
Scabies is one of the most frequent cutaneous diseases in guinea pigs .Therefore, in this article of Animals and Pets Online we will know in depth the characteristics of the agents that cause this parasitic disease.Thanks to these keys, we can carry out an early detection of symptoms related to mange and, therefore, an adequate treatment.
If you suspect that your little friend may be suffering from this pathology, keep reading and find out everything about scabies in guinea pigs , its symptoms and treatment.
What is scabies?
The causative agent of scabies is a microscopic arthropod , which lives under the skin, which travels by digging tunnels between the dermis and the corneal layer, which is known as burrows and sometimes they can even be visible.Its distribution is worldwide and affects all types of guinea pigs, regardless of the degree of hygiene.Although it is worth reviewing the basic care of the guinea pig to ensure the best possible quality of life.
The female digs a canal or tunnel and will not come out of it again.Segun advances through these channels, she lays eggs.These eggs become larvae that either dug a perpendicular channel to which his mother made, or they will go outside.The larva will move to nymph: 1st nymph, 2nd adult.In each of these molts he will dig perpendicular tunnels to those that he drew in his previous stage or will go outside.They are always in and out of the host (inside there will only be 33% of the total males), but the females will remain in the egg laying a number of between 25 and 30 eggs.
Is scabies in guinea pigs contagious?
Is transmitted by direct contact , so we must take preventive measures if we have other guinea pigs.It can also cause transient infestations in us causing dermatitis, but they are cases isolated, since mange-producing mites are species-specific and have to finish their biological cycle in a given host.It feeds on lymph and epithelial cells and its cycle is completed around 4 or 6 weeks.
Symptoms of scabies in guinea pigs and ectoparasites involved
The most frequent mange-producing agents in guinea pigs are:
- Chirodiscoides caviae .It is usually found in the hair and the infestation is less serious than that produced by Trixacarus .It usually produces subclinical infestations, that is, the presence of delacaro only causes clinical signs when the immune system of the guinea pig is compromised (gestation) or in improper handling conditions (stress, temperature changes, etc.).
- Trixacarus scabei .It is the most dangerous, causing very pronounced pruritus, desquamation, autotraumatisms, alopecia, thinning of the skin, erythema, papules, vesicles, weakness and changes in behavior.
The lesions are usually located in the neck, trunk, thighs or abdomen.In chronic pictures, the affected areas have hyperkeratosis (thickening of the outer layer of the skin).Severe pictures may occur in which they occur lsions.
The less frequent producing agents are Notoedres muris and Sarcoptes scabei .That's right, keep in mind that the lice and Fleas cause similar symptoms .

Diagnosis and treatment of scabies in guinea pigs
The veterinarian must rely on the clinical signs and the deep skin scraping to make a correct diagnosis of the disease. Chirodiscoides , when in the hair, a trichrogram or tape will be performed.
Losacaros will be observed through the microscope and we will be ready to establish a treatment, both medical and management Sometimes the finding of the mites is difficult, so in suspicious animals with compatible symptoms it is justified to carry out the treatment and observe results.
The management measures that we must take out they will be isolate the guinea pig from its companions if it has them and deep clean the cage and change the substrate even though the agent fails to survive long periods of time in the environment.
The most effective medical treatment consists of:
- Subcutaneous injection of Ivermectin with repetition at 15-day intervals.
- Selamectin in spot-on solution with repetition at 15-day intervals.
- Treat secondary infections with the appropriate antibiotic.
- Champuterapia.To carry it out, do not miss our article on "How to bathe a guinea pig".
- Review and control when our veterinarian tells us.

This article is merely informative, at Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any of you Po of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case you present any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Scabies in guinea pigs-Symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our parasitic diseases section.
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