Conditions Peanut - Claustrophobia and Anxiety

[MaschoHerd]

Have you had a similar experience?
Peanut, our newest pig, is showing obvious signs of anxiety. She shakes regularly, regardless of temperature. When other piggies nip her, she ping-pongs all over the cage - usually getting nipped by every other pig in the process - before escaping either into a hidey house or, if that one is inhabited, on top of the hidey house. We've recently doubled the cage size and provided multiple escape routes, which has helped immensely. Also, when we snuggle her, she'll get upset if she's wrapped in a blanket (even loosely) or if our hands cover too much of her body.
With her previous owner, Peanut's sister was eaten by a dog in front of her. The kids also refused to play with her because she has red eyes. Obviously these things had an effect on her.
The situation is mainly resolved now with more space and assimilation into the herd. I was mostly wondering if anybody else has had similar experiences. Is claustrophobia possible in a guinea pig? How have you treated anxiety? (like, more anxiety than usual for a guinea pig)

 

[bpatters]

Have you treated her for mites?

 

[MaschoHerd]

Have you treated her for mites?

Yes, she was seen by a vet and has no sign of mites. (the vet didn't want to medicate her for anxiety either, since having more space seemed to solve the problem.) Do mites cause anxiety?

 

[Soecara]

Mites can make them uncomfortable when touched, which would explain the not liking being wrapped in a blanket and not liking having too much of her body covered by your hand. If she scratches herself frequently it might be worth treating for mites (keep in mind mites are microscopic and burrow under their skin so you won't be able to see them).

 

[MaschoHerd]

Mites can make them uncomfortable when touched, which would explain the not liking being wrapped in a blanket and not liking having too much of her body covered by your hand. If she scratches herself frequently it might be worth treating for mites (keep in mind mites are microscopic and burrow under their skin so you won't be able to see them).

That's an interesting idea, never thought of that. I'll keep an eye out for scratching.
Are there any other theories? I'm interested.

 

[bpatters]

There's also no way a vet can guarantee that she doesn't have mites. Scrapings for mites are painful for the pig, expensive for you, and miss the mites half the time. It's cheaper and easier just to treat for mites.