Mites

[Zanzan]

So my Pepper has got some thinning hair on her back in a patch. Seems like mites to me and I rang to make a vets appointment. The vets said I need to email a picture and if they confirm it is mites they will leave medication for me to collect later. My question is can mites just occur on their own or does something like underlying illness always trigger them? Therefore is it enough for her to be treated for mites without actually seeing the vet? I don't want an underlying problem to be missed but I don't know how likely it is that she has one. No changes in her behaviour or eating pattern right now.

 

[Swissgreys]

All guinea pigs have a low level of mites on their body at any time.
The number can multiply enough to cause problems if a guinea pig is ill, upset, stressed, or just a bit run down.

So starting with treatment from the vet for mites is a good place to begin. If after the full course the problem isn't improving then it might need a follow up appointment, but it sounds like a good plan to begin with.
Please bear in mind it is a good idea to treat her cage mates at the same time, so make sure you get enough medication to treat all your piggies together.

 

[Zanzan]

Ok thanks we'll get the mites sorted first then see.

 

[Zanzan]

I'm going to make myself sound like an idiot now but I think she is ok after all and her hair just got a bit lighter. I took a picture of what I thought was the thin patch but when I ruffled it she looked ok again. Her hair is quite long but I had a good look and there is no obvious bald patch. I don't usually get anxious about things but this has made me so confused! At least she seems fine, just fed up with me messing around with her!

 

[Siikibam]

@Wiebke @Piggies&buns @PigglePuggle