Important to Note: Ringworm & Mange

These are common infections in guinea pigs, especially in the young, old, pregnant, and immuno-compromised.

Ringworm, is a fungal infection that causes bald patches, often around the face and head, with crusty, red, flaky skin. The cause of ringworm in guinea pigs, often is from contact with another infected animal, whether that be a cow or another guinea pig, it can come from anywhere. But, this is not a major cause for alarm, the treatment is quite simple and can be done at home, not requiring vets. 

Treatment:

• Isolate the infected guinea pig. To prevent the spread of this, the infected guinea pig will need to be isolated from other pets and animals until they have fully recovered (or no longer contagious). 
• Medication/Treatment, I always use Beaphar Anti Ringworm Spray which you can find on amazon, or ebay, for as little as £10. To use, see the information leaflet in the product box. But it is simply spray on the affected area on your pet, at a distance of 5-10 cm away, recommended is 3 sprays per guinea pig, as you don't want to give them too much. This can be done every other day, until it has cleared. 

Mange, is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin. It is characterized by intense scratching, hair loss especially on the back of the neck and back, crusty red sore and scaly lesions that may bleed, restlessness, and sometimes weight loss. It is commonly caught from hay, as this can be common in vacuum packed, shop-brought hay. 

Treatment: 

• Isolate the infected guinea pig. To prevent the spread of this, the infected guinea pig will need to be isolated from other pets and animals until they have fully recovered (or no longer contagious). 
• Medication/Treatment. I always recommend Beaphar Anti Mange Spray  it is an at-home treatment, so this mean no expensive vet bills, and can be brought on amazon and ebay for as little as £16. To know how to use it properly please see the information in the packaging. But this is how I use it, simply spray on the nape of their neck and affected areas, and again cannot be sprayed more than 3 times per pig as this will be too much at one time, continue this every other day until it has cleared up. 

It is important though, to not be alarmed if your guinea pig catches this, it is important to catch it early, but if done so your guinea pig will be able to recover from this (mortality rate is quite low, and generally only in severe cases). This type of infection/conditions always looks a lot worse than it actually is ... We will always recommend buying these treatment before even getting your piggies, because of how comon this is, it is always a good thing to have just in case. If you have any concerns, or are struggling to identify which infection/condition it is, feel free to contact me.