Mites are small arthropods capable of parasitizing a wide variety of animal species, including guinea pigs, also known as guinea pigs. In most cases, parasitized guinea pigs tend to remain asymptomatic, and a situation of immunocompromise in the animal is necessary for associated clinical signs to appear.
What are mites?
Mites are small-sized arthropods belonging to the subclass of arachnids, which are not visible to the naked eye. Some species have adapted to parasitic life, settling on the skin of their hosts and producing a disease typically known as scabies. Some of them are able to dig tunnels in the epidermis, while others remain inside the hair follicles or on the surface of the skin or hair.
Guinea pigs, like other rodents and lagomorphs, are particularly susceptible to infestations by external parasites, including mites. For this reason, throughout this article, we will describe the main characteristics of these parasites and the alterations they produce in guinea pigs.
Types of mites in guinea pigs
Once we have explained what these parasites are, we need to detail what types of mites can affect guinea pigs. Specifically, the species of mites that can parasitize these rodents are:
- Trixacarus caviae: it is a arador mite They are called aradores because the females dig tunnels or galleries in the stratum corneum of the skin to lay eggs. The lesions they produce are usually located in the region of the neck, the scapulae, the abdomen and the inner face of the thighs.
- Chirodiscoides caviae: it is a hair mite, specific of guinea pigs, which is usually located in the perianal region, on the flanks and the trunk.
- Demodex caviae: it is a mite specific to guinea pigs that parasitizes hair follicles. The lesions it produces are most often seen on the head, limbs, and trunk.
It is worth mentioning that, although Trixacarus caviae is a host-specific pathogen, some have been described cases of transient infestation in humans (especially in children), in which the mite can cause a papular dermatitis with itching. Specifically, this process is considered a "hemizoonosis" since once people are infected, the parasite cannot be transmitted back to animals. In other words, the human being acts as a “bottom of the bag” for the parasitosis.
Symptoms of mites in guinea pigs
Mite infestations in guinea pigs are usually subclinical, that is, they do not produce symptoms. However, When guinea pigs suffer from immunosuppression (lower defenses) for any reason, associated clinical signs often appear. Specifically, the symptoms that can be observed in cases of mite parasitosis in guinea pigs are:
- Very intense itching or itching: this is the most obvious sign, especially in parasites caused by Trixacarus caviae. In massive infestations, itching is such that convulsions. may occur
- Alopecia: hair loss.
- Peeling.
- Erythema: redness of the skin.
- Scabby lesions.
- Hyperkeratosis: thickening of the skin.
- Coarse hair: rough, dull.
- Anorexia: can occur as a result of the accumulation of hair in the mouth, because animals try to relieve itching by licking or biting the affected areas.
If proper treatment is not instituted, the lesions can become infected, leading to a skin infection known as superficial pyoderma.
How are mites spread in guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs can be infested in two ways:
- By direct contact with other affected animals. Transmission from mothers to their offspring during lactation is particularly common.
- By contact with contaminated objects or utensils, such as cages or beds.
However, as we have already mentioned, the majority of guinea pigs parasitized by mites remain clinically he althy and only develop symptoms when they are subjected to a situation that produces immunosuppressionSpecifically, the factors that can trigger the appearance of the disease are:
- Bad driving
- Bad nutrition
- Excessive cold
- Presence of other diseases
- Gestation
- Immunodepression
- Stressful situations: such as transportation or habitat changes
Some of these factors can be avoided by offering the animal the care it needs. For this reason, we recommend you consult our article on Caring for a guinea pig.
Do mites in guinea pigs spread to humans?
As we mentioned before, yes, the mite Trixacarus caviae is contagious to humans, especially children, the elderly or people with the weakened immune system.
Diagnosis of mites in guinea pigs
If you wonder how to know if a guinea pig has mites, the answer lies in a proper diagnosis at the veterinary center. Thus, the diagnosis of mites in guinea pigs is based on the following points:
- Clinical examination: depending on the species of mite parasitizing the animal, different skin lesions with different body distribution may be observed.
- Skin scraping: A sample should be taken from the periphery of the lesions and observed under a microscope. It is used for the diagnosis of Trixacarus caviae, although as it is a mite that is not found on the surface, it can be difficult to detect.
- Adhesive tape: This simple test consists of sticking a piece of adhesive tape on the animal's skin and then observing it under a microscope. It is an effective technique for diagnosing parasites caused by superficial mites, such as Chirodiscoides caviae.
- Trichogram (hair exam): consists of taking a sample of hair and observing it under a microscope. It is usually performed for the diagnosis of Demodex caviae.
How to eliminate mites in guinea pigs? - Treatment
The first important point in the treatment of mites in guinea pigs is eliminate (whenever possible) the cause that is generating immunosuppression in the animal. To do this, you must:
- Review the management of the animal (habitat, environmental conditions, feeding, etc.) to detect possible errors and correct them.
- Carry out a complete clinical examination, including any complementary tests deemed appropriate, to detect other concurrent pathologies and establish the appropriate treatment.
- Detect Recent changes (new pets in the home, travel, habitat changes, etc.) that have caused stress for the animal.
The second point of therapeutic management consists of pharmacological treatment, which must always be prescribed by a veterinarian. This treatment may include:
- Systemic antiparasitic: macrocycline lactones are often used as antiparasitic treatment (such as ivermectin, selamectin, or doramectin) subcutaneously, for 7 days.
- Topical antiparasitic: baths with amitraz must be done every 7 days for 4 weeks.
- Bromociclen: the use of bromociclen powder or in baths, every 2 weeks, is very effective in cases of mild scabies.
- Diazepam: in cases of itching or very intense pruritus, the administration of diazepam may be recommended.
The last point is based on the disinfection of the environment As we have pointed out, contagion can also occur from contaminated objects, Therefore, it is essential to carry out a correct disinfection of the environment to avoid the continuous reinfestation of the animal. Textiles that have had contact with the parasitized animal (blankets, rugs, stuffed animals, etc.) should wash at high temperature (60 ºC) The rest of the surfaces They should be vacuumed with a conventional vacuum cleaner. When finished, it is important to dispose of the vacuum cleaner filter, otherwise the mites could spread to other areas of the home.
In case several guinea pigs live together, it is important to isolateto those who present symptoms. In addition, apparently he althy guinea pigs should be preventively dewormed , since they may have been infected but remain asymptomatic.
To finish, we must point out the importance of maintaining correct biosecurity measures when administering treatment to guinea pigs infested by Trixacarus caviae, due to the risk of transmission to people. Similarly, it is important that children stay away from these animals until they are completely cured to avoid zoonosis.
