Changes

Perhaps the most common finding in guinea pigs are skin problems related to diet, specifically a low vitamin C diet. Diet should always be considered when evaluating the integumentary system.

Perhaps the most common finding in guinea pigs are skin problems related to diet, specifically a low vitamin C diet. Diet should always be considered when evaluating the integumentary system.

=Ringworm=

==Ringworm==

The causal agent of this mycotic infection is commonly either ''Trichophyton mentagrophytes'' or ''Microsporum gypseum''. Areas of alopecia and seborrhoea can be found and hair can easily be plucked. Microscopic examination of hair plucked from areas of lesion is sufficient to confirm diagnosis.

The causal agent of this mycotic infection is commonly either ''Trichophyton mentagrophytes'' or ''Microsporum gypseum''. Areas of alopecia and seborrhoea can be found and hair can easily be plucked. Microscopic examination of hair plucked from areas of lesion is sufficient to confirm diagnosis.

Guinea pigs can suffer from a wide range of mycotic infections which can range in severity from mild skin changes to cystitis, pneumonia and reproductive disorders.

Guinea pigs can suffer from a wide range of mycotic infections which can range in severity from mild skin changes to cystitis, pneumonia and reproductive disorders.

=Mange=

=Mange=

This mite infection is commonly caused by ''Trixacarus caviae'', a sarcoptiform mite. Clinical signs usually occur 3-5 weeks after infection and lesions are usually visible around the head, shoulders and back. Hair is easily plucked and skin is usually seborrhoeic and pruritic. In some cases self trauma may also compound problems.  

This mite infection is commonly caused by ''Trixacarus caviae'', a sarcoptiform mite. Clinical signs usually occur 3-5 weeks after infection and lesions are usually visible around the head, shoulders and back. Hair is easily plucked and skin is usually seborrhoeic and pruritic. In some cases self trauma may also compound problems.  

Microscopic examination of skin scrapings is usually sufficient to confirm diagnosis. Guinea pigs are also succeptible to Demodex infections with similar clinical signs and diagnosis.

Microscopic examination of skin scrapings is usually sufficient to confirm diagnosis. Guinea pigs are also succeptible to Demodex infections with similar clinical signs and diagnosis.