Dermatological pathologies are one of the main reasons for consultation in guinea pigs, with ectoparasites (external parasites) being the main cause of these pathologies. Lice are common ectoparasites in guinea pigs. The most common is Gliricola porcelli, although infestations by Gyropus ovalis can also be found. Generally, guinea pigs infested by lice remain asymptomatic, although when they are found in large numbers they can lead to the appearance of a dermatological disease.
If you are interested in learning more about the symptoms of lice in guinea pigs and their treatment, don't miss the following article from our site where we explain everything about this ectoparasitosis.
Symptoms of lice in guinea pigs
Parasitic diseases in guinea pigs are characterized by their slow and insidious manifestation, so that they often go unnoticed by their keepers. In most cases, guinea pigs are subject to a gradual parasitic infection to which they adapt, so that while the animals are immunocompetent, they remain apparently he althy and show no signs of disease
However, any situation that generates immunosuppression in the guinea pig (such as stress, pregnancy, lack of hygiene, environmental or dietary changes, nutritional deficiencies, etc.) will favor the multiplication of ectoparasites, which will lead to the appearance of a dermatological diseaseIn these cases, you can see:
- Skin lesions: both primary lesions caused by the parasite itself (alopecia, scabs or scaling) and secondary lesions caused by a excessive scratching (wounds and scabs).
- Abnormal behaviors: such as excessive scratching (due to itching or pruritus) or vocalizations.
- Weight loss: the stress caused by intense itching can cause weight loss in animals. In the case of young guinea pigs, a lack of weight gain may be observed.
The two species of lice that generally parasitize guinea pigs are Gliricola porcelli and Gyropus ovalis. Both are chewing lice that belong to the Mallophaga order. This type of lice are adapted to feed on the superficial layers of the skin, abrasions, scabs and blood clots. As a consequence of their feeding, they can generate:
- Primary lesions: alopecia, scaling and scabs.
- Irritation: triggers intense itching to which the animal responds by scratching or even biting to relieve the itching.
- Secondary lesions: wounds and scabs.
How do I know if my guinea pig is sick? Discover the answer in this article that we recommend.
How are lice transmitted to guinea pigs?
Head lice can be transmitted in two ways:
- By direct contact with other infested guinea pigs.
- De Indirectly through food, contaminated material (such as bedding), or fomites (such as clothing or the shoes).
Diagnosis of lice in guinea pigs
Diagnosis of lice infestation in guinea pigs is based on the following points:
- Medical History: Before the examination, your veterinarian will ask you about changes in your guinea pig's behavior (such as scratching excessive or vocalizations), appearance of lesions and, where appropriate, evolution of these lesions. In addition, in case of suspicion of infestation by ectoparasites, it will ask you about the possible origin of it (introduction of new guinea pigs in the group, change of bedding material, etc.)
- Complete examination: within the complete examination, the veterinarian will pay special attention to the dermatological examination, in order to detect lesions compatible with the presence of lice. The lesions may be primary (caused by the parasite itself) or secondary (caused by excessive scratching).
- Direct observation: Guinea pig lice can be observed directly by examining the hair on the back of the animal, especially in the lower back and head. However, in severe infestations lice can be found all over the body.
- Trichogram and microscope observation: a hair sample (trichogram) will be taken and observed directly under a microscope in order to detect the eggs attached to hair.
Treatment of lice in guinea pigs
As we have already mentioned, in most cases parasites are associated with immunosuppression problems. Therefore, one of the main objectives of treatment must be to correct the cause that is causing the immunosuppression (stress, diet, environment, etc.). In the specific case of guinea pigs, it is essential to ensure a daily supply of vitamin C, especially in sick animals, since their requirements are increased.
Once the cause of immunosuppression has been corrected, we must consider how to eliminate lice in guinea pigs. To achieve this, a treatment based on the following points should be established:
- Aetiological treatment: based on the use of antiparasitic drugs. Macrocyclic lactones, such as ivermectin or selamectin, are generally used due to their effectiveness and the few adverse effects they present. Ivermectin is usually administered orally and selamectin topically. Although they are drugs that can also be injected subcutaneously, it is preferable to avoid this route of administration as it can cause severe pain and lead to necrosis at the injection site. As an alternative to macrocyclic lactones, bromocyclene can be used as a powder or in dips, as it is a particularly effective treatment against lice.
- Anti-inflammatory treatment: it will not be necessary in all cases of ectoparasitosis due to lice, but it is necessary when there is intense itching or inflammation associated with the dermatopathy. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as meloxicam should be used, but the use of corticosteroids is not recommended, due to the adverse effects they cause in guinea pigs.
- Pruritus treatment: in animals with very intense pruritus (itching), diazepam can be added to the treatment, to reduce the stress caused by itching.
Since it is a highly contagious parasitosis, it will be necessary that, if you have more than one guinea pig, you administer the antiparasitic treatment to the entire group. In addition, it will be essential to clean and disinfect the environment to avoid possible reinfestations.
How to prevent lice in guinea pigs?
The best strategy to avoid lice infestation in guinea pigs is prevention. To do this, two important points must be taken into account: quarantine and external deworming.
- Cuarentena: Whenever we introduce a new guinea pig to the group, it is essential to keep it separate from the rest during the quarantine period. During this period, it is advisable to deworm the animal externally to ensure that, when it is introduced into the group, it is free of external parasites.
- External deworming: Routine external deworming will prevent ectoparasitic infestations in guinea pigs. Preventive treatment must always be carried out with specific products for rodents, since there are antiparasitics for dogs and cats that can be highly toxic to guinea pigs, even causing death. Therefore, whenever you administer an antiparasitic drug to your guinea pig, remember that it must be previously prescribed by a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals.
In any case, you should know that head lice are highly host-specific parasites. Their legs are designed to adapt exclusively to the hair of the species they parasitize, which means that there is no transmission between species Therefore, even if your guinea pig has lice, you can rest assured they won't spread to other pets or people.
Other external parasites in guinea pigs
In addition to lice, guinea pigs can be infested by other external parasites such as mange-producing mites or fleas and ticks, especially in those guinea pigs that live with dogs, cats or other carrier species, since that these latter ectoparasites are not species-specific.
Guinea pig mites
The two species of mites specific to guinea pigs are Trixacarus caviae and Chirodiscoides caviae. Both are scabies-producing mites.
- Trixacarus caviae: it is a sarcoptic mite specific to guinea pigs, potentially zoonotic, so it can betransmit to people and cause dermatitis and itching It is a burrowing mite that creates tunnels in the stratum corneum of the skin, where it lays its eggs. The presence of these mites triggers a cell-based immune response that results in very intense pruritus (itching), erythema (redness of the skin), alopecia, hyperkeratosis, and secondary bacterial or fungal dermatitis. Injuries from scratching, such as wounds and scabs, are also common. In severe cases of intense itching, vocalizations, anorexia, convulsions and even death of the animal can be observed. Being a burrowing mite, the diagnosis requires a deep scraping to be able to identify the parasite under a microscope. ´
- Chirodiscoides caviae: in this case, it is not a burrowing mite but lives in the fur of guinea pigs where it Feeds on the scales and lays its eggs In general, its presence is usually asymptomatic, although in the case of massive infestations, poor fur, itching, erythema and alopecia can be observed.
Much less commonly, mite infestations that are not specific to guinea pigs can be seen, such as:
- Cheyletiella parasitovorax: it is a more common mite in rabbits, although it can sometimes be seen in guinea pigs that live with other carrier mammals. Its presence is characterized by the appearance of itching and a large amount of whitish scaling on the affected area, hence it is known as “walking dandruff disease”.
- Demodex caviae: it is very rare in guinea pigs and is always associated with situations of immunosuppression.
Fleas and ticks in guinea pigs
Guinea pigs can be infested by dog (Ctenocephalides canis) and cat (Ctenocephalides canis) fleas. In these cases, a bad-looking coat, areas of alopecia, itching and scabs can be observed, especially on the face and ears. Similarly, guinea pigs can also be affected by the main species of ticks that parasitize dogs and cats.
For more information, don't hesitate to read these other articles on How to get rid of fleas on dogs? and How to remove thumb in cats?
