Mites?

[pigpaws]

A month ago, one of the piggies in my last pair passed away, leaving her sister, Ted, behind. Her sister (a Rex/Teddy) had quite a rough mourning process, but is coming to her senses and I'm now looking into the adoption of two young sows to keep her company.
However, I've noticed that on her back, her hair is coming out, with skin still attached and dandruff. I'm pretty certain it's mites. I'm going to get some droplets for her skin today, but I'm not sure how affective it is. Any tips on treating mites and how long it takes? I would like to get the new pair soon, as I'm worried about my single piggie getting lonely, but of course I don't want her to pass on the mites.
Thanks.

 

[Wiebke]

A month ago, one of the piggies in my last pair passed away, leaving her sister, Ted, behind. Her sister (a Rex/Teddy) had quite a rough mourning process, but is coming to her senses and I'm now looking into the adoption of two young sows to keep her company.
However, I've noticed that on her back, her hair is coming out, with skin still attached and dandruff. I'm pretty certain it's mites. I'm going to get some droplets for her skin today, but I'm not sure how affective it is. Any tips on treating mites and how long it takes? I would like to get the new pair soon, as I'm worried about my single piggie getting lonely, but of course I don't want her to pass on the mites.
Thanks.

Hi! Please do not treat on spec with low dosed broad spectrum pet shop products; they can at the best only temporarily suppress a skin problem but are not strong enough to cure it. Piggies have and are still dying because of being wrongly treated by their owners. Do not skimp - it is ultimately cheaper to seek vet care straight away than pay for treating an advanced case on top of all you have wasted on unsuitable products!

Please be aware that we are a UK forum and as such as legally obliged to ask you to seek a vet diagnosis. Vet care is part of responsible pet ownership and one of the basic animal rights. Unless you are 100% and have dealt with a diangoses issue before, you should always see a vet.
Fungal skin infections and mites can look very similar in the early stages but require different treatment. If you treat before seeing a vet, you are basically wiping the crime scene and are making a proper diagnosis much more difficult.

If you are a US member, then you may find these links helpful. Please be aware that mange mite hairs coming out are broken while fungal hairs come out whole in a skin flake and that textbook pictures are showing you only a very clear case - but that many issues are not necessarily like that.
Guinea Lynx :: Fungus
Guinea Lynx :: Parasites

We have got a recommended UK vet locator on the top bar. I am adding a to recommended vets in some other countries. Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List

 

[pigpaws]

Hi! Please do not treat on spec with low dosed broad spectrum pet shop products; they can at the best only temporarily suppress a skin problem but are not strong enough to cure it. Piggies have and are still dying because of being wrongly treated by their owners. Do not skimp - it is ultimately cheaper to seek vet care straight away than pay for treating an advanced case on top of all you have wasted on unsuitable products!

Please be aware that we are a UK forum and as such as legally obliged to ask you to seek a vet diagnosis. Vet care is part of responsible pet ownership and one of the basic animal rights. Unless you are 100% and have dealt with a diangoses issue before, you should always see a vet.
Fungal skin infections and mites can look very similar in the early stages but require different treatment. If you treat before seeing a vet, you are basically wiping the crime scene and are making a proper diagnosis much more difficult.

If you are a US member, then you may find these links helpful. Please be aware that mange mite hairs coming out are broken while fungal hairs come out whole in a skin flake and that textbook pictures are showing you only a very clear case - but that many issues are not necessarily like that.
Guinea Lynx :: Fungus
Guinea Lynx :: Parasites

We have got a recommended UK vet locator on the top bar. I am adding a to recommended vets in some other countries. Guinea Lynx :: GL's Vet List

Ah thank you very much, I've had very little experience with vets and guinea pigs as I've luckily not needed them much before now. I'm going down to the vets today actually with my Mum and her dog so I can book an appointment then hopefully.

 

[*kate*]

Betty was diagnosed with mites last week She had an Ivermectin injection and will need another next week and a further 2 weeks after that one, to complete the course.

 

[Merab]

Hope all is well with Ted after her vet trip.
Keep us posted and especially when you get her a new companion.

 

[pigpaws]

Hey, just an update. Unfortunately the vet I went to today doesn't deal with small animals, and I now think it's more like a fungal infection, but yet again I can't be sure. The other vet near me does deal with guinea pigs, and is very good from what I can remember. However, my Mum seems unconvinced Ted actually needs a visit, and believe that the over-the-counter droplets will be fine. Now let me explain without sounding like a parent-hating teenager.

Me and my siblings got a female guinea pig each when I was 11. But after the first died at 3, I was the only one still looking after them with a passion, and I take full responsibility and care of guinea pigs in our family to this day, and they belong to me. When Ted had this issue before about however, it was my Mum's responsibility as I was 11, we just got the piggies, and she thought to use the droplets without any diagnosis. It's my responsibility to keep Ted healthy of course, yet I'm too young to book a vet appointment myself so I'm a bit stuck unfortunately.