Mange Mites and Guinea Pigs: What You Need to Know!
Like 4 Dislike 0 Published on 27 Jul 2013
Important information about mange mites in guinea pigs: this is my summary of lots of research on websites, forums and even scientific papers into the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mange mites (Trixacarus cavia). Enjoy! :)
Mange mites are a very common problem in guinea pigs, and are considered as one of the four top killers along with overgrown teeth, vitamin C deficiency and pregnancy toxemia. Don't let this horrify you though! Mange is quick and easy to treat with one course of IVERMECTIN.
Mange mites spread directly from one piggie to the next. There is debate on whether piggies can pick up mange mites from bedding and hay. In my personal opinion I think that this is unlikely as the mites rely on their hosts to live and breed, and scientific experiments have shown that the mites die in 2-3 weeks without a host, and even then they may only be able to bury under the skin (lay eggs) for just part of this time. What can happen however, is that mange mites live on the piggie in a dormant state, with the guinea pig's immune system keeping them at low levels. If the piggie gets ill or age decreases the effectiveness of their immune system the mites may start breeding and become a problem.
The mites breed on the skin and the females then bury under the skin to lay the eggs. The symptoms include itching, hair loss, dandruff, biting, open wounds (as a result of self-traumatisation) and even apparent seizures due to severe pain. Mange mites left untreated are fatal.
The early symptoms are very similar to other skin conditions, such as fungal infections. Your vet may suggest mange based on the symptoms alone, or perform a skin scraping and try to see the mites using a microscope. Skin scrapings are unreliable however, and it may be best to try a course of Ivermectin just in case the symptoms may be caused by mange mites. Ivermectin only kills the adults, so more than one treatment, whether given topically, orally or by injection will be necessary. Visiting an experienced vet is the best option if you suspect a mite infestation, however if you cannot afford the vet it may be cheaper to order Xeno 450 online and treat your piggies yourself. The Xeno 450 pipettes are only suitable for piggies which weigh between 800 and 1200 grams, please go to the vet if your piggies weigh less than 800 grams, as an overdose of ivermectin is dangerous! All piggies must be treated even if only one is showing symptoms, and all the cage and accessories must be thoroughly cleaned.
I hope you enjoyed this video and found it useful!
LINKS:
Guinea Lynx on mange mites: http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html
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