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Black specks in hair

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piggyfan

Sophie seems to have lots of black specks in her hair on her lower body. I have no idea what this is. Is it mites? They are not moving. Matthew is on the phone to the vets but there is a big queue so I thought I would ask if anybody has any idea what it could be. My girls have never had mites or anything like that so I am not sure what to look for.
 
Hiya - it's probably hay mites also called static mites/lice.

A wash with the appropriate shampoo (Johnsons insecticidal or GG lice 'n' easy) will deal with them.

Suzy x
 
I wish I had an answer for you, I thought I remember reading somewhere black specs were a sign of mites. I hope they feel better really soon, it is good to see people who jump into action quickly for their pets and do what is right and best by them, (was just reading the bunny thread, and of course the people who step in once it is already a bit late). I hope they feel better!
 
It's up to you - you can bin it, freeze/thaw/freeze/thaw it to kill them or zap the little b*ggers in the microwave.
 
Are they like black skin flakes? Do they come off on your hands and clothes when stroking them?
My piggies had this symptom, turns out they had mites and were treated with Xeno 450 spot on.
After their treatment,I bathed them and now its all gone :)
 
They are black flakes but do not come off. Matthew could not get through to the vet so he has just taken Sophie. We checked Amina and she did not have anything. Peronel and Amelia Jane are sleeping but I will check them when they wake up.
 
If its mange mites, you give your guineas a good stroke with a white towel underneath and the skin should come off in your hands and on the towel, if you have a close look at them, it will be visable flakes of skin, not soild black specs.
When my girls had them, I noticed the flakes which came off on my hands and when looking under their hair, the flakey skin looked like really big lumps of skin but it wouldn't come off straight into my hand, it would stay on the skin when giving it a little rub with my finger. Its easily treated :)
 
No problem, forgot to add, it cost me £40+ for the Xeno 450 at the vets plus the consulation fee, when Xeno is only £16.99 online mallethead
 
If its hay/static lice xeno won't do anything as they don't feed from the blood, they just eat dead skin. Give them a bath with some insecticidal shampoo and see it it comes off
 
For anyone treating 'mange Mites'. I would recommend 'Easimec' it's licensed for guinea pigs and will treat a lot more than Xeno, I couldn't afford Xeno for all my 6 as it'd be ridiculously expensive. Easimec is about £10 and will treat a lot more than 6 pigs over 3 times.

Link: http://www.hyperdrug.co.uk/Easimec-Ivermectin-05-10ml/productinfo/IVE1/
 
Last edited:
Amanda1801 said:
If its hay/static lice xeno won't do anything as they don't feed from the blood, they just eat dead skin. Give them a bath with some insecticidal shampoo and see it it comes off
Click to expand...

I hope my post didn't give anyone the wrong impression :...
I wasn't informing that Xeno is for hay mites but for mange mites.
My girls had the 'black specs' in the hair symptom and I was advising that it maybe mange mites if the specs are actually flakes of skin, but a vet will be able to give the correct treatment, but to find it cheaper online. :)
 
Judging by the photo it is static lice but a vet nurse said it is not. Matthew got to the vets and they said it is not an emergency so they will not see her. A vet nurse was outside and took a look. She said it was not static lice but does not know what it is. The pet shops near here are all close and I think it is better to get a diagnosis before I guess with a shampoo. We will have to call tomorrow and try and get her seen. I have checked the girls and they seem to be fine.
 
Yesterday they were all sprayed with special shampoo. I will check them today. Thanks for asking.
 
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