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Itching & Scratching

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Do you have access to a vet that will see guinea pigs? it is possible he has either mange mites or a fungal infection, both of which would need treatment from the vet. Does he have any hair loss or thinning?
 
Albert Zeller said:
I have a guinea pig named Shadow, he's about 3 years old and we got him at a Pet Smart. He has been itching/scratching his nose and towards his back side. I have bathed him and all but that hasn't seemed to really help. What should I do?
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Itching and scratching can be caused most likely by either mange mites or fungal infection, usually ringworm. Both are not at all uncommon in highly stressed guinea pigs with not yet fully developed immune systems and exposure at the shop.
Either will require a proper diagnosis and appropriate good quality treatment. Cheap shop products are too low dosed and will only help to make things worse in the long term, as can treating on spec.
If the itching has happened within 2 weeks of getting your piggies from a pet shop, you should be able to reclaim any vet cost by presenting the vet bill and diagnosis together with the sales receipt. Do not let yourself be fobbed off by the shop and by using medical broad spectrum junk products. I have added US based links which list brands that should be available where you are.
Guinea Lynx :: Parasites
Guinea Lynx :: Fungus
Gorgeous Guineas Photo gallery
Gorgeous Guineas Identification
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

As you are mentioning Pet Smart, I assume that you are in the US or Canada? As we have members from all over the world, please add your country, state or province to your details, so we can help you much more effectively. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location.
Here is a link with recommended vets for the US and Canada Veterinarians - The GLX-Files
 
helen105281 said:
Do you have access to a vet that will see guinea pigs? it is possible he has either mange mites or a fungal infection, both of which would need treatment from the vet. Does he have any hair loss or thinning?
Click to expand...
I haven't noticed that, I'll have to take a closer look.
Wiebke said:
Itching and scratching can be caused most likely by either mange mites or fungal infection, usually ringworm. Both are not at all uncommon in highly stressed guinea pigs with not yet fully developed immune systems and exposure at the shop.
Either will require a proper diagnosis and appropriate good quality treatment. Cheap shop products are too low dosed and will only help to make things worse in the long term, as can treating on spec.
If the itching has happened within 2 weeks of getting your piggies from a pet shop, you should be able to reclaim any vet cost by presenting the vet bill and diagnosis together with the sales receipt. Do not let yourself be fobbed off by the shop and by using medical broad spectrum junk products. I have added US based links which list brands that should be available where you are.
Guinea Lynx :: Parasites
Guinea Lynx :: Fungus
Gorgeous Guineas Photo gallery
Gorgeous Guineas Identification
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures

As you are mentioning Pet Smart, I assume that you are in the US or Canada? As we have members from all over the world, please add your country, state or province to your details, so we can help you much more effectively. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location.
Here is a link with recommended vets for the US and Canada Veterinarians - The GLX-Files
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for that information.

Unfortunately, this message popped up using the Vet Locator:
sauxbWb.png

EDIT: I just realized that all results are from U.K., my bad :P

I do live in the United States, particularly in the Somerset County, New Jersey area.
 
Last edited:
Albert Zeller said:
I haven't noticed that, I'll have to take a closer look.

Thank you very much for that information.

Unfortunately, this message popped up using the Vet Locator:
sauxbWb.png

EDIT: I just realized that all results are from you.K., my bad :P

I do live in the United States, particularly in the Somerset County, New Jersey area.
Click to expand...

Have a look at this link here; it has a list of recommended US vets for your state: Guinea Lynx Records :: Topic - Veterinarians: New Jersey
 
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