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Treating Babies For Mites?

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Kayla Rae

Kayla Rae

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Hello all,

I've noticed over the past week or so that a few of the baby guinea pigs that I have are losing fur on the back of their neck and around the shoulder area. It seems more like it's thinning out than falling out, but regardless, it's disappearing. The babies are itching more than usual and they seem to have small dandruff flakes here and there... I've looked online and it seems most websites lead to the conclusion of mites.

I have liquid Ivermectin but I've noticed that most websites say I shouldn't treat baby guinea pigs for mites until they're about 300-350 grams, and these babies are around 200-250. I'm worried that the mites are going to get worse and I want to treat my guinea pigs but I don't know if I should or not?
 
i treated mine two days ago give them 1 3rd of the recommended dose as most guinea pigs are 600g to 1kg or consult a vet by phone my vet is always happy do help x
 
Kayla Rae said:
Hello all,

I've noticed over the past week or so that a few of the baby guinea pigs that I have are losing fur on the back of their neck and around the shoulder area. It seems more like it's thinning out than falling out, but regardless, it's disappearing. The babies are itching more than usual and they seem to have small dandruff flakes here and there... I've looked online and it seems most websites lead to the conclusion of mites.

I have liquid Ivermectin but I've noticed that most websites say I shouldn't treat baby guinea pigs for mites until they're about 300-350 grams, and these babies are around 200-250. I'm worried that the mites are going to get worse and I want to treat my guinea pigs but I don't know if I should or not?
Click to expand...

Personally, I would recommend to consult a vet or a good rescue over it.
 
Please don't use ivermectin on piggies smaller than recommended on the packet as it can cause long term damage. Has the problem been confirmed as mites? It sounds like it may well be fungal in origin in which case Ivermectin won't work anyway.

Please get a vet check to make sure you are using the correct product that will not have a negative impact on babies health.
 
Hello again,
I will definitely not use the ivermectin, I don't want to chance losing the babies at all! I don't have enough money to take them to the vets right now as I've recently had my own personal health complications :( :( I might not be able to take them to a vet for another week or so. I'm stressing out about the chances of it being mange or something terrible that will cause them to get very sick. Thus far they are still eating fine and getting about okay but I will be keeping a very close eye on them.

I've attached photos of the baby piggy that seems to be suffering the worse, sorry for the bad quality but I hope you can see what I can see. Something is definitely up!


DSC_0422_zpsc7ecea38.jpg
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all those little white spots!
DSC_0430_zpse6d5529a.jpg
 
It looks like it could be fungal to me too, but am sorry to say that you really do need to get this checked out by a vet. The only fungal product I would recommend on a baby is Imaverol, which is a dip but can be applied topically. However, please speak to your vet before starting any treatment as we cannot diagnose by photos alone.
 
It is important for any pet that vet treatment is timely. I know finances can be an issue but this is something that needs to be considered before taking on any pet.

Both fungal and mites will make your piggies feel pretty itchy, scratchy and uncomfortable and can result in seizures etc if not treated. Fungal infections can also be spread to humans and other pets so need treated asap. I have a lovely mark on my arm from ringworm fungal infection caught from a piggy. If you already have health issues then this could be even more important for you as your immune system may be less able to fight off infection..... Please wash your hands and any other exposed skin thoroughly after handling them and use a blanket or something to stop them having direct contact with your clothes so any potential infection is less likely to spread.

I don't wish to sound like a harbinger of doom but the welfare and health of yourself and the animals is most important.
 
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