Treated for mites

[Vintagevixen]

Treated my Guinea pig Sophie for mites and also seen the vet. She’s just reopened all her wounds. Is the best thing to do to just clean then with saline solution? I don’t want to have to take her back to the vet but will do so next week if needed. Her fur appears to be growing back so think we’ve successfully treated the mites. The mite treatment says reapply after 10 days. Can we do it sooner just to be sure? It’s a spray and says two sprays but the vet told us to do it on her back which I did. Just trying to cover all bases. Thanks

 

[Lady Kelly]

Could you let us know what spray you have been prescribed and what the vets instructions were in terms of how often to apply it? When did you last apply the treatment?

 

[Vintagevixen]

We’re using beaphar anti-mange spray. The vet told us to follow the instructions. We last applied it a week ago.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Hmm is this the over the counter stuff rather than prescription? I thought beaphar sprays and spot ons weren't strong enough to combat a mites infestation but I could be wrong. My vet usually recommends xeno spot on or injects the piggies for me if it's a more severe case which it sounds like yours is. I've always followed instructions for xeno which is to apply 7 days apart for at least two applications (I always do 3 to make sure any stubborn eggs don't cause further problems). What's the active ingredient (and strength of the active ingredient) in the spray you have?

@Abi_nurse or @Wiebke will have more knowledge on this.

 

[Swissgreys]

Did the vet actually prescribe this product?
If so sadly you may need to find a new vet.
Beaphar products are generally widely available in pet shops, and are also sadly rarely strong enough to do the job properly, which may be the reason your piggy is still having problems. Plus if she has mites then a mange spray won't help.
Also as guinea pigs have sensitive respiratory systems a spot on treatment is usually the first choice when it comes to dealing with mites. A spray is the least effective way of dealing with skin parasites.
If you give us a rough idea of your location we can help direct you to a more expereinced vet where your guinea pig will receive the treatment that she needs.

 

[Vintagevixen]

We bought the treatment before seeing the vet and took it in with us and were told this was stronger than what she’s was going to prescribe us. So she said this was totally safe to use. As hers was more diluted. I didn’t buy this at a pet shop I bought it from vetsUK.

 

[Vintagevixen]

I’m in Portsmouth

 

[Vintagevixen]

I’ve made another vet appointment with my vet, to have it rechecked. I don’t drive so limited to where I can get to. I’ll keep you informed.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Unfortunately I just looked on the website to see that it's ivermectin which is the correct active ingredient but it's 0.02% and what you need is a 1% ivermectin product. Products like xeno 450 (or xeno 50 for smaller pigs) is much more effective

 

[Vintagevixen]

I will speak to them about this at the vets tomorrow.

 

[Wiebke]

I will speak to them about this at the vets tomorrow.

Hi

Unfortunately beaphar is not strong enough for an acute outbreak. Please leave shop products be as pet shops are not licensed to sell proper full-on medication.
The problem with home treating on spec is that you need to wait until weaker product has worn off and can only then start with the proper stuff; it is very frustrating for everybody and especially the poor piggy. I am very sorry for you that you have fallen into the classic 'pet shop quick fix' trap. Please ask us before you treat at home in the future.

You will have to wait for at least 5-7 days but your vet may insist on the full 10 days depending on the strength of the product they want to treat with.

Here is our mange mite information: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)