New South Wales Cavy Club Inc
Our Aim -
To upgrade the status of Cavies generally; To breed good quality Cavies to Australian National Standards;
To provide information to the public concerning the nature and care of Cavies.
CAVY COAT AND SKIN CONDITIONSKaren Nichols, Southern Regional Branch of the NSW Cavy Club Inc.

Fur Mites
Symptoms: none. Visible as small immovable specks on the hair shaft. These mites feed on dandruff in the coat and cause little discomfort to the cavy.
Treat with: Malawash, or similar small animal pesticide
DO NOT USE AS A REGULAR SPRAY ON ANIMALS OR CAGES. USE ONLY WHEN NECESSARY, as this solution contains an anticholinesterase. FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. It is recommended that this treatment be administered by adults only. Do not allow children to handle the cavy for 2- 3 days after treatment, as the chemical will remain active on the coat for several days.
Available from: supermarkets, pet stores.

Bird lice/running lice
Symptoms: Visible as small moving creatures in the coat, or the eggs may appear as white immovable specks on the hair behind the ear. These mites feed on dandruff in the coat and cause discomfort to the cavy. In an advanced infestation the cavy often develops a sore in the middle of the back and/or sides from scratching, and may be seen to often reach round trying to bite the middle of the back.
Treat with: Malawash, or similar small animal pesticide
DO NOT USE AS A REGULAR SPRAY ON ANIMALS OR CAGES.
USE ONLY WHEN NECESSARY, as this solution contains an anti cholinesterase.
FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. It is recommended that this treatment be administered by adults only.
Do not allow children to handle the cavy for 2-3 days after treatment, as the chemical will remain active on the coat for several days.
Available from: supermarkets, pet stores.

Fungal Infections
Symptoms: sparse coat on the inside of the front and back legs, which continues up onto the tummy when untreated.
Treat with: Quit Itch Lotion: Halamid, mild bleach solution.
Quit Itch has a soapy feel and wets the coat extremely well, while it is harder to wet the coat with Halamid or mild bleach.
Available from: pet stores - Quit Itch, Halamid supermarket - Bleach
DO NOT USE MALAWASH ON PREGNANT SOWS
Selinick Mite
Symptoms: sparse coat on the tummy and legs, slightly red skin around areas of hair loss. Invisible to the eye as these mites live under the skin and suck plasma. They can cause extreme irritation to affected animals when not treated.
Treat with: Quellada Scabies Lotion, or Ivermectin - Cattle Injectable formulation
Treatment: Ivermectin- give orally with a 1 ml syringe. Dose for an adult is 0-2 ml and for a young cavy 0. 1 ml. - repeat in 7-10 days.
Available from: chemist stores –Quellada vet - Ivermectin