Mites - When Is A Scratch Just A Scratch?

[JenniferG]

I'm always paranoid about mites...I don't know if it's my imagination but the piggies seem to scratch more after a new one has been introduced and then I worry that the stress has brought out mites but when I take them to the vets, they can't tell if they have mites or not and I just end up spending a fortune on fees and meds that may be unnecessary. So...I'm seeing scratching but not distress and I just don't know. I can try store bought drops and see if there is a difference...but I have also just started using fleece (non-bio wash).

Is there a good way of telling if it's just scratching or mites, please?

 

[Swissgreys]

Hmm, I hear your pain.
I am actually having a similar issue with my 4 at the moment.
I feel that they scratch a lot, but have no sign of mites or lice on their hair or skin.

Wiebeke came up with a good point recently.
Sometimes guinea pigs will scratch more as the weather changes and the air is drier when the heating comes on.
Maybe it is just seasonal scratching?
Of I guess you could try a bath for them and see if that helps.

Personally I would avoid store bought drops though.
They are not very effective, and will just involve more cost and chemicals without actually doing anything.

 

[Swissgreys]

As for telling if it is mites or not I guess you would need to get the vet to do a skin test.
I have a high powered compound microscope at home (I am a bit of a science geek) so I can test them myself.

 

[Guineapigfeet]

As for telling if it is mites or not I guess you would need to get the vet to do a skin test.
I have a high powered compound microscope at home (I am a bit of a science geek) so I can test them myself.

That is very cool!

I was a bit worried about mine a while ago - 'what is normal scratching?' too! But none increased their scratching (outdoor pigs) and none developed any further symptoms so I figured they were ok!

I also wouldn't use store bought drops - they tend to be a much lower concentration of medical stuff and can even lead to resistance in the mites (so I've heard)

 

[TheCavySlave]

Sometimes, I THINK, they may have a long scratching session but not have any issues. Duncan has tiny white specks in his fur but apart from a long scratch yesterday he's been fine. If there's no skin wounds or fur loss, these things can be a real pain

 

[Merrypigs Sanctuary]

You could by a Bug Buster from Guinea pig Magazine! It's a really strong microscope thingy, with a light and uv too!
I fleacomb through my pigs' fur with it regularly and then examine the comb with the bug buster

 

[JenniferG]

Thank you everyone...I had the heating on yesterday but this afternoon is quite warm and i have the windows open! They seem to be scratching more today...baby Calico is scratching in various places and I've spotted 2 of them scratching their ears (a year ago I treated them for ear mites as they were shaking their heads and scratching so much but since realised that head shaking is also one of their communications)...I've never had a definite diagnosis from the vet of mites or ear mites. The bug buster is out of stock but I like the idea of having a microscope so I'm looking on Amazon at the moment...I collect crystals and have some jewellers' eye piece magnifiers but I don't know how strong they are.