guinea pigs and mites?

[babybop6379]

Hiya we have a male guinea and he is under treatment for mites at the moment he has had 3 injections so far and is on baytril (i think) and fucidin cream for the sores, I hate seeing him in distress and was wondering if there is anything i can do for him to prevent it happening in the future. there is so much conflicting advice on the internet about bathing them has anyone else had this problem with thiers i would be really grateful to know what others have done. Also we have had him for 6 mths and we want to find a friend for him what would you recommend? (our rabbit doesnt get on with him and he doesnt like the hamster!) we dont want an unneutered female guinea as we dont want babies our house is like a zoo already! thanks to anyone in advance for your advice xxx

[Eve]

Aww poor piggy! Is he eating and drinking enough? Watch out for signs of dehydration if he had bad sores.

I wouldn't consider having another animal near him until the mites have been sorted. I wouldn't go for a rabbit though. Maybe another guinea pig but introduce them gently. Maybe see if you can rescue one and get advice from staff at the rescue centre to help make the right choice for both piggies.

Make sure his environment is as soft and comfortable as possible (ie not hard and scratchy stuff which will irritate the sores) and watch his claws aren't too sharp if he's scratching a lot to minimise the damage and making things worse. Keep him and his cage and claws especially nice and clean to prevent anything yukky getting into the sores.

Has he got an outside run? As long as it's not too cold it might give him some relief to have the cool grass underneath for a bit and will give him some nice munchies.

Maybe some nice soft brushing avoiding the sores with a nice cool but not cold brush may help him. Don't brush him in the hutch in case you brush the mites or eggs into his bedding.

Is he long haired or short haired?

[bensmum]

Poor little thing - it is very itchy for them. Mine had this problem once and I had some special shampoo from the vet for them. I used to have to apply this and leave it on them for some minutes before rinsing it off. I bathe my guinea pig regularly now - you have to be very careful they don't get chilled and that they dry completely. I set my hair dryer to low and blow dry his fur - he comes out lovely and fluffy!
As far as a friend goes I got another male guinea pig friend for him when he was 6 months old. If you try to get another of about the same age and size and introduce them gradually they should be fine. Mine chattered and postured for a while but they soon settled down and were fine. Sadly his friend died after 18 months of a respiratory infection and he's too old now to introduce another. Good luck with your piggy.

[babybop6379]

aww thanks for answering he is still eating and drinking fine im thinking more in the summer we will get him another friend and definately a rescued one we have our names down at various sanctuaries around here so fingers crossed, he doesnt have an outside run as yet as i did think it a bit too cold for him at the mo but maybe more towards spring he will be outside. I have definately caught the piggy fever they are gorgeous! and to top it all my mum rescued 2 older females last year and they are sooooo spoilt! but so full of character. thank again for the advice xxx

[babybop6379]

I meant to say to bensmum sorry to hear about your loss its such a shame you cant introduce him to anymore.

[babybop6379]

oh and he is a short haired little man the sore is on his shoulder and he is barely letting me touch it so applying the cream i have is a nitemare!