Mite treatment

[jfpj91]

It's just one thing after another lately. So one of my pigs, Gaia, got sick and passed away a few weeks ago. I've read that guinea pigs always carry eggs, but their immune systems keep the mites in check. With Gaia'a immune system compromised, I'm guessing that caused an outbreak on her which later moved on to the rest of the herd and I am just now seeing symptoms. I'm pretty sure it's mites, as I cannot see any lice and this is not similar to a couple previous bouts of fungal infections some pigs had when I first brought them home.

Anyway, I treated with Ivermectin a little more than 48 hours ago, but the guinea pigs do not seem to be feeling any relief and are scratching themselves a ton. How much longer until there is some slight improvement? I know there's not a whole lot I can do except let the medicine do it's thing and re-dose over the next couple of weeks, but I hate seeing my girls in pain.

 

[weepweeps]

My piggies had mites recently. I had to treat them every two weeks for six weeks (3 times each pig). The shop bought treatment is nowhere near strong enough. I’d get them seen by a vet to make sure it’s mites and then get the stronger treatment. Also between treatments I had to throw away all cardboard hides and disinfect the hutch really well. Hope they get sorted soon.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m assuming as you say you’re ‘pretty sure’ that a vet hasn’t diagnosed mites or given you the treatment? if that is the case, then shop bought treatments are not good enough - they are low dosed so don’t cure the problem properly and they allow for resistance to the medication to form.
Please do have them seen by a vet for diagnosis and to be prescribed the correct prescription strength medication.
The guide below gives further details on what other steps to take including the deep cleaning, and throwing items away.

New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites

 

[Wiebke]

with @Piggies&buns