Non-itchy Hair loss in Guinea Pigs

Inflammatory causes of non-itchy hair loss in guinea pigs are restricted to ringworm and a few lice and mites.

Ringworm is attributable to a fungus. In guinea pigs the commonest ringworm inflicting fungus known as Trichophyton Mentagrophytes. Ringworm is commonest in younger guinea pigs with lesions predominantly occurring across the head and legs. There’s typically some scabbing of the pores and skin with hair falling out simply on the sides of the lesions. Extreme circumstances could grow to be extra widespread and itchy. Definitive analysis can solely be achieved with fungal tradition though remedy could also be really useful on the idea of appropriate medical indicators. Remedy is with topical lotions and washes, or oral treatment if the situation is extreme.

Lice are often related to itchiness, nevertheless, in delicate circumstances this will not be instantly evident. The eggs of lice (nits) are visible with the bare eye on the hair shaft. Remedy is usually with topical antiparasitics.

The mite Chirodiscoides Caviae may be current with none itchiness, though most guinea pigs would not have hair loss both. If this mite is inflicting no medical indicators it may be left untreated.

Non-inflammatory causes of non-itchy hair loss in guinea pigs are often hormonal. The hormonal illnesses that may trigger hair loss embody cystic ovarian illness, hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s illness. There are additionally a small variety of problems of the hair cycle which can be uncommon in guinea pigs however could trigger hair loss within the absence of itchiness. Lastly there’s an hereditary alopecia as seen in ‘skinny pigs’.

Cystic ovarian illness happens to some extent in roughly 80% of grownup, feminine guinea pigs. Ovarian cysts may be practical i.e. they produce hormones (often oestrogen) or non-functional i.e. they don’t produce hormones. Solely practical ovarian cysts will lead to hair loss. In case your guinea pig has practical ovarian cysts you might even see indicators that embody symmetrical non-itchy alopecia on the flanks, enlarged and crusty nipples and extra aggressive behaviour. Remedy may be with using hormone injection or surgical procedure to take away the ovaries.

Hyperthyroidism is an over-production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland within the underside of the neck. Experiences counsel it might happen in as a lot as 30% of guinea pigs over the age of three years. Scientific indicators typically embody a guinea pig that eats very effectively however is loosing weight, extra skittish behaviour than beforehand regular and non-itchy hair loss. Your vet could possibly really feel a swelling within the neck and detect a better than regular coronary heart price. Definitive analysis is predicated on blood checks. Nevertheless, response to remedy can be utilized in guinea pigs which have appropriate medical indicators. Remedy typically includes lifelong treatment or surgical procedure to take away the affected gland.

Cushing’s illness is also referred to as hyperadrenocorticism. It’s an overproduction of steroid hormone (cortisol) by the adrenal glands. It at the moment thought of to be a uncommon situation of guinea pigs. The indicators you might even see in case your guinea pig has Cushing’s illness embody consuming rather a lot, urinating rather a lot, elevated urge for food, symmetrical non-itchy hair loss, slowed behaviour, weight reduction (changing into skinny alongside the again however having a pot-bellied look), and bulging eyes. Prognosis may be achieved by measuring cortisol ranges in saliva. Vitamin C deficiency may cause excessive ranges of cortisol in saliva, this could due to this fact be corrected or taken under consideration when your vet analyses the outcomes. Cushing’s illness may be managed with lifelong treatment.