flystrike in guinea pigs?

[Crackle & Pop]

ive always wondered if you can get flystike in guinea pigs. i knows its very horrible in rabbits and I'm always very worried when its summer and there are flies around. if they can get it what will i need to do to prevent it? and what signs should i look out for? if they do get it how will i treat it? thanks

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, you can - regular cleaning of any hutches is as essential as with rabbits. It would be good if you checked your piggy bums daily, as it can hit incredibly quickly!
http://www.oginet.com/pgurney/blowfly.htm

 

[Crackle & Pop]

thanks very much for the reply! also can guinea pig mite shampoo help to prevent it? i use this anyway occasionally just to keep the fur clean as poss

 

[Guinea Fan]

I always spray mine with this

http://www.farmway.co.uk/pet-1/small-animal-6/treats-and-sundries-18/beaphar-rabbits-guinea-2748.htm

I only use it once at the beginning of summer, although if this weather keeps up might have to do them again

 

[Crackle & Pop]

thanks thats probably the best way to prevent it. they have clean cages but because they are outside i always worry

 

[gingerpig]

My rabbit has just died of this. :0:0 . . I always thought it only happened to people who kept dirty cages and never checked on their animals . . . it happens incredibly quickly.

We have 3 guineas, Rosie is losing wee all the time because of an infection she's being treated for and the flies love her, she has little dots round her bum every day and I bathe them off. . . . damn those flies. mallethead

I think a daily check is essential and this warm weather is probably not helping.

If they get it, the vet said they use a spray to kill the lice, I think there is then something they can give you to stop reinfection, but spotting it quickly is key. It only takes a few hours for maggots to hatch and they quickly get huge. Once they get under the skin its much more difficult, they burrow under and literally eat our poor pet alive and the vet said its equivalent to a third degree burn on the pain scale . . . .

Being vigilant is key. I would do anything to turn the clock back to last Friday, I check Minty most days but didn't that day and that is something i'll always regret 8...