Mange is one of the most common skin diseases in guinea pigs Therefore, in this article on our site we are going to get to know it in depth the characteristics of the agents that cause this parasitic disease. Thanks to these keys, we will be able to carry out an early detection of the symptoms related to scabies and, therefore, an adequate treatment.
If you suspect that your little friend may be suffering from this pathology, read on and find out all about mange in guinea pigs, its symptoms and treatment.
What is scabies?
The agent that causes scabies is a microscopic arthropod, which lives under the skin, which moves by digging tunnels between the dermis and stratum corneum, which are known as burrows and which can sometimes even be visible. Its distribution is worldwide and affects all types of guinea pigs, regardless of the degree of hygiene. Although it is worth reviewing the basic care of the guinea pig to ensure the best possible quality of life.
The female digs a channel or tunnel and will not come out again. As she progresses through these channels, she lays eggs. These eggs turn into larvae that will either dig a channel perpendicular to the one made by her mother, or will go outside. The larva will change into a nymph: 1st nymph, 2nd adult. In each of these moults she will excavate tunnels perpendicular to the ones she traced in her previous instar or go outside. The males are always entering and leaving the host (within it there will only be 33% of the total males), but the females will stay in it, laying between 25 and 30 eggs.
Is guinea pig mange contagious?
It is transmitted by direct contact, so we must take preventive measures if we have other guinea pigs. It can also cause transient infestations in us producing dermatitis, but these are isolated cases, since the scabies-producing mites are species-specific and have to finish their biological cycle in a given host. It feeds on lymph and epithelial cells and its cycle is completed around 4 or 6 weeks.
Symptoms of mange in guinea pigs and ectoparasites involved
The most frequent producing agents of scabies in guinea pigs are:
- Chirodiscoides caviae. It is usually found in the hair and the infestation is less severe than that caused by Trixacarus. It usually produces subclinical infestations, that is, the presence of the mite only causes clinical signs when the guinea pig's immune system is compromised (gestation) or in inadequate handling conditions (stress, temperature changes, etc.).
- Trixacarus scabei. It is the most dangerous, causing severe itching, scaling, self-trauma, alopecia, skin thinning, erythema, papules, vesicles, weakness, and behavioral changes.
The lesions are usually located on the neck, trunk, thighs or abdomen. In chronic conditions, the affected areas present hyperkeratosis (thickening of the outer layer of the skin). Severe conditions including seizures may occur.
The less frequent producing agents are Notoedres muris and Sarcoptes scabei. However, keep in mind that lice and fleas cause similar symptoms.
Diagnosis and treatment of mange in guinea pigs
The veterinarian should rely on the clinical signs and the deep skin scrapingto make a correct diagnosis of the disease. In the case of Chirodiscoides, when found in the hair, a trichrogram or adhesive tape will be made.
The mites will be observed under the microscope and we will be ready to start treatment, both medical and management. Sometimes it is difficult to find the mites, so in suspicious animals with compatible symptoms it is justified to carry out the treatment and observe the results.
The handling measures that we must carry out will be isolate the guinea pigof his companions if he has them and clean thoroughly the cage and change the substrate despite the fact that the agent cannot survive long periods of time in the environment.
The most effective medical treatment consists of:
- Subcutaneous injection of Ivermectin repeated at intervals of 15 days.
- Selamectin in spot-on solution repeated at intervals of 15 days.
- Treat secondary infections with the appropriate antibiotic.
- Shampootherapy. To carry it out, don't miss our article on "How to bathe a guinea pig".
- Review and control when our veterinarian tells us.
