Fur and skin diseases in guinea pigs - how to help your pet?

03/18/2021 17,507 Guinea pigs

Author: Olga

Shiny coat and clean skin are an integral part of the health of any pet. We can say that wool is generally the main decoration for some breeds of pigs. Therefore, the problem of shedding fur and unhealthy skin has both a medical and an aesthetic aspect. What should a caring owner do if his guinea pig itches and how to understand why he sheds a lot - let’s try to figure it out together!

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Why does my pig shed a lot?

Do not forget that molting is a natural process for all animals. Normally, guinea pigs should have it twice a year, in early autumn and late winter - early spring. But the fact is that all animals domesticated by humans, which are constantly kept in approximately the same temperature conditions, may not have pronounced molting.

Instead, the molt seems to be spread out over time and a certain amount of hair falling out can be observed almost constantly. Have you noticed that this amount is clearly increasing, the hair is falling out in clumps or bald spots are appearing on the body? Most likely, this is no longer just an ordinary molt.

Causes

To understand why a pig sheds so much, you need to conduct at least a minimal analysis of its diet, living conditions, and you may need to do some laboratory tests.

The most common causes of severe shedding are:

1. Lack of vitamins, especially the deficiency of vitamin C and B vitamins has a clear impact on the condition of the coat.
2. The presence of fungal skin diseases. A fungus on the body of a guinea pig, in other words, lichen or dermatophytosis, looks like completely hairless islands of skin. Therefore, if the hair does not fall out evenly, but in specific dotted areas, most likely it is lichen.
3. External parasites. In addition to banal fleas, guinea pigs may have ticks, Trixacarus parasites, and lice eaters. But, in addition to molting, they also cause severe itching, and therefore molting in this case is a secondary symptom. Take a closer look at the fallen hair; if its tip is thinned, lice-eaters may be to blame.
4. Stress. If an animal has experienced a nervous shock, it may well react to this by rejecting the hair. And for him this could be a move, moving to a smaller cage, a new neighbor, too noisy guests

And then you can watch a video of a guinea pig getting a haircut!

Treatment

First of all, a shedding pig is prescribed a loading dose of vitamin C, supplemented with glucose. They also give vitamin complexes with B vitamins and methionine.

If shedding does not stop, you need to check your pet for parasites. To get rid of fleas and ticks, the same drops are used as for treating cats and dogs, only in a lower concentration. This is why you will need to consult a veterinarian.

Lack of vitamins

The easiest way to eliminate the lack of vitamins. It is quite simple to understand that this is the cause of baldness. The pet has no wounds or redness, eats well, and his behavior has not changed. In this case, it is enough to replenish the body’s need for missing vitamins C and B.

Add more fresh foods to your diet: greens, apples, carrots, sprouted grains, parsley and dill. During this period, it is recommended to feed bean hay. It would be a good idea to add a little ascorbic acid to the water, about 20–25 mg per day.

Why does it itch?

The owners of some guinea pigs notice that their pets not only shed a lot of hair, but also itch at the same time. There are cases when the itching is so severe that the animal seriously injures itself.

Causes

Itching in a guinea pig is almost always caused by the activity of ectoparasites; lichen causes itching extremely rarely. At the same time, fleas, lice, ticks, and lice-eaters can parasitize a piglet’s body. A cat flea can also spread to a guinea pig if this pet also lives in your house. Fleas cause severe itching, and crusts may form on scratched areas. With a large number of parasites, anemia may develop.

The most common parasite found in guinea pigs is the Trixacarus mite, otherwise known as the itch mite. The parasite lives up to its name by causing severe, incessant itching. Crusts, scabs, sores, and redness appear at the bite sites. Bacteria can enter wounds, causing severe suppuration and infection. The pig becomes very restless, loses weight, and if there are a large number of parasites, it can twitch convulsively and throw itself at the cage.

Treatment

Before treating mumps, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis using scrapings. Ivermectin is used to treat mites in guinea pigs. The dosage and number of injections are prescribed by a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs and the dosages applied to them. Also, to destroy ectoparasites, you can use cat and dog insecticides, in particular, Stronghold drops on the withers for kittens.

Fungal diseases

The next reason why a guinea pig goes bald is diseases caused by a fungus. These include lichen and dermatophytes. Both diseases most often begin to appear first on the face, then move to the paws, neck and spread throughout the body. The fungus causes severe itching, the formation of bald patches and purulent wounds at the site of scratching. Ringworm can not only be transmitted to humans, but also lead to the death of the animal. If the infection is severe, the itching can become so severe that the guinea pig loses its appetite and dies from exhaustion and dehydration.

Pododermatitis

Pododermatitis is a fairly common phenomenon among rodents, characterized by a disease of the paws and otherwise called “painful heels.” Most often, the disease affects the guinea pig's hind limbs and hock joint.

Causes

The following factors contribute to the development of pododermatitis:

1. Inappropriate conditions for keeping a piglet. Dampness and dirty litter are favorable soil for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
2. Excess weight of the pet, it puts additional stress on the paws.
3. Low physical activity of the pig.
4. Uneven, wire floor in the cage. If every step causes deformation of the animal's foot, it is likely to develop pododermatitis.
5. Lack of certain vitamins, in particular vitamin C.
6. Claws cut at the wrong time.

An animal affected by pododermatitis will bend its legs and become limited in its movements. Hair falls out on the affected limb, swelling and redness occur.

Then, without appropriate treatment, ulcers and wounds appear on the paw, the animal becomes lethargic and apathetic, and may even cry.

Treatment

It is very important to prevent the development of pododermatitis. That’s why clean the cage on time, use soft material for filler that will not injure your pet’s paws, and trim overgrown claws in a timely manner. If it does develop into pododermatitis, be prepared that it will take quite a long time to treat it. The wounds on the paws are first treated with solutions of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.

Then Levomekol or Solcoseryl ointment is applied. Antibiotic therapy is sometimes required if the wounds are severe and threaten to develop into blood poisoning. In severe cases, an x-ray may be necessary to ensure the bone is intact.

Feeding rodents during molting

During molting, it is useful for a guinea pig to eat carrots.
Pet owners try to pamper their pets with apples, peaches and strawberries. However, it should be understood that imported vegetables, fruits and berries are practically devoid of vitamins. They often contain harmful substances that are used to treat the fruits before transportation.

In early spring and winter, when the animal especially needs fresh plant food, it is better to give it locally grown vegetables:

• cabbage;
• carrot;
• pumpkin

You should not feed your rodent canned vegetables and fruits. For animals, such food can cause poisoning.

Sprouted seeds are very useful:

• wheat;
• oats;
• peas

These products will bring more benefits to the animal than imported fruits.

Important! Peas are required in the diet of guinea pigs, but they should be given in limited quantities, no more than 5-7 grains per day.

It is very good if a rodent eats hay with pleasure. Properly dried healthy herb will saturate the body with the necessary substances.

During winter molting, guinea pigs can sprout grain

During seasonal molting, the body requires additional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Including vitamin complexes in the animal’s menu will help to move it painlessly. Adding ascorbic acid to the drink is beneficial for pigs at any time. Vitamin C helps the animal’s fur regenerate faster.

New growths on the skin

Tumors in guinea pigs are rare, but, of course, sometimes it is the neoplasm that causes a visit to the veterinary clinic.

What could it be?

As a rule, the owner may suspect a tumor in his guinea pig if he notices a strange lump on the pet’s body or a non-healing wound. However, the neoplasm is not always malignant. This may be an abscess - a purulent capsule resulting from an injury. A lipoma, a benign formation consisting of fat cells, can also develop on the body of a guinea pig. Lipoma grows slowly and does not pose a threat to the pet’s life; it looks like a lump with moving contents.

In principle, a benign tumor can be distinguished by its growth rate and structure. The benign formation grows slowly and is located, as it were, on a stalk, at some distance from the skin. Cancer most often looks like an unhealed wound rather than a lump. It affects the skin on the paws, less often on the back or sides.

Treatment

To treat an abscess, Vishnevsky or Ichthyol ointments are used. They contribute to the rapid “ripening” of a purulent wound, which, after opening, is cleaned of pus and disinfected. Tumors, of course, need to be removed surgically. Moreover, it is also advisable to remove a benign lipoma, because there is always a risk that it will develop into a malignant liposarcoma. With timely surgical intervention, 70% of cases result in a complete cure.

Causes of nasal congestion

Congestion is when the nose becomes stuffy and sore. Minor illnesses are the most common causes of nasal congestion. For example, colds, flu, and sinus infections can cause nasal congestion. Congestion associated with the disease usually improves within one week.

The main cause of nasal congestion is infection, and the common cold is the most common type. When you have a cold, you have a viral infection, and such conditions do not respond to antibiotics, so they must run their course. A cold usually lasts about a week, give or take a few days. With over-the-counter medications, plenty of fluids, and rest, you should begin to feel better within a few days. The average child will catch up to six colds per year, and the average adult will catch up to three colds per year. A sinus infection (sinusitis) is the most common type of bacterial infection in the nose, and it can also lead to nasal congestion.

Allergic rhinitis, caused by allergies, is the second most common cause of nasal congestion. An allergy is an inflammatory reaction to an environmental pollutant (grass, dust, pollen, hay fever, mold or pet dander).

Another cause of nasal congestion is vasomotor rhinitis, and it occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed (swollen.) During an allergy attack or reaction, the blood vessels become larger and cause the membranes in the nose to become blocked, leading to nasal congestion. Avoiding respiratory irritants usually helps with this form of nasal congestion.

The fourth cause of nasal congestion is structural abnormalities, which are usually noticed in childhood. Although adults can also develop structural abnormalities, they are most often the result of injury later in life. Surgery is often the only option for correcting structural abnormalities of the nasal passages. Over-the-counter allergy medications do provide some relief from persistent nasal congestion.

If congestion lasts longer than one week, it is often a symptom of an underlying health problem. Some explanations for long-term nasal congestion may include:

• allergy
• hay fever
• benign growths called nasal polyps, or benign tumors in the nasal passages
• chemical exposure to irritants
• environment
• long-term sinus infection known as chronic sinusitis with
• deviated septum

Nasal congestion can also occur during pregnancy, usually at the end of the first trimester. Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow that occur during pregnancy can cause this nasal congestion.

These changes can affect the nasal membranes, causing them to become inflamed, dry, or bleeding.

Video “Cutting a guinea pig’s claws”

To ensure that your pet pig does not have pododermatitis, you should trim its claws on time, and the video will further demonstrate how to do this.

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Treatment and prevention

Don't panic if you find parasites in a rodent's fur. Today there are a lot of available drugs to kill pests. Remedies for lice for guinea pigs come in the form of:

• sprays, drops;
• emulsions, shampoos;
• collars and powders.

Spray

You can effectively combat the pest using sprays. They are created on the basis of insecticidal components and have a simple method of application. It is enough to spray the rodent’s fur with the solution, then rub it over the entire surface of the skin with massage movements. Most often, just one spray treatment is enough to completely rid your guinea pig of parasites. An example of such a product is Frontline spray.

Spray Frontline

Drops

Treatment for lice in guinea pigs is also carried out with drops containing an insecticide. The drug helps to get rid of not only lice-eaters, but also mites, lice and other skin parasites. The solution is dripped onto the spine in the neck area so that the rodent cannot reach it. Such means are the most effective, as they not only destroy lice-eaters, but also prevent their re-spread. Drops of the Stronghold, Bars, Advantage or Green Fort brands are in particular demand among consumers.

Emulsions

Emulsion is another cure for lice. The concentrated suspension is diluted with water in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. It is used to process animal fur. Many consumers prefer the drug Neostomozan.

Shampoos

Shampoos are a safer way to treat guinea pigs. It is preferable to use such detergents for preventive purposes. Since it is not always possible to achieve complete destruction of insects after one application. Lugovoy, Lesnoy or Fitoelita shampoos are very popular among consumers.

Collars

Collars not only get rid of pests, but also prevent re-infestation of lice-eaters in guinea pigs. The disadvantage of this accessory is the possibility of an allergic reaction and irritation in the pet.

Collar Celandine

Powder

A powdered product in the form of powder can not only get rid of pests, but also cure the inflammatory process on the skin, and also reduce the feeling of itching. The rodent's body is sprinkled with powder, trying to rub it into the skin as much as possible. The effect of the drug lasts for one and a half weeks.

To get rid of lice, it is necessary to treat not only the guinea pig, but also the cage in which it is kept. A similar procedure should also be applied to household items with which the animal comes into contact. To do this, you can use Butox 50 solution.

Natural hair loss

The temperature in the apartment is the same all year round, so rodents may shed hair constantly and in small quantities. If there are no other symptoms, your pet is most likely shedding.

Bald patches behind the ears are normal for guinea pigs. If both areas are symmetrical and do not grow over time, and the skin does not peel or itch, there is nothing to worry about.

Hair loss may indicate an aging animal. This is usually accompanied by decreased activity and weight gain. Older pigs pay less attention to hygiene, which also affects the quality of their wool.

If changes are detected in the behavior and appearance of the animal, then lost hair indicates problems with the pet’s health.

Trixacarosis

The disease is caused by mites that infect the inner layers of the skin. Symptoms of infection are rough skin, baldness, redness and dry crusts. If treatment is not carried out at the initial stage, then purulent painful ulcers form at the site of redness. The disease is accompanied by severe itching. The animal becomes restless, the temperature may rise and loss of appetite may occur. The disease is diagnosed exclusively by skin scraping. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

Demodicosis

Demodicosis is very similar to the previous disease and is caused by mites that parasitize the inner layers of the skin.

Purulent ulcers form at the site of the lesion. During the illness, the guinea pig sheds heavily, refuses to eat, and has an increase in body temperature and anxiety. If treatment is not started in time, the guinea pig may die from exhaustion. Demodicosis is dangerous because it can be transmitted to humans. Handle an infected animal only while wearing gloves. The disease is diagnosed by skin scraping in a veterinary clinic.

A sick guinea pig should be immediately isolated from other animals, and the cage should be washed with a chlorine-containing solution. All animals in contact with the sick person should be treated with a special antiparasitic shampoo. Treatment includes the use of antibiotics, shampoos, healing ointments and compresses.

lice eaters

Lice eaters are tiny insects that closely resemble common lice, but are smaller in size. Lice eaters can live in dirty litter and are transmitted through animal contact. Typically, lice eaters affect the perineal area, muzzle, withers, ears and tummy. You can also see them with a regular magnifying glass - they look like small white moving dots on the animal’s fur. The first symptom is severe itching. What to do if you have lice eaters?

The first is to isolate the animal and wash the entire cage with a special Frontline shampoo or chlorine-containing solution, and then spray the cage with an anti-lice spray. An infected animal should be treated with Acaromectin, Bolfo or Bars spray. Some breeders note a good effect from flea drops Advocate for kittens. However, you should be careful with these drops and use them strictly in accordance with the weight of the animal. For an adult and well-fed pig, 0.1 ml of drops per kilogram of weight is required.