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Not Nice, Lice!

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His Pig Friday

His Pig Friday

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So, we were out in the sunshine yesterday with the pigs and I felt a little lump on Walter's back. It's a small scab. Hmmm. I took a further look through his fur and saw some tiny white specks moving around. I freaked out initially thinking they were somehow fly larvae of some sort but after a bit of research, I think these are lice :-( my partner couldn't see anything when he took a look but to be on the safe side, I have ordered some Lice & Easy and will take a look at the Beaphor spot on today.

I feel very guilty and sorry for my pigs. I can only think that they have had them since I got them and something has stressed Walter and caused a flare up, or they came in with a new batch of hay :-( they have both been shedding a bit of hair recently (not noticable on their coats, just on our clothes when we cuddle them) but I put it down to natural shedding and the change in the weather. I feel so stupid.
 
Hi,

Don't feel so bad, it's happened to many piggies; what do you use as bedding? Sometimes (from experience and professional advice) guinea pigs can get lice from hay like you said. When the hay is put together, sometimes lice get in there to live and then when your piggy walks around, they jump in there for a place to hide. They are completely harmless and it's nothing to worry about, definitely treat them with the Lice treatment (is it a shampoo?) because the lice can become irritating. That's the only option I can think of for the lice, or it could be contracted from something else.
As for the scab, it sounds like something different like a sharp bit of hay or wire has poked him or maybe a bacteria build-up. I'd suggest if the lump doesn't get better within a few days or so, take him to the vet and they may be able to treat it with an anti-inflammatory cream or medicine.

It's going into summer where you are, right? (Sorry we're going into winter), so the shedding is completely natural, as long as they're not becoming hairless!
Hope this helps :)
 
Thank you so much for the kind words of experience, @Cavyhappy.

They are on shavings and hay.

I'm going to use the spot on treatment with ivermectin tonight - I picked it up on my lunch break. I'm still waiting on my shampoo, which is recommended by quite a few people. Hopefully I won't ever need it but worth it just in case! The lump has resolved itself, the scab has fallen a way and it's just normal, slightly shiny healing skin underneath.

What you mention about the shedding makes perfect sense. They were outside pigs until we found out they weren't the same gender and I have noticed it since they have been indoors in separated cages. Adjusting to the different temperature, I guess. Plus yes, it's spring here and warming up.

I feel a bit calmer now and not like a completely useless mummy!
 
If its lice ivermectin won't kill them as they don't bite the skin, you are better bathing the piggies twice 7 days apart to kill off the adults and then any hatched out babies. They will have more then likely come in on the hay. I think most piggy owners have them at some point :)
 
His Pig Friday said:
Thank you so much for the kind words of experience, @Cavyhappy.

They are on shavings and hay.

I'm going to use the spot on treatment with ivermectin tonight - I picked it up on my lunch break. I'm still waiting on my shampoo, which is recommended by quite a few people. Hopefully I won't ever need it but worth it just in case! The lump has resolved itself, the scab has fallen a way and it's just normal, slightly shiny healing skin underneath.

What you mention about the shedding makes perfect sense. They were outside pigs until we found out they weren't the same gender and I have noticed it since they have been indoors in separated cages. Adjusting to the different temperature, I guess. Plus yes, it's spring here and warming up.

I feel a bit calmer now and not like a completely useless mummy!
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That's great you've got the ivermectin! Hopefully that will help, but like @Rodentopia said, it may not work, unless they are biting the skin. Hopefully it does though along with the shampoo. Also, it's great that the scab is healing, hope all goes well :)
Also, with the bedding, that is perfect for them so, the scab may have just been a cut of hay or something.
Good luck with the lice
 
What shampoo did you get for them?

I've noticed my piggies seem to be itching in the last 2 days quite insanely so I want to try and treat them for lice too.
 
Julesie said:
What shampoo did you get for them?

I've noticed my piggies seem to be itching in the last 2 days quite insanely so I want to try and treat them for lice too.
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I got Lice & Easy from the Gorgeous Guineas website, based on a few recommendations I read online. Never used it before though, so I can't speak to its effectiveness yet. I think if mine start itching much more, or noticeably loose hair, they are off to vets for an expert opinion. I would hate to miss something more serious.
 
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Key is lice aren't itchy as they don't bite the skin, they are also visible to the human eye whereas mites are itchy and invisible only thing you might see with mites is dried skin trail. Lice require shampoo and mites require ivermectin. I have used lice n easy and have no complaints :)
 
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