Itchy Skin on Guinea Pigs

The guinea pig, which is also known as a cavy, is a small rodent that originally comes from South America. It is a friendly, docile animal, if socialized while still young. Guinea pigs are popular pets. For the most part, they are hardy animals, but, occasionally, can develop severe itching. Itchy skin on a guinea pig should be treated immediately.

  1. Causes

    • When an guinea pig is showing signs of excessive scratching, there are several causes that might be at work. The first, and most common cause of guinea pig skin problems, is an external fungal infection. Fungal infections can cause hair loss, accompanied by scaly skin and sores, which can cause the guinea pig to itch. Lice and mites can also cause itchy skin in guinea pigs.

    Identification

    • Thinning hair and broken hair shafts are a sign of insect infestation, as are small pimple-like spots on the skin. When a guinea pig suffers from a fungal skin infection, its fur will have a greasy feel and the skin underneath will have a rough, scraped feel. The skin might also appear red and irritated. Whether itchiness is caused by a mite infestation or by a fungal infection, the skin may have lesions caused by scratching. A veterinarian can determine the precise cause by studying a skin scraping.

    Treatment

    • Early mite infestations can be treated with Neem oil and shampoo, but in more severe cases, Ivomectin, an anti-parasitic medication, may need to be applied to the skin or injected subcutaneously. A fungal skin infection can be treated through the use Griseofulvin, a medication that is available by prescription from the veterinarian.

    Isolation

    • Be sure to isolate any guinea pig that is showing signs of excessive scratching until you know what is causing it and how to treat it. Parasites and fungal infections are highly contagious, so keep infected animals in a different room, and wash your hands after handling them.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To prevent the issues that cause itchy skin on guinea pigs, remember that your guinea pig's cage should be kept clean, warm and dry. This will help skin infections from developing. Similarly, make sure that you quarantine new guinea pigs for at least two to three weeks before introducing them to your other guinea pigs. This can allow you to make sure that you are not bringing in new parasites.