Dermatologic Problems in Guinea Pigs

Skin disease may be the most common reason that owners take their guinea pigs to a veterinarian. In addition, skin diseases are very common in laboratory colonies and may interfere with the quality and conditions of research. Most skin conditions in guinea pigs are due to infectious diseases, of which the most frequent cause is parasites. This article organizes skin diseases of guinea pigs based on the predominance of one of four clinical signs: pruritus, alopecia with minimal pruritus, excessive scaling, and nodules. Because a number of skin diseases of guinea pigs may present with variable or multiple clinical signs, it is helpful to approach these diseases according to the most likely diagnostic differential. The importance of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) as a pet varies among countries. Skin diseases may be the most common reason owners of guinea pigs visit their veterinarian. In addition, skin diseases are very common in laboratory colonies and may interfere with the quality and conditions of research. Often, these skin problems are due to infectious diseases, of which the most frequent cause is parasites. Many skin diseases seen in guinea pigs can present with variable or multiple clinical signs. Therefore, these diseases should be approached according to the most likely diagnostic differential. It also is important to remember that clinical signs may vary between individual animals and that skin lesions may change with time. This article discusses the range of skin diseases of guinea pigs and organizes them based on the predominance of one of four clinical signs: pruritus, alopecia with minimal pruritus, excessive scaling, and nodules. Miscellaneous conditions that do not fit well into this scheme are also discussed. PRURITUS Mites The mite Trixacarus (Caviacoptes) caviae causes sarcoptiform mange that is arguably the most common reason for pruritus in guinea pigs. The organism causes intense pruritus and severe self-trauma, with lesions of erythema, papules, and hyperkeratosis; chronic infestation leads to alopecia and lichenification. CE 690 Vol. 25, No. 9 September 2003 n Infectious diseases are the most common cause of skin disease