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whats wrong with george

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i have 7 rescue guinea pigs but i have a problem with george or rather george has a problem. he got a scab on his back a while ago and i got some special shampoo from the pet shop and bathed him in it and he was fine. well today i have just heard him squealing (unhappy squeal) and ive gone and got him and he has another raw patch on his bac where he must of bit himself. he didnt even want me to pick him up, but i did and bathed him but only in warm water (he is now on my bed munching a carrot).

none of my other pigs have this problem, they all mingle with each other, they are all boys.

george as one of my others has his own hutch, he doesnt like being with them constantly

any advice please


Thanyou
 
First thought is he could have been bitten by one of the others, it is highly unusual for 7 boars to mingle together without major fighting!

Other distinct possiblity is mites, very common in guineas and needs treatment by a vet using ivermectin. Two doses, 10 days apart. Not expensive, around £20-£30.

Another smaller possibility is fungal infection but less likely. I would investigate fighting possibility and treat for mites.
 
dont worry I'm always with them when they are out, as i now what you mean by fighting, but there funny when they are altogether as it seems they are so concerned with watching there own bums to make sure no one is to close they dont have time to fight :)).


I'm going to take him to the vets then, but how come none of the others are like it ?
 
Some pigs are more susceptible to mites than others.
Ivomec dose by mouth 2 drops followed in 10-12 days by another 2 drops.
The actual cost of the Ivomec is only about 50p, so check price before going to the vet!
The alternative to oral Ivomec is to give it by injection, 0.2ml.
Yet another technique is to place 2 drops on the back of the neck. Waste of time.
 
I personally recommend visiting your vet in the first instance as you have not encountered mites before :) Not too many vets are knowledgeable about guineas so do enquire first. The price I quoted will be for consultation as well. Unless experienced with dosages for ivermectin, I would advise caution and visit a vet or rodentologist.

I use xeno 450 for my pigs but can spot mites quickly. I have found it effective. Any sores can be eased by using kamilosan cream available from your chemist.
 
The dose rates I indicated previously are safe and effective. The effects of mites are easily seen but the mites themselves are too small to be seen by the naked-eye.
I recommend using Bepanthen ointment on sore places.
 
I got the drops on the neck treatment from the vets and george was given all clear. Now i am convinced he has them or something else back so not sure it is a good method! I'm going to try and get into vet tomorrow as my boys have been falling out due to his grumpyness so think they both need a visit!
 
Ivermectin varies in concentration depending on which one you use so to suggest the dose is "2 drops" orally is somewhat inaccurate. Topical ivermectin IS effective if dosed correctly.

Always see a vet if you're in doubt.
 
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