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Guinea pig has cut and lost hair across back

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Deathwing

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Hi I have 2 guinea pigs, both female, have had them together about 1 year since they were babies. They live in a large two-storey outdoor hutch (6x4 feet I think) but we keep them inside because of cats outside. They have some toys in their hutch, mini-house, tunnel, chew mat, plenty of food and water. The food brand was changed recently to a budget one which looks like boring crap I won't be using it again but having bought several kg of it would like to use it up first.

Until recently they were in the living room with us and I would let them out once a week to run around the living room for a few hours and they would squeak a lot while running about. About a month ago I moved them into the kitchen and they lost their weekly run - this was done because CAFCASS (social worker type people) may visit soon so I need to keep the living room tidy, nice-smelling and free of poop on the dark carpet. Admittedly I have not been giving them as much attention as I would have liked recently, about 20-30 minutes most days.

The one who is hurt is the rex (ginger) who is more vocal and friendly with humans. The unhurt one is mixed breed (black) and is fearful of humans but the most vocal when she thinks humans are not around. They do not seem frightened of each other and huddle up together if ever scared.

I don't know if the black one hurt the rex, or the rex did it to herself out of anxiety or some other reason? These are my first guinea pigs since I was a kid so any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks!
 
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Have you heard any chattering at all or noticed any change in their behaviour?
 
No chattering or change in behaviour.

I've just read another post which talked about mites and this might just be thinking they have what I've read but the rex does seem to spend a lot of time nibbling herself with her mouth recently. But can they get mites if they live indoors and we have no other animals?
 
I let them out today for a run in the kitchen but the black one jumped straight back in her hutch. The rex just stayed under the hutch and did not venture out. So I don't think it's from a lack of playing area.
 
Okay I applied Ivermectin today so hope they will get better.

Should I reapply it in 7 days/4 weeks/not at all?
 
Guineas dont 'catch' mites as such. It is thought that the microscopic mites live under the skin of all guineas and only cause problems in times of stress or their immune systems become compromised for some reason ie during illness. It may be that yours have become a little stressed at their new surroundings or it could indeed be their new food. Make sure they have a good and varied supply of fresh veg, salad and fruit - particularly foods with high levels of Vit C.

Treatment with ivermec should sort the problem and needs applying twice with a 10 day gap between treatments. If the piggy hasn't completely recovered then a third dose can be given 10 days after the second dose.

Teresa xx
 
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