Itchy Guinea pig

[Victoria341]

Hi

I have a guinea pig that has been suffering with itchiness and dandruff for weeks, she has been checked for mites by the vet and he suggested shampooing her. Shall I try nizoral shampoo as other Guinea pig ones have not worked, thanks in advance.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Was a skin scrape carried out to confirm no mites?
Nizoral can be quite harsh on piggy skin so I would be concerned that it might cause the skin to dry out even more.
Bathing too much can also have the same effect as it can strip the skin of natural oils

Has anything changed lately ie if you use fabric bedding, have your changed your laundry detergent etc?

 

[Victoria341]

Thankyou for the response, I assume so as the vet checked under the microscope. I use fabric bedding but no change in detergent. She did have ringworm a year ago.

 

[Swissgreys]

Thankyou for the response, I assume so as the vet checked under the microscope. I use fabric bedding but no change in detergent. She did have ringworm a year ago.

The problem is that mites often don't show up under a microscope, and many skin conditions actually need a skin culture and not scraping.

The first course of treatment (in the absence of any obvious causes) would usually be a prescription spot on treatment containing ivermectin.
Then after a full round of treatment other possibilities would need to be explored.

As Piggies&Buns has already said bathing is not good for guinea pigs and could actually make the problem worse.

Does your guinea pig live with a companion, and if so are they also having issues?
And how experienced is your vet with guinea pigs?