Light coats prone to skin probs?

[daisyd]

Hey,

Just thought I see what others on the forum think of a theory I've had for a while...

I've had about 20 guineas since I was a kid (9 of which I have now). I've always noticed tho that those with light coloured fur, especially around the back end, appear to be more prone to showing symptoms of skin complaints like fungal and mites. They tend to have more dandruff and get fur that’s greasier in texture, even if they aren't itchy or loosing their hair. I've only had 6 cream/white pigs, so this is not very conclusive and I am wondering if;

(a) Its not that they had/have problems, but maybe 'normal' dandruff just shows up better and hence causing the worry of underlying issues, or

(b) For some reason the pale skin of light guineas is more susceptible to these kinds of conditions.

If I've ever suspected one of my guineas is ill I always bathe them with antifungal or treat them with ivomec depending on what seems appropriate, but am wondering if anyone else has had any similar experiences to mine and noticed this in their pale/creamy piggies more than those with dark coats, or indeed noticed the opposite?

 

[happypiggy]

mined is mostly dark hair and he has dandruff

 

[pelicano]

My PEW is very prone to fungal skin problems, and a vet once told me that the white pigs are (ie to dry skin, fungal etc). My cream pig (ie a PEW crossed with a buff) never ever gets skin problems though.

 

[daisyd]

That's interesting! I was wondering if my observations were correct, coincidence, or even paranoia!?!?! Interesting that a vet thought that too tho - I guess all piggies are different at the end of they day, no hard and fast rules ever apply...!

 

[Tracyxx]

Hmm, that's really interesting. I have 31 guineas and about eight of them are light in colour To date *touch wood* all of my lighter coloured pigs (creams, whites etc) have been fine! My blue eyed white guinea pig Daphne has the most beautiful, soft fur and perfect skin. Some of my white pigs get a discolouring, but I've found it to be Teddies are the breed that have dandruff or scurfy skin, regardless of colour. I can't say I've noticed a pattern in skin problems with breeds/colours though!