Mites

[weezer007]

How do you know if your guinea pig has mites? Can you tell without taking it to the vet? I was just wondering if mine had them. I hope not!

 

[dagwellismypigy]

They are usually itchy, hair sheds in little clumps, there may be bald spots, and irribility are a few signs.

 

[weezer007]

Okay, also what is URI and how do you know if your piggie has it?

 

[dagwellismypigy]

read your other thread and this page https://guinealynx.info/emergency.html

 

[weezer007]

Okay, thank you Dag you have been a big help!

 

[dagwellismypigy]

no problem

 

[pennick]

How does a piggy get mites or lice if they never had it and they are kept indoors.

 

[weezer007]

Yes I was wondering that too!

 

[Piglet]

You can treat for mites even if your guinea pig does not have them. Some do it just to be on the safe side

 

[pennick]

Thats true, but we are wondering how they get mites if they are indoors are not exposed to any other animals and never had them.

 

[Piglet]

Oh, I don't know about that. I just wanted to tell weezer my fact... Perhaps its the grass we pick from outside? The hay we give them?

 

[dagwellismypigy]

Nope, mites are always on a guinea pig and when they get stressed the mites kind of start to take over. I am pretty sure this is what happens. I don't know about lice.

 

[Piglet]

Oh... I see. What do mean by 'stressed'. Like literally stressed?

 

[dagwellismypigy]

Yes, like thats one of the reasons we quarintine, the stress of the move to the new home and car ride may cause mites.

Well, thats my understanding of it.

 

[Piglet]

It make more sense than mine!

 

[dagwellismypigy]

I just wish I could remember where I read it. Maybe my vet told me. Grr memory sucks! lol

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Mites may be present without causing itching and then when the pig is stressed e.g. pregnancy, weaning, fighting etc.; the mites overcome the pig's resistance and cause disease. Normal washing of the hands with soap and water after handling cavies will prevent transfer of mites from one group to another, but infestations are easily acquired when introducing new guinea pigs from another group.

Treatment should ideally be given to all guinea pigs in a group at one time, whether they are showing symptoms or not.

I am actually doing a lot of research on mites right now for gl.

 

[dagwellismypigy]

Yes! I was right! I feel smart. Now, I shall go bask(sp) in my glory. Just kidding

 

[Love_my_piggies]

So you can treat your pigs for mites, even if you aren't sure they have it? I have a pregnant piggy and others have been telling me on the forums they think she had mites but I dont want to stress her so close to birth by taking her to the vet....can I just treat them all myself? Or should I wait to treat her until she has the babies?

 

[Poohbear]

Yes you can treat a piggie for mites even if you are not sure they have it just to be on the safe side. I would not treat a pregnant cavy for mites but you may be able to.