Abstract

In recent years, guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) have become increasingly common in veterinary practice. Despite their sociable nature and relatively simple care requirements, they are susceptible to various health conditions, including neoplastic diseases. This study reports a case of a two-year-old male guinea pig diagnosed with epitheliotropic cutaneous lymphoma (ECL). The patient presented progressive, non-pruritic, ulcerative, nodular, and erythematous skin lesions, initially misdiagnosed and unsuccessfully treated for ectoparasitic infestation and bacterial infections. As the condition deteriorated, additional differential diagnoses, including cutaneous leishmaniasis, were considered. Following rapid clinical decline and cardiopulmonary arrest, the patient succumbed, and post-mortem histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ECL. This case underscores the importance of early diagnostic testing, including cytological and histopathological examinations, to differentiate ECL from other dermatological diseases. The study highlights the need for further research to establish optimal treatment protocols and improve survival rates in guinea pigs diagnosed with this rare but progressive neoplastic condition.