substance which was later called relaxin, several controversies have arisen. In adult female guinea-pigs, the interpubic joint is a non-synovial joint of the cartilaginous type that is movable and connected to the pubic bones by fibrous (symphysis) cartilage [4]. … Dystocia in Guinea Pigs. The Biology of the Guinea Pig, Joseph E. Wagner, Patrick J. This stiffening makes it difficult for the sow’s young to pass through the birth canal. 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