Lip chewing, medically known as cheylitis, describes a common condition in domestic guinea pigs characterized by weeping eczema around the lips and corners of the mouth, which in advanced stages can spread to the mouth, nose, and entire face.
Lip grinding is not a separate disease, but rather a symptom of various underlying general illnesses. The inflammatory changes on the lips and nose are caused by the interaction of various factors (not all of which have been fully clarified).
In most cases, a deficiency of vitamin C, vitamin A, B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and trace elements is considered to be the main trigger of the disease. Since guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves, feeding errors are the most common cause of deficiency. The vitamin deficiency causes tiny micro-tears and injuries to form on the lips due to bedding or hard pieces of food. The now very sensitive, irritated, and easily injured skin serves as a gateway for bacteria, fungi, or viruses, causing the skin to become inflamed.
The development of lip scabs is further promoted by highly acidic feed, acidified urine, or certain stress conditions that weaken the immune system.
The animals initially show slight, later extensive scabbing around the lips and corners of the mouth. The lips are thickened and covered with yellowish to reddish-bloody crusts. If lip scabies is not treated in time, the skin changes can spread over the entire face and severely impair food intake.
The diagnosis of lip grind can usually be made by the veterinarian based on a general examination and the findings obtained during this examination. In order to narrow down the possible triggers of the disease, a detailed preliminary report from the pet owner is particularly important, especially with regard to husbandry and feeding. In severe cases, it is advisable to have the veterinarian take a swab and have it examined in a laboratory to detect potential pathogens so that targeted treatment can be initiated.
Depending on the severity of the inflammation and the pathogen involved, the veterinarian will prescribe a suitable medication for treatment. This is most effective in the form of ointments or creams that are applied locally to the inflamed areas of skin after the scabs have been carefully softened and removed with disinfectant solutions. Nourishing ointments can be used to support the treatment and keep the skin supple and elastic.
In addition to medication, the guinea pig's diet and living conditions must be reviewed and adjusted if necessary. A guinea pig's diet should always include vitamin-rich, but not overly acidic foods (no apples or similarly acidic fruits) and unsaturated fatty acids (unpeeled sunflower seeds or whole flax seeds). Sunlight and fresh air also promote healing. However, please make sure that your guinea pig is not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time; a shady retreat must always be available to the animal.
With timely treatment and an appropriate diet, there is a good chance of complete recovery from lip grinds, provided that no complications arise. In severe cases where food intake is already impaired, gastrointestinal problems often develop, which can significantly worsen the prognosis.
To prevent this condition, it is particularly important to ensure that your guinea pig has the right posture and diet, as this will prevent vitamin or trace element deficiencies and prevent skin irritation from occurring in the first place.
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