Skin problems

Guinea pigs can suffer from a variety of skin problems, frequently needing veterinary treatment.

Guinea pigs suffering from skin problems may exhibit a variety of signs. This will vary according to the underlying skin problem and the severity, but these can include:

• Scratching more than normal.
• Hair loss.
• Dry, flaky skin.
• Unkempt coat.
• Bleeding scabs and sores.

Stress and inappropriate diet are key factors with skin problems in guinea pigs, both of these can have a knock on effect on the guinea pigs immune system, which can lead to skin problems. Other reasons for skin problems can be parasites, fungal infections, wounds and hormonal imbalances.

Guinea pigs commonly suffer from mites, lice and fungal infections.

Mites

Mange mites (Trixacarus caviae) can live on or under the skin. They are very irritating and cause the guinea pig to scratch excessively. If left without treatment the guinea pig will become increasingly distressed by the mites. They can cause wounds on the skin from scratching, lose weight due to the excess scratching and even begin to seizure due to the constant irritation and stress caused by the mites. Your vet can treat this problem with Ivermectin based products. All in contact guinea pigs will need treating as some may be infected but show no signs.

Mange mites cannot be passed to humans. On rare occasions they may cause some temporary itchiness for sensitive people.

Lice

Lice will feed on the blood from the guinea pig and if left or if the guinea pig has a big infestation, it can lead to anaemia. Your vet will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment to kill the lice. It is important to thoroughly clean the guinea pigs living environment to help prevent them from re-infecting themselves.

Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t a worm, but is a fungal infection that guinea pigs can commonly suffer from.

Ringworm can be passed to and from humans, so it is important to recognise the symptoms and get the guinea pig treated. The bald patches with ringworm often appear slightly scabby looking and are often around the eyes and face or the back of the guinea pig.

If confirmed your vet will recommend an anti-fungal treatment and if necessary you may need to consult your doctor for treatment.

Skin scrapes

Your vet will carefully scrape some skin cells from your guinea pigs skin in the areas where the bald patches or inflamed/flaky skin are. These can be looked at under a microscope to look for the mites and lice, and can be cultured to look for infections.

Fur pluck

Your vet can pluck out some of the hairs of the guinea pig to look at under a microscope for signs of lice and mites, and can be cultured to look for infections.

Woods lamp

Some types of ringworm fluoresce under a certain type of ultraviolet light. This can help to diagnose ringworm. Some types don’t show up, so if the condition is strongly suspected, your vet may recommend treating for the condition.

Keep stress to a minimum, guinea pigs need the company of other guinea pigs – this offers company and will help to reduce stress.

Ensure you feed your guinea pigs a diet high in vitamin C. Fresh vegetables, leafy greens, eg cabbage/kale, and herbs, eg parsley, are best which are all excellent sources of vitamin C which can be fed alongside a diet high in fibre and with a good quality guinea pig pellet.

If you notice your guinea pig scratching excessively, or any bald/sore patches of skin, then take your guinea pig to see your vet as soon as possible.

Ensure that you buy your hay and/or bedding from a reputable source, often mites, lice and ringworm can be contracted from poor quality hay and bedding.