The Skin

[Dawn - Admin]

the skin of the guinea pig normally provides a resistant barrier against infection. However, there are many factors which lower this resistance and predispose the guinea pig to the development of skin disease.

One of the most common findings is an increase incidence of skin problems in guinea pigs fed on marginal diets, especially if these diets have a low vitamin C content.

The feeding of stale dried food will cause such a problem as the vitamin C content deteriorates rapidly 6-9 weeks after milling.

Rabbit food is also too low in vitamin C to be used as a staple diet for guinea pigs. If guinea pig s are fed a rabbit food their diet must be supplemented with daily green foods and carrots, and if necessary with vitamin C in their drinking water.

Other important stresses which predispose the guinea pig to the development of skin conditions are overheating, pregnancy and showing.

[bloblover]

Hi everyone...I'm new to the forum, and hope to get to know all of u. My son's 8mth old piggy, Dale, has a small area of fur loss on his right shoulder, and a sore bleeding spot. I am taking him to the vet tomorrow..As far as i can see, he doesnt have any mites etc, and he eats all the correct foods etc, and is otherwise very happy, so i'm really puzzled...Will lappreciate any comments, and let u know what the vet says....Irene ( Bloblover ).

[gpmum2]

Hi Irene and welcome.

Is your son's piggy in a cage by himself or with another piggy? Could he have injured himself on something in the cage or continually rubbing against something?

Anyway I hope the vets sorts him out for you... let us know how he goes.

Karen

[jessegee]

Good luck at the vets Irene, hope its a one off thats quick to heal

Is he by himself in the cage ? Just wondered if he had a tiff with a cagemate?

jessegge

[bloblover]

Hi Karen and Jessegge....Thks for your replies. Have just got back from the vet, and he says that Dale has cavy mange. He was given Ivermectin, and has to have another injection next week. The infection is mild, and my othe piggy, Charlie ,is ok, but the vet will check him out too. Fotunately, the piggies have their own cages, so hopefully there will be no cross-infection...Irene. Ps. To give u a laugh - both my piggies LOVE having their chins stroked, and put their heads right back and "purr". My tabby cat, Kerry, is not impressed!!..Irene

[gpmum2]

I am glad you have got Dale sorted out hopefully he should respond quickly to the medication.
Are your two like my boys that don't get on? Hopefully Charlie should be OK if they don't have much contact. Did the vet have any idea how he got the mange?

Karen

[bloblover]

Hi karen....We really aren't sure how Dale got mange..I bought him for my son from a petshop in December, and had to shampoo him etc, as I discovered he had lice! But that had cleared up, n Charlie has always been clear of any skin probs..The vet says the mange is very mild, so should clear up quickly, and Dale is eating well, and as loveable and friendly as ever..Cant b our other pets, cos our cat, kerry is fine, n I dont think that cat mange can affect cavies anyway?? Actually, Dale and Charlie only ever "rumble" at each other if we hold them close, but havent physically made any contact. Prob is that Charlie is my 2yr old darling, n very , very spoilt, so hates it when he sees me handling Dale!! he actually sulks in his logcabin!