How long can mites fo untreated without causing damage to the pig?

[flintstones]

8... I believe my guinea pig's have mites, I have ordered the Xeon on Monday but I am still waiting, Will it be ok to leave it untreated for 2 more days. I first noticed a scab on Sunday originally I thought it was a bite and then relised it wasn't. I ordered the mite stuff on Monday and still waiting got an email today saying it had just been dispatched !

 

[Laura-CCC4]

As I said in my PM Joanne, they will be fine, the boys only have mild cases. The bath you'll be giving them tonight will soothe them nicely until the Xeno arrives. The problems you are worried about are only in pigs that are left many weeks, and months, without any treatment.

If you are concerned about the scab on Fred's side, you can apply Aloe Vera gel or ointment to stop it itching as it heals.

 

[Wiebke]

Mites only kill when not treated over a long time, as the constant itching and the pain from the scratching will stress and distress the guinea pig enough to go off its food eventually. If left untreated/misdiagnosed, mites can also cause fitting.

But these extremes will happen only after weeks/months, not after just days.

Any bath will get rid of the live mites and give short term relief. I give my guinea pigs an insecticidal bath before I start mites treatment (either orally or by injection) to alleviate the itching until the ivermectin kicks in.