Anatomic features of the male genital apparatus of guinea pigs and other hystricomorph rodent species have been extensively described in the literature. The inguinal canal remains open throughout life and, rather than a true scrotum, two hemiscrotal sacs are present. The inguinal opening is actually wide; for this reason the term "inguinal canal" is not totally appropriate for rodents. In performing an orchiectomy in all rodent species (as well as in lagomorphs), it is highly recommended or mandatory to ligate the vaginal process, which passes through the inguinal canal. This will prevent potential herniation of fat, the urinary bladder, bowel or seminal vesicles, which are particularly developed in guinea pigs.
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