Black/white particles on my Guinea pig’s fur

[Holly&Bean]

Hi, this morning when I was holding my guinea pig I noticed blackish dots on my hands. Upon closer inspection I discovered they were coming from my guinea pig’s fur. It almost looks like dandruff, but I'm not sure. There are both black and white particles on her fur. They don’t appear to be any sort of mite, but again, since I do not have a working microscope, I can’t rule out that possibility. Any help would be appreciated
Thanks!
Abby

 

[Tnoz]

Not sure could it be lice eggs.? Has your Guinea got anything crawling?

 

[Holly&Bean]

I don’t think so, at least I can’t see anything crawling

 

[Claire W]

Hi, they could be static lice (hay mites) and what you are seeing are the eggs as the mites themselves can’t be seen by eye. They’re harmless but it may be best to see a vet for the correct diagnosis and treatment. If it is static lice, I’d dispose of your current batch of hay as they come in through hay. Of course, it could just be hay debris or dry skin but a vet will be able to tell you for sure

 

[Piggies&buns]

You won’t be able to see mites (they are far too small), all you can see is their evidence - egg casings - small specks such as those you are seeing
Please have your piggies seen by a vet for diagnosis and don’t be tempted to use any pet shop parasite products as they not strong enough to deal with any parasite problem

New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

 

[Holly&Bean]

Hi, thank you for your replies, my other Guinea pig, Holly is going to the vets Wednesday for blood in the urine, so I will just take her along. Is there any way to salvage the hay? I have a huge box with another on the way.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Hi, thank you for your replies, my other Guinea pig, Holly is going to the vets Wednesday for blood in the urine, so I will just take her along. Is there any way to salvage the hay? I have a huge box with another on the way.

If it is hay mites, then best to throw the hay away as its likely the source. Therefore, it would be futile to go to the effort of treating it with a proper prescription treatment and still use the same hay, as the mites would still be present and could just start a whole new cycle

I would call the vet first, check their policy regarding taking another animal with another condition - unless you know they won’t mind Given it isn’t her appointment

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, this morning when I was holding my guinea pig I noticed blackish dots on my hands. Upon closer inspection I discovered they were coming from my guinea pig’s fur. It almost looks like dandruff, but I'm not sure. There are both black and white particles on her fur. They don’t appear to be any sort of mite, but again, since I do not have a working microscope, I can’t rule out that possibility. Any help would be appreciated
Thanks!
Abby

Hi

Please check whether you can see tiny egg cases fixed to the underlayers of hairs especially at the bum end.
They are an indication of hay mites (chirodiscoides caviae). Unfortunately, without hands-on access to your piggy, we cannot tell you whether there is a real issue or not. Lice are visible as crawling pale things; any mites aren't.
If in any doubt, please see a vet.
New piggy problems: URI - ringworm - skin parasites

 

[Holly&Bean]

Thanks again! I’m not sure that I’ve mentioned that there are flakes of black and white, they aren’t bead like. I have found that Holly also has this and was going to get enough medication for 2 instead of bring both if there actually is an issue. I will throw that hay out.
Abby

 

[Holly&Bean]

Also, should I wait until diagnosis/treatment before disinfecting everything and replacing hay? Or will the mites stay on the piggies and not come off and ruin another batch of hay/liner. Also, should I throw box hides away?
Thanks!
Abby

 

[Claire W]

I would wait until you have a diagnosis before throwing anything away. If it is hay mites, they aren't harmful as they just feed off of dead skin and if it's just dandruff, you haven't lost anything

 

[Free Ranger]

My white fluffy one has visible dirt on the top of her back all the time and she's the one who doesn't like going outside - she's very much an indoor pig! It's actually because she favours sleeping inside the hay cube and her long hair catches the ceiling and sweeps all the dusty hay bits down on top of her. Sometimes muck is just muck - but I would always get it checked out if I was unsure. Especially if they are new arrivals. And very especially if there are other symptoms like itching or hair loss. Good luck ladies x

 

[Holly&Bean]

Thank you so much!