[Gpdd] Re: Scrapies and skin disease in guinea pigs.

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Hi Everyone,

 Scrapies is a brain disease found in sheep. Scabies is a skin condition that 
humans and animals suffer from caused by parasites. If your guinea pig has a 
skin problem wear disposable gloves just to be on the safe side.

Just a few days ago Ann emailed about her texel with a skin problem. Ann, 
this sounds like a fungal infection of the skin which guinea pigs are prone to. I 
hope the following advice is useful. I use a dog shampoo called "Seleen"  
which is available from my vet. It is used for similar skin condition in dogs. I 
have had great success with it. Wet the pig, lather well and leave on the skin 
for no less than ten minutes. Then rinsre and towel dry. Please do not use a 
hairdryer as this can make skin problems worse. Repeat this every two or three 
days until you see signs of improvement. Then just shampoo once a week until 
all crustiness is gone. 

If "Seleen" is not available I  use shampoos called Nizarol or Alphosyl. 
These are medicated shampoos for scalp conditions in human beings and are  
available from the pharmacy. They are not the usual named varieties such as "head and 
Shoulders" but a little more specialised. Shampoo as for "Selleen".

All of the above are recommended either by Peter Gurney ( his books are my 
guinea pig bibles)  and "The Cambridge Cavy Trust Hospital". I also put a little 
"Canestan" cream ( used for thrush in women) on the skin as this has 
anti-fungal properties too. I am emaillimg from England and these names may not be 
familar to you but perhaps you could find an equivelant where you live. Try to 
find a vet who has a wide base of knowledge about guinea pig diseases as he may 
have other treatments too.

 I hope this is of some help. Don't give up.

 Antoinette.