Suspected Mites On New Guineas

[Louise1988]

Got my 2 boys yesturday left them alone for the first day to let them settle and get used to they new surroundings, giving spike a cuddle on my knee I noticed white dandruff looking stuff through his fur then found a big bald patch I say big but probably the size of a penny. I'm going to ring vets tomorrow and get them both in. Does it sound like Mites? There is no sores on his body so don't believe the boys are fighting. Unfortunatly the other boy is still very skittish so I haven't been successful in checking him over properly. Also should I give the breeder a message and let her know as I can imagine if it is Mites it will be effecting her guinea pigs aswell.

 

[Wiebke]

Got my 2 boys yesturday left them alone for the first day to let them settle and get used to they new surroundings, giving spike a cuddle on my knee I noticed white dandruff looking stuff through his fur then found a big bald patch I say big but probably the size of a penny. I'm going to ring vets tomorrow and get them both in. Does it sound like Mites? There is no sores on his body so don't believe the boys are fighting. Unfortunatly the other boy is still very skittish so I haven't been successful in checking him over properly. Also should I give the breeder a message and let her know as I can imagine if it is Mites it will be effecting her guinea pigs aswell.

Good that you have your boys booked in! Mange mites and ringworm (fungal) are both not uncommon in new shop or breeder guinea pigs, but they require different treatment. Never go for the low dosed cheap wide spectrum shop stuff. It is much more effective to use a proper product and do a full course of at least 3 rounds to get on top of it.

Sadly, far too many breeders are only interested in sales and are very good with excuses for bald patches instead of shelling out for more expensive but effective treatment. You can complain to the local council about trading standards and try to reclaim any vet cost, but you may not be successful with the latter.
Anybody can call themselves a breeder or a rescue in the UK without any licensing or checks, so results are unfortunately accordingly. The safest place to get guinea pigs from without any nasty surprises are our recommended rescues, for which we can guarantee. Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator

 

[Piggie buddies]

Hi!

I don't know much about bald patches for I have never experienced them although I would recommend reading this.

Guinea Lynx :: Fungus

Pet shops never seem to care about health or skin problems when it comes to breeding and never give the pig a healthy diet but instead just given pellets and little veg and hay which really isn't good at all. Many people make this mistake but I really recommend next time your getting a pet, get it from a rescue or adoption centre.