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Quarantine
Whenever a new piggy is brought
into the house strict quarantine rules should be followed to protect the health
of the existing guinea pigs or other animals.
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House the new piggy/piggies
in a separate room behind closed doors for a minimum of 14 days, ideally 21
days. |
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Wash hands and forearms
thoroughly with an antibacterial soap each time after handling the newcomer. |
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Wear a coverall when
handling the new piggy or change shirts to avoid spreading anything to the
rest of the household. |
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Do not allow any
interaction between existing and new piggies and / or other animals for a
minimum of 14 days. |
Common afflictions – signs to look
for
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Upper
Respiratory Infection (URI) -
symptoms include crustiness / opaque discharge around the nose and eyes,
wheezy breathing, abnormal amounts of sneezing.
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Depending on causal agent, can be spread to other animals |
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Mange
Mites- symptoms are intense
scratching, eventually leading to hair loss and skins sores.
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Can not be seen with the naked eye |
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Host Specific |
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Fur
Mites (Cheyletiella
parasitivorax) –
symptoms include scratching, redness of skin and hair loss. Sometimes
difficult to see and actually resemble dandruff (Hence this condition is
also known as walking dandruff).
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Transmittable to other animals but not humans |
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Lice
– Symptoms include scratching, small white / cream cotton like parasite,
visible around the eyes and behind ears. White eggs will be visible.
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Host Specific |
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Fungal
Infection – Symptoms may include
patchy hair loss, dry, flaky, red skin.
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Zoonotic |
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If any of the above are
observed a visit to an experienced Guinea Pig vet is required for a conclusive
diagnoses
It is always advisable to have
your new guinea pig examined by an experienced guinea pig veterinarian.
Terms and Definitions
Zoonotic – Can be passed onto
other animals, including humans
Host
Specific – Specific to the Guinea Pig, is not be transmitted to other types of
animals
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