Quarantine - why you should do it
- Lynx
- Celebrate!!!
I don't know if this is helpful or not, but I found this (it also indicates cows have to eat a hell of a lot of onions to have any problems - 25% of diet).
Anyway, from an article in "Veterinary Technician" - http://www.aspcapro.org/animal-poison-c ... h_0801.pdf :
Large Animals
Of large animals, cattle are the most susceptible to onion toxicity. Horses are not as susceptible, and sheep and goats are somewhat resistant. In areas where onions are grown commercially, sheep may be fed cull onions (deemed unfit for human consumption) free choice without experiencing toxicity; for cattle, ingestion of more than 25% of their diet as onions may be hazardous.1 While it does not explain the relative resistance of sheep and goats, the oxidative threat to cattle is greater because onions also contain S-methylcysteine sulfoxide (SMCO). SMCO is metabolized in the rumen, producing dimethyl disulfide, another oxidant. Because SMCO is absorbed in the intestine and not converted to dimethyl disulfide, it does not affect nonruminants, including hindgut fermentors (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs, horses).1
Anyway, from an article in "Veterinary Technician" - http://www.aspcapro.org/animal-poison-c ... h_0801.pdf :
Large Animals
Of large animals, cattle are the most susceptible to onion toxicity. Horses are not as susceptible, and sheep and goats are somewhat resistant. In areas where onions are grown commercially, sheep may be fed cull onions (deemed unfit for human consumption) free choice without experiencing toxicity; for cattle, ingestion of more than 25% of their diet as onions may be hazardous.1 While it does not explain the relative resistance of sheep and goats, the oxidative threat to cattle is greater because onions also contain S-methylcysteine sulfoxide (SMCO). SMCO is metabolized in the rumen, producing dimethyl disulfide, another oxidant. Because SMCO is absorbed in the intestine and not converted to dimethyl disulfide, it does not affect nonruminants, including hindgut fermentors (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs, horses).1
Lynx, thanks for that link on the onions. I was always told that onions were bad for horses and assumed the same must be true for guinea pigs. Fascinating to read otherwise. The things you learn these days.
Nonetheless, I still won't be feeding my guinea pigs leeks, chives, garlic or onions.
Nonetheless, I still won't be feeding my guinea pigs leeks, chives, garlic or onions.
Good topic, I have learned this the hard way. You would be amazed at what pet stores guinea pigs carry. I bought a guinea pig from a pet store and it had ring worm and mites. A pet that cost 35 ended up being more like 200 after the vet bills. I will always adopt from that point on...lesson learned.