What are the symptoms of mites

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Claire W

Claire W

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Out of interest, what are the symptoms of mites? can you actually see them? How do guinea pigs get them as my girls run is on concrete as the only piece of grass is at the front of the house and I don't feel safe leaving them there  98) Just want to know what to look out for in the future  O0
 
Re: symptoms guinea pigs with mites

First signs are scratching, shaking and biting. It can progress to flaky skin. Then symptoms of more serious infestation are scabs which can cause seizures from the pain and this is how pigs can die if not treated.

Mites are microscopic so you can't see them. Most pigs actually have mites on their skin already and they are dormant. If the pig is run down/ill then the infection becomes more serious. Mites can be transmitted from one infected animal to another through a variety of means including pig-to-pig, via the owner (if you touch an infected animal and then a healthy one) or via bedding.
 
It can vary a little depending on the type of mite. Mostly, itching like crazy and hair loss sometimes with scabbing. They can itch so much they self inflict wounds. Hair loss keeps getting worse, etc.
 
If you spend much time with your pigs you will notice the changes. I didn't mention, but often their hair will change some at first. Their hair may seem more coarse than before. I noticed mine when their started to be rough patches I felt on his skin when I would pet him. He would also start to jump instead of purring when I petted him, like it hurt him. He was getting these little rough scaley areas then a chunk of hair at that scaley area would fall out. Some people mention sores after the hair falls out, I believe this is after it gets more serious. At first I thought he got scratched, but it kept getting worse and showed up on the other guinea pig shortly after. Always treat all guinea pigs that come in contact with an infected one.
 
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