Guinea pig coccidiosis
The coccidiosis of the guinea pig is a disease of the colon by protozoa , called coccidia (class sporozoa ). It belongs to the protozoal infections . The pathogen that occurs in guinea pigs is Eimeria caviae . Coccidiosis occurs mainly in young animals in mass farms and guinea pig rearing, it does not play a major role in pet husbandry. Poor posture hygiene and a vitamin C deficiency are beneficial .
clinic
The prepatency period is 11 to 13 days. The sick animals show diarrhea, which can also be bloody, as well as general disorders (shaggy fur, inappetence , emaciation) and frequent urination ( polyuria ). The mortality rate is up to 40%.
The diagnosis is made by microscopic detection of the approximately 20 µm large oocysts in the faeces after enrichment in the flotation process .
Treatment is possible with coccidia-effective drugs such as toltrazuril or sulfonamides , which are administered orally twice over 3–5 days with a 5-day break in between. An additional dose of vitamins is recommended. The control should be supplemented by regular disinfection of the cages.
See also
literature
- MJ Huerkamp et al: Guinea pigs. In: K. Laber-Laird et al .: Handbook of rodent and rabbit medicine . Pergamon Press, 1996, ISBN 0-08-042505-4 , pp. 91-149.
- E. Wasel: guinea pigs. In: K. Gabrisch, P. Zwart: Diseases of pets. 6th edition. Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft, Hanover 2005, ISBN 3-89993-010-X , pp. 49–86.
