Whats wrong with my guinea pig? ]:?

Question

I have 2 baby guinea pigs. They are about 3-4 months old.

However, just recently (like today) my one guinea pig is really squirmy and shrieks slightly when I pet her on her sides. It seems to be painful. What could be wrong with her? Maybe my other guinea pig bit or scratched her? Maybe she has a skin problem? Or a parasite? No skin damage is visible though.

Answer 1

Sounds like she has mites.  It can be treated with an over the counter medication.  www.guinealynx.info is a great place to get more info on this and other guinea pig care questions.

Answer 2

You need to take your guinea pig to a vet.

Answer 3

Mites.

Pigs do not always show signs of mites when they first have them.   Often the first thing you see is the pig behaving exactly as you describe. Good that you are catching it now.

You need to dose BOTH pigs once a week for 3 weeks with Ivermectin. DO NOT use flea/tick/insect dips sprays or powders these are toxic.  You cannot use dog, cat, or even stuff labeled for small pets.   You want plain Ivermectin.

You can go to the vet and have the vet give the doses (my vet charges $12 per dose) or do it at home with the Ivermectin you buy for $10 at a feed store.  You will need to dilute the feed store Ivermectin, but it's not hard to do.

here's a link on Ivermectin and Mites:

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

http://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.ht...

Answer 4

I'm not an expert of guinea pigs, but I think she's pregnant. I'm not sure, but since she IS a female, it is possible.

* Note: is the other guinea pig male?

Answer 5

Mites is a likely cause. Mites cannot be seen. You may not notice any bald spots or even any itching. You can treat yourself with ivermectin (but you have to be 100% sure what you are doing... overdosing can kill your pig) OR your vet can give him the ivermectin treatment weekly for a month. Get him treated. Mites are painful for your pig. http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

Good Luck!