Maybe mites, help please.

[vasilka]

Found out large scab on my guinea pigs back. She has been scratching and biting herself lately.
I think she has got mites, so I used Ivermectin on her straight away. See how she is getting on and maybe I will give her another dose in 10days. Do I need to give her a bath in something else?
How long do I wait until is more serious and she needs to go to vets?
Shall I give her a few days? When does the itching stops?
Is there anything else I can rub on her scab? Do I need to treat other guinea pigs, those who are in her cage?
Many thanks.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Hi vasilka, I think you're doing the right thing by treating for mites, it looks and sounds like that's a feasible thought - just be very careful applying anything to the skin while it's so raw and scabbed.

If she seems inclined to scratch at the scab as it's healing, Aloe Vera gel/ointment can help to soothe the itching and protect the skin a little - I have had success with this with my own piggies.

I do recommend bathing her at some stage, as dead parasites can still irritate piggies, so aim to bathe either in a couple of days (leave at least 48 hours after the ivermectin dose) and/or 2-3 days after her final ivermectin treatment.

 

[vasilka]

Thanks, Laura. I shall keep an eye on her. Many thanks for your reply. What shampoo do you normally use on your piggies?
Can I get it online, I live in Australia at the moment.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I like www.gorgeousguineas.com - you can buy online and they do ship worldwide. I think an anti-parasitic shampoo would be ideal but a bath in a regular piggie shampoo should also suffice, as you're mainly aiming to wash the parasites out of the skin and coat, which in theory can be achieved with any safe shampoo.