Should my guinea pig be scratching still?

Question

my guinea pig has been injected 4 mites but its been 4/5 days now n shes still scratching and biting. is this normal? also the vet said to come bk in 3 weeks but i heard that its suppose to be 7-10 days. any 1 no wat to do?

Answer 1

We have this spray that we put on our Guinea Pig, but he also scratches alot. Phone your vet up and see if they can come in a bit earlier to give her a check up.

Answer 2

Hhhmm.  Certainly the injection we use, ivermectin, involves a course of 3-4 injections a week apart - just like you say.  4-5 days is still very early days.  

I would call your vet, double check when you're supposed to be coming back for your next appointment and just ask how whether it's normal for her to still be scratching.

The product that I now tend to use instead is a spot-on that you can take home and it's a tube on the back of the neck every 2 weeks for 6 weeks.  It's called xeno 450, I think!

The main parasite that we see which causes problems is Cheyletiella - aka walking dandruff.

Answer 3

Scratching is a common skin problem in guinea pigs, and there are multiple causes. Some of the most common are parasites, including fleas, mites, and lice. Ctrenocephalides felis (the cat flea) is the most common flea affecting guinea pigs. They usually become infested when another pet in the house brings in the fleas from outside. As in other animals, fleas cause guinea pigs to scratch. Fleas may also cause hair loss (alopecia), crusty lesions on the skin, and even anemia, if the fleas are in high number.

A flea comb can be helpful in finding fleas. Comb the guinea pig and then look for fleas or dark brown granules. These granules are called "flea dirt," which is actually the f***s of the flea, and is primarily digested blood. Along with the eggs, the female flea deposits a large amount of f***s, which will serve as food for the larvae when they hatch. The flea dirt will dissolve into a red color when moistened.

For treatment, a pyrethrin-containing product suitable for cats is often used. The safety of many of the other treatments developed for cats and dogs has not been determined in guinea pigs. Contact your veterinarian before using any insecticide on your guinea pig. Other pets in the house, and the environment must be treated as well. There are two mites that cause skin problems in guinea pigs. Trixacarus (Caviacoptes) caviae is the most common mite and the most common parasite that causes scratching. This mite is related to the mite in dogs that causes sarcoptic mange. The other common mite is Chirodiscoides caviae.

Answer 4

Four to five days is early still. You are correct about the length between treatments. The piggie should receive at least two treatments, 7-10 days apart. A really bad infestation may need a third treatment.

Be sure that the vet is knowledgable about guinea pigs. Most cat/dog vets do not have enough experience to treat them. Guinea pigs should be seen by an EXOTICS vet.

I know it can be very uncomfortable trying to tell a vet how to do his/her job, but if you have the wherewithal, print out this info on mites and Ivermectin treatment and take it to your vet. Explain that you learned the treatments should be given weekly and see what the vet says about prescribing 3 week treatments. You may need to find another vet or you can administer topical/oral treatments yourself if you feel comfortable with that. Be sure you understand the dosing guidelines, as an overdose of Ivermectin can be fatal.

http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

Below are the dosing guidelines. Ivermectin can be purchased at a farm supply/feed store.

http://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin_to...

http://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin_or...

Good luck!

Answer 5

guinea pigs freak me out.