black flecks on rear end of guinea pig

[mochalily2020]

Hi everyone,

My guinea pig has these small black flecks on the lower end of her body that comes off very easily when i run my hand through her and I thought it might just be residue from playing in hay/toys or just some dead skin. She does not seem bothered at all and they are not moving at all but I recently read that this could be a sign of mites?

Does anyone have any tips? I bought anti-parasite shampoo today that should arrive tomorrow and hopefully sort it out. They are indoor piggies and her sister does not seem to have any on her.

I have attached a photo for reference

 

[Claire W]

Hi, it looks like static lice or hay mites. The black specs are eggs. They’re not harmful to piggies but I suggest a vet check for the correct diagnosis and treatment
They come in on the hay so you may wish to dispose of your current hay

 

[Swissgreys]

It would be worth popping her and her sister along to the vet to have the diagnosis confirmed so you can be sure to treat it properly.

Please don't shampoo her first as this might remove the tell tale signs, and make it harder for a vet to give an accurate diagnosis.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone,

My guinea pig has these small black flecks on the lower end of her body that comes off very easily when i run my hand through her and I thought it might just be residue from playing in hay/toys or just some dead skin. She does not seem bothered at all and they are not moving at all but I recently read that this could be a sign of mites?

Does anyone have any tips? I bought anti-parasite shampoo today that should arrive tomorrow and hopefully sort it out. They are indoor piggies and her sister does not seem to have any on her.

I have attached a photo for reference
View attachment 154557View attachment 154558View attachment 154559

Hi!

Please have your piggies vet checked for potential hay mites (chirodiscoides caviae) and appropriate treatment. We can only guess but not diagnose without a hands-on examination, nor are we qualified to replace a vet.

A shampoo on spec won't do the trick (sorry) and will make a proper diagnosis very difficult as you are basically wiping the crime scene.
If they are diagnosed with hay mites and have got a vet grade ivermectin or selamectin spot on product, then please dispose of your hay and consider switching the hay brand to a less industrially harvested brand.

New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites

 

[Rivervixen]

I recommend you use simple dog flea shampoo.

please don’t do this, see a vet and have them treat it properly (not trying to be rude)

 

[Piggies&buns]

I recommend you use simple dog flea shampoo.

This piggy most likely had mites, not fleas and guinea pigs don’t have a species specific flea. Using a dog flea treatment can be harmful to rodents.
We never recommend treating a guinea pig with anything unless and until a vet has made a diagnosis and prescribed the treatment.
Plus this is an old thread now and the issue has most likely been dealt with appropriately.