CAVY COAT AND SKIN CONDITIONS
Karen 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

Treatment:
- prepare the mixture according to instructions on the tin, using the strength suggested for birds.
- dip the cavy in the solution, or spray the mixture through the coat. Squeeze excess solution from the coat. - allow the cavy to air dry in a well ventilated, but breeze free area, eg a laundry with the door open.
- spray or wipe out the empty cage with remaining solution.
- repeat the treatment in 7-10 days to kill any remaining mites.




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





Treatment:
- prepare the mixture according to instructions on the tin, using the strength suggested for birds.
- dip the cavy in the solution, or spray the mixture through the coat. Squeeze excess solution from the coat. - allow the cavy to air dry in a well ventilated, but breeze free area, eg a laundry with the door open.
- spray or wipe out the empty cage with remaining solution.
- repeat the treatment in 7-1 0 days to kill any remaining mites.

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.

Treatment:: Quit Itch - shampoo the cavy with neat solution.
- allow to dry in a breeze free area.
- mix the concentrate with water 1:1 in a spray bottle, and spray the solution onto affected areas - leave on the coat and return cavy to a clean hutch.
- spray affected areas every day for 2 weeks.
- spray the hutch with mild bleach or Halamid when changing bedding each week.

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:: Quellada (with Lindane as active ingredient) - wet the cavy with warm water.
- rub lotion/cream through the coat (avoid face).
- leave on the coat for 5 minutes, in a breeze free area.

- rinse the solution from the coat with warm water.
- towel dry, then leave to dry completely in a warm area before returning to clean hutch. - repeat treatment in 7-1 0 days.

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