Parasites - Any Useful Threads To Recommend Please?

[AmyAnn]

I've tried searching but not been able to find a comprehensive thread relating to the different types of parasites which can affect guinea pigs (including photos of the parasites ideally).
I'm sure there is one/I've seen one before but can't see a 'sticky' thread and it's not coming up on searching.
I have already reviewed the mites/lice pages on Guinea Lynx.

Reason being I've noticed one of my boars in particular (but both generally) have been itching more lately (including more prolonged biting of their leg/bum areas) and one is showing signs of dandruff around his back/bum. No hair loss that I can see at this stage.
And today I found a small round bottomed bug walking on their fleece. It was black and doesn't look like any photos of running lice that I've seen, and I understand that mange mites are microscopic and shouldn't be seen so easily? This bug was about 1mm across.

Obviously it's looking like a visit to the vets will be required and I will sort that this week, but hoping to do some research in the meantime. Any information you can point me towards will be much appreciated!

 

[Wiebke]

I've tried searching but not been able to find a comprehensive thread relating to the different types of parasites which can affect guinea pigs (including photos of the parasites ideally).
I'm sure there is one/I've seen one before but can't see a 'sticky' thread and it's not coming up on searching.
I have already reviewed the mites/lice pages on Guinea Lynx.

Reason being I've noticed one of my boars in particular (but both generally) have been itching more lately (including more prolonged biting of their leg/bum areas) and one is showing signs of dandruff around his back/bum. No hair loss that I can see at this stage.
And today I found a small round bottomed bug walking on their fleece. It was black and doesn't look like any photos of running lice that I've seen, and I understand that mange mites are microscopic and shouldn't be seen so easily? This bug was about 1mm across.

Obviously it's looking like a visit to the vets will be required and I will sort that this week, but hoping to do some research in the meantime. Any information you can point me towards will be much appreciated!

We do not have a parasite sticky. It is far too tempting to home treat on spec, overlooking the possibility of a fungal issue; unrelated skin problems (usually arrived at as a default after mites or fungal treatment have not worked) or the change of a short term attack from other pet parasites that can cuase discomfort for a couple of days but not do any permanent harm. Treating for the wrong thing can make things worse.
I strongly doubt that the small bug you are mentioning has got anything to do with the skin issue you are seeing.

Please see a vet for a diagnosis if you are worried. What breed is your guinea pig?

 

[AmyAnn]

We do not have a parasite sticky. It is far too tempting to home treat on spec, overlooking the possibility of a fungal issue; unrelated skin problems (usually arrived at as a default after mites or fungal treatment have not worked) or the change of a short term attack from other pet parasites that can cuase discomfort for a couple of days but not do any permanent harm. Treating for the wrong thing can make things worse.
I strongly doubt that the small bug you are mentioning has got anything to do with the skin issue you are seeing.

Please see a vet for a diagnosis if you are worried. What breed is your guinea pig?

That makes sense. I'm certainly not planning to self diagnose and risk their health, just hoping to go into the vets with some background knowledge so I understand what they're talking about.

Cross breeds I imagine - they are rescue piggies. I'm told they are brothers, one looks short hair smooth coat and the other Abyssinian.