Guinea Pig Hair Loss and Scabbing: Possible Skin Diseas

Ringworm, commonly known as "skin mycosis" or "alopecia areata," is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes. Clinically, it is characterized by distinct, circular or annular patches of hair loss on the skin, accompanied by itching and scab formation.

Approximately 70% of cases are caused by Microsporum canis, 20% by Microsporum gypseum, and 10% by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These fungi are highly resilient in nature, and can be killed with 5% phenol, 2% caustic soda, or 3% formaldehyde. The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact between animals, contaminated objects, or external parasites, and can affect healthy dogs. It can occur yearround, but is most common during spring and autumn. Damp and unclean kennels, and a lack of vitamins in the diet can weaken the immune system, leading to infection. Dogs of all breeds and ages can be affected, though it is more common in young, elderly, thin, or malnourished dogs.

After infection, dogs may experience hair loss and the development of circular or annular bald spots, covered with gray scales. Within these scales, remnants of destroyed hair roots may be found, or the area may be completely bald. The lesions around the spots are clearly defined, with visible small blisters or pustules. In severe cases, the skin becomes itchy, large areas of hair may fall out, multiple lesions may merge, and crusts may eventually form.

Diagnosis can be confirmed through clinical symptoms and microscopic examination of the lesions, which reveal segmented spores.

Early isolation and treatment of affected dogs are crucial to prevent crossinfection. It is important to maintain good环境卫生, regularly disinfect the kennels, and keep the environment dry.

Treatment should combine both internal and external methods. Internally, Griseofulvin tablets at a dose of 20 to 40mg per kilogram of body weight, taken twice a day, and Ketoconazole at a dose of 10mg per kilogram of body weight, taken twice a day, should be administered for at least four weeks. Externally, antifungal creams such as Clotrimazole or Miconazole can be applied topically one to two times daily until the infection is cleared. Before applying the cream, the affected area should be cleaned with warm water.

Alternatively, a mixture of Cnidium monnieri and Chinese foxglove, soaked in 50% alcohol for 2 to 3 days, can be strained and applied topically twice a day.

In this case, Dr. Oxygen Pet Doctor diagnosed the dog's hair loss and scab formation as a suspected Microsporum infection, and the suggested treatments can be referred to for guidance.