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Are mites (trixacarus caviae) contagious?

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happycath

happycath

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My poor little piggie Rufus is currently being treated for mites which have been bothering him. But tomorrow he and his brother are meant to be heading to a lovely boarding place as my partner and I have to go away for a few days.
I told the lady who runs the boarding place that it isn't contagious - the vet told me that these mites live on them naturally anyway but stress has caused Rufus to suffer with them due to a lower immune system. However he also told me that it is called Trixacarus Caviae and some internet results are telling me that it is infectious?
So now I'm starting to doubt myself and thought I best ask a second opinion so I can be sure.
Is it safe to allow Rufus and Rocky to be around other small animals?
Thanks
Catherine xx
 
It depends on the boarder whether or not she would board them - although I would expect her to be aware of such a common condition and management of it if she routinely boards piggies.
Mites can be spread from one guinea pig to another through direct contact, although it doesn't always happen, so as long as no other piggies being boarded come into contact with Rufus and Rocky, things should be fine.

http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

Will be interesting to hear what some of the boarders on here would do in such a case though.
 
If they are being treated for mites they should be the "cleanest" pigs there!
 
I have often had a pig with mites whose cagemate/cagemates have not developed it so I have only treated the one as necessary. I never separate them either, so I would say it is fine to board them. They wont actually be in direct contact with other "boarders" anyway!
 
Phew thats good news! I actually called my vet earlier to get his opinion too and he pretty much said what you all have said :)
Both Rufus and Rocky have been treated with the spot-on treatment as a precaution - it should definately be doing its thing by the time we drop them off.
It's funny to think they will be the 'cleanest' pigs haha!
I should think if the lady I'm taking them to stay with has any sense at all she won't mix two uncastrated males with any other piggies! I sincerely hope not anyway.
Thanks for the advice :)
 
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