Rupert Now Has Mites

[worried val of york]

I took Rupert and his cage mate Maxwell to the vet on 31/12/14 due to Rupert's excessive scratching. He and Max were both give Ivermectin. I have been warned it may be ringworm but the vet would see how things went and check when we go back on 14/1/15. The vet did see some mites which I couldn't see at all!. He has advised me to wear gloves when I touch them. Rupert seems a bit subdued since his injection is this normal. He isn't eating as much and I am a bit concerned that I could be doing something else to help him. Any advice please.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Mange mites are not at all visible to the naked eye, so whatever your vet has seen is not mange mites themselves. For a proper course, you also need to have at least three rounds of a high dosed ivermectin product, spaced 1-2 weeks apart depending on the product in order to catch any emerging eggs and prevent a reinfestation. it would be good if you could finish the full treatment for best effect, as only a one-off treatment will not do the trick.

Many guinea pigs live with mites eggs in their skin, which can make an appearance whenever the immune system is lowered.

Here is more information on mange mites and other skin parasites:
http://www.guinealynx.info/parasites.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html
http://www.gorgeousguineas.com/photogallery.html
http://www.gorgeousguineas.com/indentification.html

 

[worried val of york]

Thanks Wiebke for all this information, very helpful. I thought Rupert had a fungal infection as he had little scabs and when tugged they came off. The small clumps of hair had a scab at the end. But my vet Who is an exoctic) says he thinks its mites. I will of course complete the Ivermectin treatment. Rupert has recently got over a respiratory infection so this could have lowered his immune system.

 

[Flutterby]

Poor little one! Hope it's sorted soon

 

[worried val of york]

Thanks very much @Flutterby. It seems to be one illness after another just now.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks Wiebke for all this information, very helpful. I thought Rupert had a fungal infection as he had little scabs and when tugged they came off. The small clumps of hair had a scab at the end. But my vet Who is an exoctic) says he thinks its mites. I will of course complete the Ivermectin treatment. Rupert has recently got over a respiratory infection so this could have lowered his immune system.

I would keep the fungal option in mind in case the full ivermectin treatment is not working. It is really important that you do a full course once you/your vet have committed.

For fungal problems, we recommend enilconazole/imaverol dip and where necessary, itrafungol for oral treatment (the latter can only be got on prescription). Both are best for using on piggies of any age/size and health.
http://www.guinealynx.info/fungus.html