Difference between revisions of "Mites - Guinea Pigs"
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| − | = | + | ==Introduction= |
| − | Both burrowing and fur mites are very common in the | + | Both [[:Category:Burrowing Mites|burrowing]] and [[:Category:Non-Burrowing Mites|fur mites]] are very common in the guinea pig. |
==Burrowing Mites== | ==Burrowing Mites== | ||
| − | + | [[File:Meerschweinchenräude.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Trixacarus caviae'' infestation]] | |
| − | + | '''''Trixacarus caviae''''' also known as – '''Guinea Pig Scabies''' is the most common mite in guinea pigs. | |
===Signalment=== | ===Signalment=== | ||
Any guinea pig may be affected, however the mites may remain latent for several months, with stress or underlying disease precipitating the development of clinical signs. Transmission occurs via direct contact or transfer from fomites. | Any guinea pig may be affected, however the mites may remain latent for several months, with stress or underlying disease precipitating the development of clinical signs. Transmission occurs via direct contact or transfer from fomites. | ||
| − | ===Clinical | + | ===Clinical Signs=== |
| − | Intense | + | '''Intense pruritus''', which can cause '''convulsions when handled''' is the main presenting sign. Alopecia, scaling, hyperkeratosis and severe dermatitis is seen, over the shoulders, neck and inner thighs in particular. Secondary infection may occur. |
===Diagnosis=== | ===Diagnosis=== | ||
| − | Deep skin-scrapings (to the level of capillary ooze) and microscopic examination | + | '''Deep skin-scrapings''' (to the level of capillary ooze) and microscopic examination for identification of the mite. |
===Treatment=== | ===Treatment=== | ||
| − | Weekly Ivermectin treatment for 3 for weeks. This may not be effective. | + | Weekly '''Ivermectin''' treatment for 3 for weeks. This may not be effective. |
| − | The environment should be thoroughly disinfected and bedding replaced. | + | |
| − | Any predisposing stresses or diseases should be identified and treated. | + | The environment should be thoroughly disinfected and bedding replaced. Any predisposing stresses or diseases should be identified and treated. |
==Fur Mites== | ==Fur Mites== | ||
| − | ''Chirodiscoides caviae'' is the main species that affects guinea pigs. It is an elongated ovoid mite that lives in the fur. | + | '''''Chirodiscoides caviae''''' is the main species that affects guinea pigs. It is an elongated ovoid mite that lives in the fur. |
| − | ===Clinical | + | ===Clinical Signs=== |
| − | Infection is normally asymptomatic unless there is a heavy infestation. The clinical signs associated with a heavy infestation include | + | Infection is normally '''asymptomatic''' unless there is a heavy infestation. The clinical signs associated with a heavy infestation include pruritus, alopecia and excoriation, particularly over the trunk. As the mite is a fur mite, the skin is generally unaffected unless damaged by self trauma. |
===Diagnosis=== | ===Diagnosis=== | ||
| − | Mites are easily identified following examination of hair plucks. | + | Mites are easily identified following examination of '''hair plucks'''. |
===Treatment=== | ===Treatment=== | ||
| − | Weekly Ivermectin treatment for 3 for weeks. | + | Weekly '''Ivermectin''' treatment for 3 for weeks. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College'' | + | Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) '''Veterinary Dermatology''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College'' |
| + | |||
Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial'' | Merck & Co (2009) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Ninth Edition), ''Merial'' | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | {{review}} |
| + | [[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]] | ||
Revision as of 14:41, 16 July 2011
=Introduction
Both burrowing and fur mites are very common in the guinea pig.
Burrowing Mites
Trixacarus caviae also known as – Guinea Pig Scabies is the most common mite in guinea pigs.
Signalment
Any guinea pig may be affected, however the mites may remain latent for several months, with stress or underlying disease precipitating the development of clinical signs. Transmission occurs via direct contact or transfer from fomites.
Clinical Signs
Intense pruritus, which can cause convulsions when handled is the main presenting sign. Alopecia, scaling, hyperkeratosis and severe dermatitis is seen, over the shoulders, neck and inner thighs in particular. Secondary infection may occur.
Diagnosis
Deep skin-scrapings (to the level of capillary ooze) and microscopic examination for identification of the mite.
Treatment
Weekly Ivermectin treatment for 3 for weeks. This may not be effective.
The environment should be thoroughly disinfected and bedding replaced. Any predisposing stresses or diseases should be identified and treated.
Fur Mites
Chirodiscoides caviae is the main species that affects guinea pigs. It is an elongated ovoid mite that lives in the fur.
Clinical Signs
Infection is normally asymptomatic unless there is a heavy infestation. The clinical signs associated with a heavy infestation include pruritus, alopecia and excoriation, particularly over the trunk. As the mite is a fur mite, the skin is generally unaffected unless damaged by self trauma.
Diagnosis
Mites are easily identified following examination of hair plucks.
Treatment
Weekly Ivermectin treatment for 3 for weeks.
References
Bond, Hendricks, Loeffler (2009) Veterinary Dermatology RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, Royal Veterinary College
Merck & Co (2009) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Ninth Edition), Merial
 |
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