Guinea pig mange
The Meerschweinchenräude (including sarcoptic mange ) is a parasitic -induced skin disease of guinea pigs that with violent itching associated and severe skin lesions. The pathogen is the mite Trixacarus caviae , which is closely related to the grave mites ( Sarcoptes ) and feeds on lymph and cell fluid. It is transmitted through direct contact between animals, and poor keeping conditions promote the disease. A weakened immune system of individual animals can also promote the disease. Trixacarus caviae can also pass to humans as a false host and cause a temporary "pseudo scabies ", so the disease is a zoonosis .
clinic
The guinea pig mange usually begins in the area of the lips and the bridge of the nose, with more severe infestation it can spread to the entire body. It is characterized by hair loss ( alopecia ) and skin thickening ( lichenification ). As a result of the very strong itching, scratching can cause skin injuries and the formation of scabs. If the infection is severe, the extreme itching can trigger epilepsy- like attacks. These attacks can usually also be triggered by vigorous stroking.
The diagnosis can be made on the basis of the clinical picture and microscopic pathogen detection from a skin scrap. In the differential diagnosis , cryptococcosis ( Cryptococcus neoformans ) and infestation with fur mites ( Chirodiscoides caviae ) must be excluded.
The therapy is usually subcutaneously with acaricide acting ectoparasiticides such as fipronil , ivermectin , doramectin , selamectin or amitraz . Antibacterial and fungicidal agents can be applied to the skin to prevent secondary infection from skin fungi or bacteria. Orally administered antihistamines , which can reduce the itching and thus the risk of epilepsy-like seizures, can also be helpful .
literature
- W. Beck, N. Pantchev: Parasitoses of the guinea pig. In: Practical Parasitology in Pets. Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft, Hanover 2006, ISBN 3-89993-017-7 , pp. 35–60.
- E. Wasel: Sarcoptic mange. In: K. Gabrisch, P. Zwart: Diseases of pets. 6th edition. Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft, Hanover 2005, ISBN 3-89993-010-X , pp. 63–64