Focal pruritus and alopecia in lumbar area in guinea pigs

From June to December 2017, four male guinea pigs (3-4 years old) with different owners were brought to the Clinic for Small Animals at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. All of them presented with an identical symptom – severe pruritus on the dorsal rump. The animals were scratching so intensely that they appeared to be having a seizure. Also, all owners noticed that their animals had become aggressive since the onset of symptoms. One of the animals had selfmutilation trauma. One of the guinea pigs also had a hairless area behind its ears. Also, one animal lived in a pair with another guinea pig that did not have any skin changes.