In guinea pigs both sexes usually have two
nipples. Extra nipples are not very common.
This photo shows a female with 4 nipples.
Such a cavy is not allowed to be shown at a cavy exhibition,
since it is in a way deformed. I've been told about several cavies
with this condition, and even seen a photo of one.
At least two of the ones I've heard of was Tortoiseshell & White.
Breeders who have bred from such cavies say that the extra pair of nipples do not have any function when it comes to give milk to the babies.
This condition is not unheard of in humans either,
I've actually seen photos of that too, in a medical book at the library!
Copyright Eva Johansson.
Last update: 12 of February 2006.