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Guinea Pigs (Laboratory) - Pathology (view source)
Revision as of 15:00, 21 October 2010
, 15:00, 21 October 2010no edit summary
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. <br />
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. <br />
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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.<br />
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===Lice===
Lice infestations can be caused by a number of different species with the most common being ''Gliricola porcelli''. ''Gyropus ovalis'' and ''Trimenopen jenningsi'' are also common. The lice can often be seen in the fur and eggs can be seen as either black or white specks adhering to the hair shafts of the fur. <br />
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Microscopic examination of the hair and skin scrapings is sufficient for diagnosis.<br />
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===Other Mite Infestations===
Fur mites or ''Chirodiscoides caviae'' can be found in pairs within the fur but are commensal. Fur mites do not usually produce clinical signs, even during heavy infestations.<br />
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Rabbit fur mites or ''Psoroptes cuniculi'' can also be found within the fur and cause crusting and scaling dermatitis. This mite can also cause extreme pruritis
===Fly Strike===
Although this condition is uncommon in guinea pigs, the prescence of larvae of blowfly colonising a moist wound can lead toxic shock. Guinea pigs appear far less susceptible to fly strike than rabbits and in most cases prognosis for recovery is good.