Etiology: Barbering usually occurs when a dominant guinea pig chews the hair of other subordinate guinea pigs in the cage. Self-barbering may also occur if an animal is experiencing stress.
Incidence: The incidence of barbering is moderate.
Clinical Signs: Clinical signs include patchy hair loss and presence of broken hair shafts usually without bite marks or skin inflammation. Alopecia in the flank region indicates self-barbering [1].
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and history, and by ruling out other underlying conditions, especially ectoparasitism.
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1. Quesenberry, K.E., Carpenter, James W., Ferrets, Rabbits, And Rodents Clinical Medicine And Surgery2003, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146: Saunders.