Burr or mite in the fur?

[Zao77]

Ok my old pig (the one that may have a mental disorder/blindess) off and on gets to scratching and chewing his own back. (this is weird) . About 1 or 2 times each week I'll be petting him and I notice what feels to be a hard crusty scab thing about the size of the end of a ballpoint pen, or larger. He gets really fussy over me searching his fur and will end up screaming if you try to investigate throughly. Anyone elses pig have the same problems?

I was wondering if it is something weird like mites (although I do bathe him occasionally when he begins to stink, and dots of what look like dirt come out of his fur-very bizzare) or if he is self inflicting damage to his back/guinea skin.


any advice?

 

[Rachy1412]

I really do not know but maybe due to all the bathing he has dry skin.

Hopefully someone more experienced will help you.

 

[Piglet]

Sounds like lice to me. When you wash him, the lice may be falling of the skin. He is scratching because the lice are irratating his skin. Those scabs sound very serious! He must in lots of pain... However, it could equally be mites. You can treat both skin conditions at home. Mites - with ivermectin. Lice - with Advantage. For dosage information go to www.guinealynx.com

Do not bathe your guinea pig more than 3 times a year. They do not need nor benefit from frequent washing. He probably stinks because of the cage. You may need to clean it more regularly

 

[Ketus15]

It definately sounds like an infection of mites or lice. Since it is on his back, I suspect mites. These are very painful and will make him uncomfortable. That could be the reason he doesn't run around when you give him floor time. He might just be in too much pain.

Ivermectin is easy to use at home, and can treat both lice and mites. You can use Advantage, but I don't think they should be used at the same time.

Make sure to treat both your pigs for mites at the same time. They will need 3 doses, each seven days apart.

You can click on the link already provided to learn about mites, Ivermectin, and lice.

Good Luck.

 

[Piglet]

Thats a good observation! He may be really uncomfortable which is why he doesn't run around

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Sounds like fleas with all the little black stuff coming out the fur. Fleas leave little black specks behind. No matter what parasite this pig has, it needs to be treated. See www.guinealynx.info for more information on mites, lice and fleas.