Guinea pigs get wet for the Big Wash

Guinea pigs get wet for the Big Wash
Kylie Timmins
 
Volunteers at the Australian Cavy Sanctuary (ACS) won’t have the luxury
of an Australia Day public holiday — instead they’ll be pitching in to
wash more than 50 guinea pigs in need of a good scrub. On Monday 28
January the crew will be rolling up their sleeves for the Big Wash, held
twice annually.
 
Some may remember ACS from their hugely successful ‘Pignic in the Park’
held at Everton Park in November last year. The self-funded animal
welfare organisation is again calling on its team of passionate
volunteers in the name of helping out their furry little friends.
 
January is typically the busiest time of year for animal shelters, and
ACS is no exception. The shelter is currently at maximum capacity due to
the Christmas season and a number of recent surrenders and rescues. Many of the animals are currently in quarantine for a number of medical
concerns, the most prevalent of which is fungal infections.
 
Fungal infections in guinea pigs can occur at any time they are caused by
an infection of the hair and the surface layers of skin by spore forming
fungi. Instances of fungal infections in guinea pigs dramatically
increase in the warmer weather, with the recent humidity in south-east
Queensland sending the number of cases skyrocketing. The infections are
highly contagious and spread rapidly between guinea pigs, so when
affected animals are taken in by ACS it’s all hands on deck to ensure
that the problem remains contained.
 
All guinea pigs with fungal infections are quarantined to minimise
spreading, and hygiene for volunteers is paramount. There are a number of
treatments available for fungal infections, including topical ointments
and medicated washes, but it can be up to a month before an animal is no
longer considered contagious. Animals need to be bathed at least twice a
week for several weeks in order to fully recover, and their cages must be
scrubbed clean to avoid re-infection.
 
One infected guinea pig surrendered to the shelter shortly before
Christmas is Victor. Victor was purchased from a pet shop several months
ago by his previous owners, and was surrendered to the shelter after
developing companionship issues with his other buddy Hugo. He was
suffering from a nasty fungal infection which has spread to most pasts of
his body, including around his eyes, under his coat and on his feet.
Thankfully, Victor has made a full recovery and is now waiting for that
special someone to welcome him into their family.
 
The ACS is always looking for more support. Members of the public are
welcome to volunteer for the Big Wash by contacting manager Jessica
Proietti at the ACS website, www.australiancavysanctuary.com. Volunteers
will be asked to assist with bathing, drying and grooming guinea pigs.
Public visits on the day are also welcome by appointment only.
 
WHO: Australian Cavy Sanctuary ( non profit/non funded small animal
organization )WHAT: THE BIG WASH – Volunteer and Educational event ( open to the public )WHEN: Monday January 28th – 11am – 2pm.WHERE: Australian Cavy Sanctuary Brisbane Shelter - 69 Cashmere Lane, Cashmere. ( All ACS Shelters are currently run on residential premises ).
 
For interviews, high-quality images or photo opportunities please contact
Jessica Proietti.
ACS Weblinks:
The Big Wash -
http://australiancavysanctuary.com/latestnewssbigwash20081.htm
Fungal Infections in Guinea Pigs -
http://australiancavysanctuary.com/guineapigcarefungalinfections.htm
 
Jessica Proietti – ACS Founder and Brisbane Shelter ManagerEmail:
fizzygirl28@hotmail.com                                  Ph: (07) 3882
1184 or 0431 966 054 or 0434 482 001.                                
 

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