I think my boys might have mites. Can I treat them myself with Ivermectin?

[Precia]

I have noticed my 2 boys scratching more than seems normal. Don't get me wrong, they aren't scratching constantly. But it does look like there might be something bothering them. My questions are; can I treat them myself with topical ivermectin? Will it hurt them if they really don't have mites? Where can I order ivermectin offline, or do I need to get it from the vet? And do my boys really need to go to a vet, or is this a simple home procedure?

Thank you so much for your help!

[bpatters]

See http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html. You can order ivermectin from This Little Piggie Marketplace, as well as the syringes to measure with.

[Precia]

See http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html. You can order ivermectin from This Little Piggie Marketplace, as well as the syringes to measure with.

Thank you! I have already read through the Guinea Lynx info on mites and ivermectin. It gives very useful information.

[britgal98579]

Precia~ I don't want to hijack your thread but think one of my piggies may have mites too. She has a sore I noticed today on her back and it's really red and looks to have been bleeding. I thought she may have been bit by one of the other piggies. However tonight I noticed her licking/biting the area and I am wondering if it's maybe mange mites? Was wondering if anyone knows do I need to take her to the vet or just treat as mange mites. They all itch at times but not where I have ever thought there was a problem.

[bpatters]

@britgal98579 , if you think they've got mites, just treat them. If she's biting at herself, she's probably got mites. The treatment won't hurt, and will probably help.

[britgal98579]

Thank you!

[Precia]

@britgal98579 , if you think they've got mites, just treat them. If she's biting at herself, she's probably got mites. The treatment won't hurt, and will probably help.

Since the treatment won't hurt them if they don't have mites, and my boys have no other symptoms besides occasional scratching, should I take them to the vet? Under most circumstances I would say yes, always take the animal to the vet. But I don't want to be like those crazy mothers that take their children to the doctor for the sniffles and then demand
antibiotics.

If this is a case where I can avoid the stress and expense of going to the vet then that would be good. I would prefer to treat them at home by myself. But if it is definitely recommended that they see a vet I will make an appointment.

[bpatters]

Just treat them yourself. You just have to be careful to get the dosage calculated right. There's a dose calculator over at GL.

[Precia]

Thanks so much! I will go ahead and order the medicine.