Mites?

[SammyBee]

Hi there,
I read something about symptoms of mites and one of the symptoms was tenderness in the rear area. All three of my piggies have this, What are mites, how do I know if a piggie has mites, and how do I treat it?
Thanks

 

[Kerrie74]

You would need to take them to the vets to get it confirmed :/ I've had to do it with my boars, the vet should do a tape test and check if they have them and what they are under a microscope, then they can advise what treatment is best

 

[Wiebke]

Hi there,
I read something about symptoms of mites and one of the symptoms was tenderness in the rear area. All three of my piggies have this, What are mites, how do I know if a piggie has mites, and how do I treat it?
Thanks

If you suspect mange mites, then please have them ideally diagnosed by a knowledgeable vet and don't treat on spec with a low dosed shop treatment. At the worst, shop products won't be enough for an acute outbreak and otherwise can lead to any mites present to develop resistence as has recently been reported.
Tenderness/wiggliness most often in the triangle from the centre of the back to the hips (but not always) can be the very first sign of mange mites, but it is by far not enough to confirm them. Generally, frequent and vigorous/intense scratching or even biting as well as bald patches, most often in that triangle area, are the next signs.
It is important that a fungal infection can be excluded; the symptoms can be very similar, but the treatment differs. Treating wrongly can prolong any misery considerably and at the worst lead to the death of a guinea pig. Fungal infections are more common in hot, moist summer weather; however, most lab tests are only for ringworm and not for other forms of fungus.

Any full mange mites course consists of at least three rounds of a properly dosed ivermectin product at the interval stipulated (it is usually between 1-2 weeks). The strength goes according to the weight. Once committed, you need to do the full course.
http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html
http://www.gorgeousguineas.com/indentification.html
http://www.gorgeousguineas.com/photogallery.html
Recommended vets for Colorado: http://www.guinealynx.info/cabinet/index.php/Veterinarians_Colorado