scratching help please!

[willow]

I have had 4 rescued guinea pigs for about a month now. They had been fed (not a good quality food, but better than nothing), but rarely cleaned out and not handled.
I recently brought their cages into the house for warmth, and have noticed that they do scratch quite a bit. They don't have flaky skin or sore spots, but do you think i should give them the xeno treatment anyway?
I'm guessing that guineas like to have a little scratch now and again anyway, but your advice would be very welcome.
I have just bought the pack of 6 little tubes of xeno from amazon, just in case.
ps..apologies if you read this in another thread, as have posted it twice.rolleyes

 

[piggyfan]

It is impossible to say what could be causing the scratching without seeing them. What bedding do you use? Shavings can cause guinea pigs to scratch. I would take them to the vet as they could have mites,infection,ring worm. Anything. You need to be sure.

 

[Suzygpr]

As long as being a bit itchy is their only symptom then treating for mites is fine. I would always recommend treating any new pig for mites anyway as the stress of moving can bring on a flare up. If they have any other symptoms I would advise vet trip to give a confirmed diagnosis.

You may find buying Xeno for 4 pigs a bit pricey (you need to treat 3 times 10 days apart to clear an active infestation).

I use Easimec - 1 drop per 500g of pig.

http://www.hyperdrug.co.uk/Easimec-Ivermectin-05-10ml/productinfo/IVE1/

HTH

Suzy x

 

[willow]

Thank you for your advice.
Their bedding is hay and fleece. They are not distressed by the itching and i haven't seen them scratch at all today. When they do scratch, it is only for a few seconds.
I will have a really good look at them again and then decide if it's vets or xeno. Thanks again..xx

 

[pookie]

great advice everyone, if there is no sign of mite[dusty appearence on the fur, dark specks on pale animals white on dark fur] then just keep a check on them before using meds, however if an animal starts losing patches of fur and/or scratching until it bleeds the go to the vet pronto