a question - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**amber-waves** · #1 03-26-06, 12:58 pm

I found a small spot on my pig today that he seems to itch..doesn't look like the pictures of mites I ahve seen, but it does look like pictures of fungus. Would you treat for both, or one more than the other? The spot is pretty small, round (not ringworm round though), and basicall looks like a scrape.

Thanks so much!

**nikilovesdogs** · #2 03-26-06, 01:20 pm

I would strongly suggest that you get your piggy to a local trusted vet for a proper diagnosis, rather than trying to self-diagnose either fungus or mites, as both are quite different ailments. Please make an appointment ASAP.

**twinkies** · #3 03-26-06, 03:50 pm

Yes, take your piggy to the vet. My male had a fungus infection and got put on some meds. He didn't like the taste of it, but after 3 weeks its all healed up. If you don't take care of it, it will only spread. Let's us know.

**amber-waves** · #4 03-26-06, 04:40 pm

just a test here..my reply wouldnt go through

**amber-waves** · #5 03-26-06, 04:44 pm

Okay, we'll try again...Since it is Sunday, I took Pigger to the Emergency Clinic after calling to see if anyone there could see him. He does indeed have Mites. They gave him one dose of Ivermectin and geve me tweo more doses, one to be given next weekend and one the weekend after that. I was very glad about how knowlegeable the vet was considering it is an emergency clinic and yu never quite know who is going to be there. The information they gave was right in line with Guinealynx! So, hopfully problem solved and I am now frantically washing bedding and playpen stuff!

Thanks guys!

**C&K** · #6 03-26-06, 05:02 pm

I am glad that you got to the vet, did he rule out a fungal infection? It is possible to have both, however dealing with the mites first is probably not a bad idea. That was very nice that they gave you two more doses like that, many vets won't. Don't worry about washing everything too much, cleaning is always good but with three treatments of Ivermectin, they should not get reinfested from the environment they are in. Mites need a host, the piggy host is now hostile to them, they won't survive!

Good luck with the treatment!

**WEAVER** · #7 03-26-06, 05:07 pm

I hope your pig gets feeling better soon. Do you only have the one pig?

**amber-waves** · #8 03-26-06, 05:11 pm

The vet said it was definitely mites, I asked

! I do have a question though, how long before I should really see the skin begin clearing with the ivermectin? I just want to make sure he is getting better.

**WEAVER** · #9 03-26-06, 05:13 pm

He should start to feel better after the second treatment. You will notice him itching less and see a difference in his behavior.

**amber-waves** · #10 03-26-06, 05:14 pm

Yes, he is all alone right now, poor fella. We are looking to adopt another soon though. I can tell you this..I am sure glad to have foung this site before thinking about a second pig! I feel so much more knowledgeable!

**amber-waves** · #11 03-26-06, 05:18 pm

Thaks Weaver! You know, I feel like I caught this incredibly early thank goodness. His eating. playing, etc has not changed, but noticed this afternoon during some lap time that he was "tender" when I touched the spot that I found the teeny sore on, and he was scratching it. So I imemditately came online to double check the symptoms then off to the vet!

**WEAVER** · #12 03-26-06, 05:19 pm

I think it is great that you are taking your time and learning all you can about them. I personally think it is much better to give one pig a great home than three a ok home and not know a lot about them and their care. Someday you will know when the time is right for you to adopt another one into your home and heart, until than enjoy your pig

**amber-waves** · #13 03-26-06, 05:21 pm

Aww..warm fuzzies all around! Thanks Weaver again!

...feelin' da love!

**WEAVER** · #14 03-26-06, 05:22 pm

I also just wanted to ask if your vet gave him any antibotics for his sore? If he did'nt you may want to keep a eye on it (which it seems like you are really aware). You are going to want to watch for signs of infection---redness, swelling, it becoming warm to the touch, etc

**PiggieMom** · #15 03-26-06, 05:38 pm

Aw, I'm so proud of you for taking care of him right. If you come across any more questions feel free to pop on and ask. Hope your piggie feels better soon. Keep an eye on that sore. If it's in a spot that he can't reach with his mouth perhaps neosporin is in order? I would ask someone more knowledgeable than me about that though.

**amber-waves** · #16 03-27-06, 11:36 am

Well, Pigger seems to be great today, It may be my imagination but he does seem to be itching less

. I did ave one other question. If I notice his little sore looking like it is getting infected, what is safe to put on it? I am curious just in case!

**nikilovesdogs** · #17 03-27-06, 11:39 am

Leave the sores open and dry. They will heal on their own. There should not be any infection.

"Thank you, nikilovesdogs, for this useful post," says:
amber-waves (03-27-06)