How much scratching is normal?

**scarymonster742** · #1 01-06-08, 02:15 am

I know animals scratch sometimes, just like people, when there is not an actual problem.

But how much scratching is normal for a cavy? I have had mine three days and have seen them both scratch several times. Would I be right to suspect mites, even though there are no visible signs of mites? Or could it be just normal itching?

**Tophica** · #2 01-06-08, 05:56 am

It might be wise to treat them with ivermection just to be on the safe side. I gave my pigs 3 doses of ivermection when they were itching/scratching alot and now they just have the odd scratch now and then.

**urockstar** · #3 01-06-08, 11:32 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tophica

It might be wise to treat them with ivermection just to be on the safe side. I gave my pigs 3 doses of ivermection when they were itching/scratching alot and now they just have the odd scratch now and then.

There are drops that can go behind the outer ear in that bald spot right? The vet I went to didn't seem to know about this -- and he said mites on the skin are a different kind of mite that if they had it they would really be scratching ALL the time. Maybe he doesn't know. But I thought I saw someone on here mention drops behind the ears that we can do ourselves. If it's definitely safe I would like to give this a try just in case. Because mine also itch but not very often.

And would it be safe for a pregnant sow even if she doesn't have mites?

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #4 01-06-08, 07:00 pm

The mites that guinea pigs live under the skin. You cannot see them. If the vet was talking about parasites that live on the surface, he may have meant lice or fleas.

Ivermec is safe to use on pregnant sows. There are different forms of ivermectin. Depending on which type you get, you can dose it topically, orally or by injection.

**scarymonster742** · #5 01-07-08, 12:29 pm

I bought the Ivermectin this morning and gave it to both of them. Gadget did not mind, but Gizmo fought like a champ! We got it done, though.

**urockstar** · #6 01-07-08, 01:47 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by scarymonster742

I bought the Ivermectin this morning and gave it to both of them. Gadget did not mind, but Gizmo fought like a champ! We got it done, though.

Did you get drops? I think I might want to get this in the next week or two. It's Bean who itches a lot lately... not all the time but more than what I think would be normal.

Can someone please send me a link to where I can order the drops... whatever is easiest to give to them. I'm not injecting them with anything!

Thanks

**scarymonster742** · #7 01-07-08, 02:38 pm

I did not do drops, I did paste that you give orally.

**Newpiggiemom** · #8 01-07-08, 08:58 pm

If you use the information on Guinea Lynx to do the Ivermectin dose, it's really very easy. They spell out everything step by step. I used the horse paste and mixed it according to the directions on Guinea Lynx. My pigs didn't even seem to mind. That kind is administered orally with a small medicine syringe. I got it from Tractor Supply Company.

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