Hi! I am worried that there is something wrong with my guinea pigs. I have two females and one baby. I am wondering if these are eggs of some sort because my piggies are scratching pretty often.
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Lice?
- Thread starter kyublade
- Start date
Can you please put the picture directly on this site by clicking ‘attach files’ below the message box.
The image currently wants us to accept privacy settings to see the image fully. I can only see around the edges and all it shows is the edge of the fleece and a couple of poops.
If you suspect your piggies have any parasites then please do see a vet for diagnosis and treatment. Mites themselves cannot be seen but you can see their evidence - egg casings stuck in the fur on the back end of the piggy, bald patches and excessive scratching. Lice are pale crawling creatures which can be seen.
The image currently wants us to accept privacy settings to see the image fully. I can only see around the edges and all it shows is the edge of the fleece and a couple of poops.
If you suspect your piggies have any parasites then please do see a vet for diagnosis and treatment. Mites themselves cannot be seen but you can see their evidence - egg casings stuck in the fur on the back end of the piggy, bald patches and excessive scratching. Lice are pale crawling creatures which can be seen.
Siikibam
Forum Donator 2022/23
I’ve edited your post to include the photo. I don’t think you would see lice like that on a blanket. Best bet is to take them to the vet for a check, as mentioned above.
What sex is the baby and how old?
What sex is the baby and how old?
Please have all piggies checked by a vet for formal diagnosis and prescribing of the correct treatment at the correct dosage.
Hi
Please see a vet for a diagnosis if you have concerns over skin parasites. Please do not treat on spec.
Keep in mind that mange mites burrow their eggs in the skin and that hay mites fix theirs to the hairs, so neither guinea pig specific mite does have egg cases lying on the ground. It doesn't mean that the itchiness cannot be caused by parasites in this case, you want to treat with a vet strength product and not with a pet shop low dosed broad spectrum one that can only temporarily suppress an acute outbreak but not cure it for good.
Here is more information on guinea pig specific parasites: New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites
If you are in the UK with indoors piggies, please be aware that the current cold snap and the increased heating will dry the air quite considerably and that this can also cause increased itchiness and the dislodging of dead skin flakes and debris.
However, we cannot tell you without hands-on access to your piggies, nor are any of us qualified to replace a vet visit in any way.
WheeksforWeeks
New Born Pup
Hello! Although the vet is likely the best option, I would recommend just taking a look at their fur first. My piggies had lice once and luckily it is quite easy to treat. If you part your Piggies fur and watch for a bit you might see some lice crawl past. They like to stay around the root of the fur. I do have some pictures for you to help identify it. Sorry for the terrible quality, but these were the lice on my piggies. I used a Kmart camera zoom lens. Make sure to wash your hands after holding this piggie as the lice can jump to humans.
WheeksforWeeks
New Born Pup
Absolutely, I agree, but if it is simply dead skin due to dry, cold weather, then you could save yourself some stress by doing a quick fur check first.