Skin allergy/problem?

[sheslostcontrol]

I have noticed that my pigs are starting to lose hair on their lower to mid back region. The skin looks dandruff-like and hairs will come out several at a time with a scab/dry skin looking piece attached at the bottom.
I took them to the vet and she said it was not mites. I am waiting for some other test results to come back.
In the meantime, does anyone know what this could be and how to rememdy/end it. One of my pigs has gotten quite bad and has lots of fur loss and is now starting to tear the skin from itching.
please help!

[homeschoolmama]

I am sooo sorry, I sure hope someone here can help you... it sounds exactly like mites to me!

[ScottandDebbie]

Wow... That sounds just like mange mites. Seriously.

Did your vet do a scrapping?

[aqh88]

Mites or another parasite is the most likely cause. Tests such as skin scrapings often come back negative when the guinea pigs really do have mites. Tests are inaccurate and it's best to treat any new guinea pigs regardless of signs of mites but especially if they are scratching or have hair loss. Since the treatments for mites/lice are not dangerous or stressful it is far better to try it out than to assume it's not mites and start in on more stressful treatments for a potentially incorrect diagnoses. Proper treatments for parasites(mites/lice) include revolution, advantage, or the most popular ivermectin given by injection, orally, or applied in drops behind the ears. Sprays, dusts, and chemical baths are not safe treatments for guinea pigs. You can find parasite information here http://www.guinealynx.info/parasites.html along with how to treat them yourself with over the counter ivermectin. Information on hairloss is on this page http://www.guinealynx.info/hairloss.html

[ScottandDebbie]

I personally recommend ivermectin.
I was told by my vet that Advantage would not kill mites. (?)
Nasty things, aren't they?

[sheslostcontrol]

Thank you all. I assumed it could not be boredom or vitamin c deficiancy b/c my girls get tons of floor time/toys and fresh veggies everyday.
I will demand ivermectin from my vet as a next course of treatment.
I hope it helps them because I know they are itchy and it is starting to be painful.

[Corrine]

Guinea Lynx has pretty detailed descriptions on how you can do it yourself. And if you're not sure, you can always post on the forum before you actually administer it just to make sure it's correct.

In fact, I just got done doing it myself about ten minutes ago! It was really easy.

You can buy it online or at some local feed stores. There are a couple different types, but as long as it's Ivermectin, it should work the same way. You can use the injectible type topically or the paste (dilluted) orally. Topical is supposed to be easier, but I could only find the horse paste locally, so I administered it orally, and it was really easy!

Look here:
http://guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html

Good luck!

[Ly&Pigs]

Definately mites.