F.A.Q Guinea Pigs

What are the commonest causes and treatments of skin problems in guinea pigs?

Skin problems in guinea pigs include

• Mite infestations. These are very itchy and severe cases can develop nervous twitching as well. The diagnosis is often made using a skin scraping to detect the mites and then treating the guinea pig as well as a thorough cleaning of the cage. 
• Lice. These can be seen in the fur by the naked eye and do not usually cause itching.
  Ringworm. Ringworm causes patches of hair loss. It can also affect people. The affected skin is usually scaly, but can be inflamed and very itchy. The diagnosis involves examining and culturing a hair sample on a gel in the laboratory. 
• 'Barbering'. Hair loss without any itchiness can be caused by hair chewing by other guinea pigs, or it can be done by the guinea pig themselves. If it is done by the guinea pig itself, the head and neck will be unaffected. It may be caused through boredom, so supplying extra good hay or enriching the guinea pig’s environment may occupy the guinea pigs. 
• Mother guinea pigs can groom their young excessively, which can lead to an almost totally bald baby. This usually resolves when the guinea pigs are weaned. 
• Guinea pigs can get skin abscesses. These may be caused by scratches or bites from other guinea pigs, especially if too many are kept together, or grazes and cuts from damaged food and water containers or rough cage sides. 
• Guinea pigs cannot make their own Vitamin C, so can develop a deficiency. An affected pet can have swollen and painful joints together with being depressed and off their food. As a precautionary measure, soluble Vitamin C tablets can be added to guinea pig's drinking water.
• A guinea pig’s feet can also be damaged if they are kept on a rough floor or the cage is infrequently cleaned. The damaged feet can then be infected with bacteria.