Changes

===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.<br />

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.<br />

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.<br />

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.<br />

===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.<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.<br />

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 />

===Lice===

===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 />

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 />

Microscopic examination of the hair and skin scrapings is sufficient for diagnosis.<br />

Microscopic examination of the hair and skin scrapings is sufficient for diagnosis.<br />

===Other Mite Infestations===

===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 />

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

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<br />

===Fly Strike===

===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.<br />

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.<br />

===Alopecia===

===Alopecia===

Alopecia usually occurs hormonally, during pregnancy or post-natally. In most cases the hair loss will not be accompanied by pruritis. Bilateral symmetrical alopecia can be seen in older females suffering with ovarian cysts. Post-parturition hair loss is often bilaterally on the flanks and ventral abdomen.<br />

Alopecia usually occurs hormonally, during pregnancy or post-natally. In most cases the hair loss will not be accompanied by pruritis. Bilateral symmetrical alopecia can be seen in older females suffering with ovarian cysts. Post-parturition hair loss is often bilaterally on the flanks and ventral abdomen.<br />

Inadequate provision of vitamin C can cause hair loss and would usually be associated with weight loss, lameness, weakness and bleeding from the gums. <br />

Inadequate provision of vitamin C can cause hair loss and would usually be associated with weight loss, lameness, weakness and bleeding from the gums. <br />

===Abscesses===

===Abscesses===

Abscessess are mainly caused by fighting and various types of bacteria have been isolated as the causal agent. These include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp. and other Enterobacteria. There will be localised swelling and most abcessess occur in the throat area.

Abscessess are mainly caused by fighting and various types of bacteria have been isolated as the causal agent. These include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp. and other Enterobacteria. There will be localised swelling and most abcessess occur in the throat area.<br />

==Reproductive System==

==Reproductive System==